Population Genetic Issues for Forensic DNA Profiles

As submitted by the proposer: This application is for continued support of a highly productive team of statistical geneticists, forensic scientists and statisticians at the University of Washington and the Institute of Environmental Science and Research in New Zealand. These four investigators will continue working to produce statistical procedures for providing quantitative strength to DNA evidence. Their work will extend population genetic theory for accommodating population structure in calculating match probabilities for autosomal and lineage markers, and combinations of these markers. They will also employ advanced statistical procedures for using peak heights in electropherograms in order to accommodate allelic drop-out and drop-in in situations with single or multiple contributors, and for autosomal as well as lineage markers. The new statistical techniques to be developed will be applied to publicly-available datasets, including those maintained by the National Institute for Standards and Technology. The primary outcome of the proposed work will be peer-reviewed publications, although the work will inform the investigators' many teaching activities and service on forensic advisory panels. ca/ncf