Advanced Statistical Population Genetics Methods for Forensic DNA Identification

This project focused on the application of population]genetic methods of population structure analysis and genotype imputation in problems associated with forensic genetic analysis. The objectives of the research were: 1) to determine the population structure information present in the CODIS forensic markers; 2) to examine cross]compatibility of microsatellite databases with new single]nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers by use of techniques of genotype imputation; and 3) to improve the population]genetic basis of advanced forensic genetics techniques such as relatedness profiling. Research accomplishments centered on three areas: population structure and CODIS, record matching between CODIS profiles and SNP profiles, and record matching of relatives between CODIS profiles and SNP profiles. Publications and coverage of the research illustrates an interest in topics crossing population genetics and forensic genetics, and demonstrate the potential of population]genetic approaches for advancing forensic genetics.