Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) in collaboration with Marshall University Forensic Science Center (MUFSC) has developed this emergency response and preparedness toolkit to support the immediate deployment of Rapid DNA instrumentation for mass disaster events. This toolkit aims to furnish forensic science service providers (FSSPs) with adaptable, essential resources for adopting or enhancing an emergency response plan regarding the preparation and deployment of Rapid DNA instrumentation to identify unidentified human remains resulting from mass disaster events in a manner that is compatible with their current infrastructure.
This toolkit is the product of four key development phases. First, material was exchanged with FSSPs experience in mass disaster response planning to establish a foundation for the toolkit. Second, a gap analysis was conducted through questionnaires and interviews with past deploying FSSPs. Third, mock scenarios were developed to identify disaster-specific resources necessary for a comprehensive toolkit. Finally, development team members from the FTCOE and MUFSC participated in a mass disaster exercise conducted by the Kentucky State Police utilizing a mock scenario developed via this toolkit effort.
Through the development of this toolkit, engagement with early adopters assisted with identifying key deficiencies and areas for improvement which were specifically addressed in the development of this toolkit, enhanced with disaster-specific resources for versatile deployment.
This toolkit is separated into two categories:
Developed Toolkit Materials
This section contains materials developed by FTCOE and MUFSC. Each material is adaptable to fit a FSSP’s specific needs and appears in either Microsoft ® Word ® , Microsoft Excel®, or Microsoft PowerPoint® format. It is encouraged you review the ‘Rapid DNA Mass Disaster Emergency Response and Preparedness Toolkit Instruction Manual’ included at the top of the materials list before viewing other materials in this toolkit. This instruction manual provides helpful details and guidance on how to use each material included within this toolkit.
Skip to developed toolkit materials.
Additional Relevant Resources
This section contains external resources selected by FTCOE and MUFSC due to relevance to the goals and objectives of this toolkit in support of ensuring FSSPs have centralized access to resources that can assist in the development, or enhancement, of an emergency response plan.
Skip to additional relevant resources.
Developed Toolkit Materials
This section contains materials developed by FTCOE and MUFSC. Each material is adaptable to fit a FSSP’s specific needs and appears in either Microsoft® Word®, Microsoft Excel® , or Microsoft PowerPoint® format.
The entire toolkit also is available in a zip file.
| Title | Resource Type | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rapid DNA Mass Disaster Emergency Response and Preparedness Toolkit Instruction Manual | Manual | This instruction manual provides guidance on using materials included in the Rapid DNA Mass Disaster Emergency Response and Preparedness Toolkit. Instructions for each material include a combination of the following segments: Objective, Important Notes, Getting Started, Customize It, Additional Applications, and Cross-Reference It. |
| 2 | Mock Scenario – Wildfire (Scattered Remains) | Mock scenario | This mock scenario aims to assist FSSPs with planning and preparing for the immediate deployment of Rapid DNA instrumentation for a scenario involving a wildfire. |
| 5 | Interactive Deployment Workstation Set-Up Diagrams | Template | This tool aims to assist FSSPs in designing deployment workspaces, providing a visual representation to optimize workflow efficiency and identify potential challenges, such as a limited number of power outlets or inadequate humidity, before arriving at a mass disaster site. |
| 7 | Deployment Role Checklist | Checklist | This workbook outlines potential tasks for each deployment role detailed in the Deployment Role List and Descriptions document. The checklists in this workbook are designed to assist deployment team members in tracking, recording, and successfully executing their responsibilities before, during, and after a mass disaster event. |
| 9 | Inventory List | Checklist | This workbook aims to assist FSSPs with planning, packing, and restocking supplies for mass disaster deployment. |
| 11 | Transportation Logistics: Rental and Personal Vehicle Information | Worksheet | This workbook provides a mechanism for FSSPs to record information related to rental vehicles and personal vehicles used during deployment. |
| 13 | Deployment Station Signs | Sign | This document provides FSSPs with premade signs that help identify and design effective designated workspaces during deployment. |
| 15 | Safety Equipment Check Log | Log | This document provides a mechanism for FSSPs to record the functionality and operability of pertinent safety equipment, such as portable eye wash stations, fire extinguishers, and safety showers, during deployment. |
| 17 | Family Reference Sample Testing Site Entry/Exit Log | Log | This document aims to assist FSSPs record authorized personnel entering and exiting family reference sample (FRS) testing site(s). |
| 19 | Sample Tracking: Bin Sorting and Transport Workflow with Prepared Bin Labels | Sample | This document aims to assist FSSPs in tracking physical samples when bins are used for sorting and transporting samples. |
| 21 | Applied Biosystems RapidHIT ID System – Performance Check | Performance check | This document aims to assist FSSPs evaluate the performance of Rapid DNA instruments after transport to a deployment site and record that Rapid DNA instruments are functioning within the parameters established, specified, or adhered to by the FSSP upon deployment. |
| 23 | Family Reference Sample Collection Visitor Log | Log | This document aims to assist FSSPs collect contact information from family members, significant others, or acquaintances of a missing person who visits the family reference sample collection site(s). |
| 25 | Family Reference Sample Collection Form Additional Missing Relative Supplement | Form | This document aims to assist FSSPs record information from family members submitting a family reference sample who report having more than one missing relative who may be involved in a mass disaster. |
| 27 | Associated Personal Item Collection Form | Form | This document aims to assist FSSPs record the collection of an associated personal item or exclusionary DNA sample submitted by family members, significant others, or acquaintances of missing persons. |
| 29 | Evidence or Sample Chain of Custody | Worksheet | This document aims to assist FSSPs track the movement and transportation of an individual item of evidence or a sample that has been removed from its original bin grouping. |
| 31 | Family Reference Sample Intake Form | Form | This document aims to assist FSSPs with tracking the life cycle of a family reference sample (FRS), starting with collection of an FRS and ending with verification of results obtained via Rapid DNA testing. |
| 33 | Associated Personal Item Intake Form Without an Exclusionary DNA Sample | Form | This document aims to assist FSSPs with tracking the life cycle of an associated personal item (API) without a corresponding exclusionary DNA sample, starting with collection of an API and ending with verification of results obtained via Rapid DNA testing.fe |
| 35 | Sample Tracking Documentation Spreadsheet | Worksheet | This workbook provides a mechanism for FSSPs to develop a centrally located record of all information pertaining to evidence items and samples (family reference samples, associated personal items, exclusionary DNA samples, and unidentified human remains) throughout the deployment effort to assist in tracking the familial association process. |
| 37 | Instrumentation Team Personnel Shift Log | Log | This document provides a mechanism for FSSPs to record the hours each qualified Rapid DNA instrument user worked and took breaks. |
| 3 | Mock Scenario – Building Collapse (Entrapment) | Mock scenario | This mock scenario aims to assist FSSPs with planning and preparing for the immediate deployment of Rapid DNA instrumentation for a scenario involving a building collapse. |
| 4 | Mock Scenario – Plane Crash (Commingled Remains) | Mock scenario | This mock scenario aims to assist FSSPs with planning and preparing for the immediate deployment of Rapid DNA instrumentation for a scenario involving a plane crash. |
| 6 | Deployment Role List and Descriptions | Template | This document provides a template for assigning roles identified as impactful for FSSPs deploying to a mass disaster event. Each role is accompanied by a description of suggested responsibilities. |
| 8 | Personnel Scheduler and Rotation Log | Log | This workbook provides FSSPs with templates for creating shift rotations and time-block schedules to ensure proper personnel coverage during deployment. |
| 10 | Supply Bin Signs | Sign | This document provides FSSPs with premade signs for organizing bins containing supplies packaged for deployment. These signs are categorized according to the Inventory List workbook to streamline item organization. |
| 12 | Transportation Logistics: Rental and Personal Vehicle Gas Log | Log | This workbook provides a mechanism for FSSPs to record gas purchases for rental and personal vehicles used during deployment for reimbursement purposes. |
| 14 | Deployment Personal Protective Equipment Sign | Sign | This document provides FSSPs with a premade sign that depicts the personal protective equipment required by all deployment team members before entering any DNA testing location. |
| 16 | Temperature and Humidity Log | Log | This document provides a mechanism for FSSPs to record the environmental conditions of the surrounding atmosphere where Rapid DNA instrumentation is located. |
| 18 | Unidentified Human Remains Testing Site Entry/Exit Log | Log | This document aims to assist FSSPs record authorized personnel entering and exiting unidentified human remains (UHR) testing site(s). |
| 20 | ANDE® 6C Rapid DNA AnalysisTM System – Performance Check | Performance check | This document aims to assist FSSPs evaluate the performance of Rapid DNA instruments after transport to a deployment site and record that Rapid DNA instruments are functioning within the parameters established, specified, or adhered to by the FSSP upon deployment. |
| 22 | General Reagent Log | Log | This document aims to assist FSSPs track and record the quality control of reagents, ensuring adherence to quality assurance standards. |
| 24 | Family Reference Sample Collection Form | Form | This document aims to assist FSSPs record the collection of a family reference sample, along with obtaining consent for sample testing using Rapid DNA instrumentation and for comparison with unidentified human remains recovered at a mass disaster site. |
| 26 | Identifying, Collecting, and Submitting Associated Personal Items 101 | Family resource | This one-page document is intended as an educational resource for family members, significant others, or acquaintances of missing persons. It provides a basic overview of associated personal items (APIs) most suitable for DNA testing, along with guidance for proper collection and handling of APIs before submission. Additionally, this informational document explains the purpose and significance of an exclusionary DNA sample in the context of submitting an API for DNA analysis. |
| 28 | Bin Chain of Custody | Worksheet | This document aims to assist FSSPs track the movement and transportation of multiple evidence items or samples in a bin. |
| 30 | Comprehensive Intake Form Packet Cover Page | Form | This document provides a mechanism for FSSPs to develop a centrally located record of the total number of intake form packets associated with an evidence item, providing an overview of its testing life cycle and the number of samples derived from a single evidence item, which may be helpful during the technical review process. |
| 32 | Associated Personal Item Intake Form With an Exclusionary DNA Sample | Form | This document aims to assist FSSPs with tracking the life cycle of an associated personal item (API) with a corresponding exclusionary DNA sample (EDS), starting with collection of an API and an EDS and ending with verification of results obtained via Rapid DNA testing. |
| 34 | Unidentified Human Remains Intake Form | Form | This document aims to assist FSSPs with tracking the life cycle of an unidentified human remain (UHR), starting with collection of a UHR and ending with verification of results obtained via Rapid DNA testing. |
| 36 | Instrument Downtime Log | Log | This document provides a mechanism for FSSPs to track and record instances when a Rapid DNA instrument is taken offline for reasons such as errors, routine maintenance, or periods of inactivity during deployment. |
| 38 | Mass Disaster Post-Deployment Debrief Guide | Guide | This document provides FSSPs discussion topics and questions to assist them in conducting post-deployment debriefs. |
Additional Relevant Resources
- Alternative Workflows for Identifying Transnational Missing Persons
- This journal article describes piloted efforts of alternative workflows for processing unidentified human remains and family reference samples for the identification of probable migrant decedents using Rapid DNA.
- An In-Field Evaluation of Rapid DNA Instruments for Disaster Victim Identification
- This journal article describes disaster victim identification simulations conducted at the Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research in 2019 and 2020 where the ANDE 6C Rapid DNA System and RapidHIT ID System were used to process whole and fragmented decomposed cadavers that were positioned to replicate a building collapse scenario. The findings from this research were published to assess the utility of the ANDE 6C Rapid DNA System and RapidHIT ID System in different environments, including use for field testing and mortuary testing.
- Assessment of the ANDE 6C Rapid DNA System and Investigative Biochip for the Processing of Calcified and Muscle Tissue
- This journal article details the findings of a study which investigated the viability of using the ANDE 6C system and the investigative biochip to process soft and calcified tissue when compared to conventional sample processing.
- Comparative Study of Rapid DNA Versus Conventional Methods on Compromised Bones
- This journal article presents the findings of an evaluative study measuring the short tandem repeat success of using conventional and Rapid DNA methods.
- Developmental Validation of the ANDE 6C System for Rapid DNA Analysis of Forensic Casework and DVI Samples
- This journal article details a development validation of the ANDE Rapid DNA Identification System for processing crime scene and disaster victim identification samples.
- Evaluation of Rapid DNA System for Buccal Swab and Disaster Victim Identification Samples
- This journal article presents the findings on an evaluation of a Rapid DNA system to produce success rates from buccal swab samples and mock disaster victim identification samples collected postmortem.
- Identification of Human Remains Using Rapid DNA Analysis
- This journal article presents results on Rapid DNA identification performed on several tissue types (including buccal, muscle, liver, brain, tooth, and bone) from exposed human remains placed above ground or stored in a morgue/cooler to replicate two scenarios commonly encountered following mass disasters.
- Rapid DNA From a Disaster Victim Identification Perspective: Is it a Game Changer?
- This journal article delineates the current research landscape for the forensic application of Rapid DNA as an emerging technology from a disaster victim identification perspective.
- Review of SNP Assays for Disaster Victim Identification: Cost, Time, and Performance Information for Decision-Makers
- This journal article presents commercially available single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sequencing assays amenable to disaster victim identification scenarios to assist laboratories in choosing a SNP system for disaster preparedness.
- Inside Florida's Mass Fatality Response: Planning, Preparedness, and Training in Action
- This video provides an inside look at an emergency management exercise with Florida’s Mass Fatality Response Team. This video highlights field set-up, interviews, and provides insight on the critical practices for readiness, disaster victim identification preparedness, and the role that DNA plays in victim identification in mass disaster scenarios.
- Kentucky State Police - Family Sample Handling Manual
- The Family Sample Handling Manual provides a guide for the family member interview and sample collection process. This resource was generously provided by the Kentucky State Police for end users to use as an example manual.
- Kentucky State Police - Mass Disaster Rapid DNA Processing & Data Management Protocol Manual
- The Mass Disaster Rapid DNA Processing & Data Management Protocol Manual details all tasks associated with deploying Rapid DNA instrumentation for mass disaster events from Rapid DNA instrument performance checks to report writing. This resource was generously provided by the Kentucky State Police for end users to use as an example manual.
- Kentucky State Police - Victim Sample Handling Manual
- The Victim Sample Handling Manual provides a guide for the handling and processing of victim samples in a mass disaster response. This resource was generously provided by the Kentucky State Police for end users to use as an example manual.
- New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner - Forensic Biology Protocols for Forensic STR Analysis: ANDE Rapid DNA
- This standard operating procedure, made publicly available by the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (NYC OCME), details NYC OCME's procedures for the use of the ANDE Rapid DNA instrumentation.
- Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office - Forensic Biology Mass Identification DNA Resources
- Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office offers publicly available resources related to their Forensic Biology's Mass Identification DNA efforts. These resources include various forms, templates, and guidance documents used by Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office for their emergency response preparedness plan. To view these resources, click the link and use the following file path: PBSO Crime Laboratory > Forensic Biology > Mass ID DNA Resources.
- The 2018 California Wildfires: Integration of Rapid DNA to Dramatically Accelerate Victim Identification
- This journal article describes the 2018 Camp Fire mass disaster which marked the first use of Rapid DNA identification in a mass casualty event.
- Building Trust Through Technology: Disaster Victim Identification (DVI)
- This ASSOCIATE magazine article highlights technology advancements from the lens of disaster victim identification efforts.
- How Forensic Investigators Use DNA, Fingerprints and Other Methods to Identify Remains After a Fire
- This CNN article describes mass disaster victim identification efforts employed amidst the Maui, Hawaii wildfires.
- How the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Office is Utilizing Rapid DNA
- This ISHI article details how the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Office is using Rapid DNA including how Rapid DNA technology assisted disaster victim identification efforts from the Conception Boat Fire mass disaster that took place in 2019.
- Maui Wildfires of August 8, 2023: Maui Police Department Preliminary After-Action Report
- Maui Police Department developed this preliminary after action report (AAR) following the Maui wildfires that occured in August 2023. This AAR serves to evaluate the effectiveness of police actions, identify strengths and areas for improvement, and make recommendations to enhance future natural disaster response efforts.
- Officials Used 'Rapid DNA' Tech to Identify California Boat Fire Victims
- This NY Post article describes the use of Rapid DNA technology to identify victims involved in the Conception Boat Fire mass disaster in Santa Barbara, California.
- Paradise Lost: Inside California's Camp Fire
- This episode of 60 Minutes discusses "The Camp Fire" wildfire that destroyed 95% of Paradise, California that resulted in dozens of victims, many of which were identified through the use of Rapid DNA.
- ANDE™ 6C Rapid DNA Analysis™ System Product User Manual
- This user guide provides comprehensive information specific to the ANDE™ 6C Rapid DNA Analysis™ System.
- Incident Management Software for Emergency Response
- This Department of Homeland Security market survey report is intended to provide emergency managers and responders with information that will guide response agencies in making incident management software operational and procurement decisions.
- Rapid DNA: A Summary of Available Rapid DNA Systems
- This National Forensic Centre report summarized information on the current Rapid DNA systems available.
- RapidHIT™ ID System v1.3.1 User Guide
- This user guide provides comprehensive information specific to the RapidHIT™ ID System v1.3.1 for use with RapidLINK™ Software v1.1.5.
- RapidHIT™ ID System v1.3.3 User Guide
- This user guide provides comprehensive information specific to the RapidHIT™ ID System v1.3.3 for use with RapidLINK™ Software v1.3.3.
- RapidHIT™ ID System v2.0 User Guide
- This user guide provides comprehensive information specific to the RapidHIT™ ID System v2.0 for use with RapidLINK™ Software v2.0.
- RapidLINK™ Software v1.0 User Guide
- This user guide provides comprehensive information specific to the RapidLINK™ Software v1.0 for use with RapidHIT™ ID Instrument v1.0.
- RapidLINK™ Software v1.3.3 User Guide
- This user guide provides comprehensive information specific to the RapidLINK™ Software v1.3.3 for use with RapidHIT™ ID Expert System v1.1.
- RapidLINK™ Software v2.0 User Guide
- This user guide provides comprehensive information specific to the RapidLINK™ Software v2.0.
- Biosafety In The Laboratory: Prudent Practices for the Handling and Disposal of Infectious Materials
- This book chapter from Biosafety in the Laboratory provides practical guidelines for handling and disposing of biohazardous material.
- Incident Waste Decision Support Tool (I-WASTE DST)
- This Environmental Protection Agency webpage provides general guidance and information on waste and debris that may result from a natural disaster and delineates information on how to handle, haul, collect, store, transport, and dispose of various types of special considerations waste.
- Model Plans and Programs for the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens and Hazard Communications Standards
- This Occupational Safety and Heath Administration (OSHA) booklet provides a model exposure control plan to meet the requirements of the OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard and a model hazard communication program to meet the requirements of the hazard communication standard. These model documents can be used as templates to develop an agency's own workplace exposure control plan and hazard communication program.
- OSHA Forms for Recording Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses
- This Occupational Safety and Heath Administration (OSHA) booklet includes the forms needed for maintaining occupational injury and illness records.
- Safety Data Sheet: ANDE Chip
- This safety data sheet, provided by ANDE, details all information related to their ANDE chip, otherwise known as the A-Chip, C19-Chip, F7-Chip, or I-Chip.
- Safety Data Sheet: Bone Solution
- This safety data sheet, provided by ANDE, details all information related to their Bone Solution.
- Safety Data Sheet: GlobalFiler™ Express Master Mix, 18-Sep-2019
- This safety data sheet, provided by Thermo Fisher Scientific, details all information related to their GlobalFiler™ Express Master Mix.
- Safety Data Sheet: GlobalFiler™ Express Master Mix, 27-Nov-2019
- This safety data sheet, provided by Thermo Fisher Scientific, details all information related to their GlobalFiler™ Express Master Mix.
- Safety Data Sheet: GlobalFiler™ Express Primer Mix, 18-Sep-2019
- This safety data sheet, provided by Thermo Fisher Scientific, details all information related to their GlobalFiler™ Express Primer Mix.
- Safety Data Sheet: GlobalFiler™ Express Primer Mix, 27-Nov-2019
- This safety data sheet, provided by Thermo Fisher Scientific, details all information related to their GlobalFiler™ Express Primer Mix.
- Safety Data Sheet: Linear Polyacrylamide (LPA) Gel
- This safety data sheet, provided by Thermo Fisher Scientific, details all information related to their Linear Polyacrylamide (LPA) Gel. LPA Gel is contained in the gel cartridge which is used to replace the primary cartridge.
- Safety Data Sheet: Positive Control Swab
- This safety data sheet, provided by Thermo Fisher Scientific, details all information related to their Positive Control Swab.
- Safety Data Sheet: Proteinase K
- This safety data sheet, provided by Thermo Fisher Scientific, details all information related to their Proteinase K solution.
- Safety Data Sheet: Size Standard, 18-Sep-2019
- This safety data sheet, provided by Thermo Fisher Scientific, details all information related to their Size Standard.
- Safety Data Sheet: Size Standard, 27-Nov-2019
- This safety data sheet, provided by Thermo Fisher Scientific, details all information related to their Size Standard.
- Best Practices Recommendations for DNA Analysis for Human Identification in Mass Fatality Incidents
- This best practice recommendation document is intended to inform the medicolegal authority responsible for a mass disaster incident on steps necessary to maximize the success of an identification effort involving the use of DNA technology.
- Guidance: Methods Employing Rapid DNA Devices
- This Forensic Science Regulator guidance document covers the use of Rapid DNA devices employed to process buccal reference samples and casework samples. The guidance delineated in this report covers the process from sample preparation to profile designation for Rapid DNA devices.
- Guide to All Things Rapid DNA
- This document explores multiples aspects of Rapid DNA, discusses how the Federal Bureau of Investigation is moving forward with the implementation of Rapid DNA for the Combined DNA Index System, and provides resources for agencies with Rapid DNA implementation questions.
- Non-CODIS Rapid DNA Considerations and Best Practices for Law Enforcement Use
- In this document, the Non-CODIS Rapid DNA Best Practices/Outreach and Courtroom Considerations Task Group delineates guidance for law enforcement agencies implementing Rapid DNA technology for crime scene sample analysis.
- Rapid DNA Testing for Non-CODIS Uses: Considerations for Court
- In this document, the Non-CODIS Rapid DNA Best Practices/Outreach and Courtroom Considerations Task Group delineates guidance on specific issues for agencies performing Rapid DNA testing for non-CODIS use.
- Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories delineate standards describing the quality assurance requirements that laboratories performing forensic DNA testing or utilizing the Combined DNA Index System should follow to ensure the quality and integrity of the generated data.
- Coping Tips for Traumatic Events and Disasters
- This Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration webpage provides coping tips for traumatic events and disasters, where to go to ask for help, and additional resources.
- Disaster Distress Helpline
- This Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration flyer provides information on the Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990.
- Tips for Disaster Responders: Understanding Compassion Fatigue
- This Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration brief explains the causes and signs of compassion fatigue, which is the burnout and secondary trauma disaster response workers can experience. This brief also offers self-care tips for coping, and discusses compassion satisfaction as a protective tool.
- Tips for Supervisors of Disaster Responders: Helping Staff Manage Stress When Returning to Work
- This Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration brief offers tips supervisors can use to help ease the transition and manage stress for disaster response workers returning to work.
- Tips for Survivors: Coping with Anger After a Disaster or Other Traumatic Event
- This Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration brief provides tips to survivors on how to cope with anger following a disaster or other traumatic event. This brief illuminates that anger can be a common response to a traumatic event and provides anger management techniques and where to turn to for help.
- Tips for Survivors: Coping with Grief After a Disaster or Traumatic Event
- This Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration brief contains information about grief, the grieving process, and what happens when the process is interrupted and complicated or traumatic grief occurs. This brief also offers tips and resources for coping with both types of grief.
- Tips for Survivors of a Disaster or Other Traumatic Event: Managing Stress
- This Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration brief provides tips for preventing and managing stress when dealing with the effects of trauma. The brief also includes tips for relieving stress and seeking professional help.
Contributors and Collaborators
Contributors
- Mikalaa Martin, BS
Research Forensic Scientist, RTI International - Taylor Koepfler, MSFS
Senior DNA Analyst, Wisconsin Department of Justice - Jason Chute, MSFS
RTI International - Shannon Krauss, PhD
Technology Strategy Manager, RTI International - Laura Kuyper, MFS
Laboratory Director, Marshall University Forensic Science Center
Collaborators
FTCOE and MUFSC would like to thank the following individuals for providing critical support and collaboration in the development of this toolkit:
- Dana A. DeVito, MSFS
Forensic Scientist, Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office - Scott Lineberger, MPA
Captain, Lee County Sheriff's Office - Amy B. McGuckian, MSFS
Technical Leader, Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office - Neal Parsons, MS
Senior Research Forensic Scientist, RTI International - Nicole Rhoton, MSc
Crime Scene Technician, Lee County Sheriff's Office - Julie Conover Sikorsky, MS
Forensic Biology Manager, Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office - Katie Scott, MSFS
Forensic DNA Research Scientist, Marshall University Forensic Science Center - Regina Wells, BS
DNA Database Supervisor & CODIS Administrator, Kentucky State Police Central Forensic Laboratory - Whitney Collins, MS
Laboratory Supervisor for Purchasing and Grants, Kentucky State Police Central Forensic Laboratory - John Clemens
Forensic Scientist Specialist II, Kentucky State Police Central Forensic Laboratory - Kimberly Rogers
Forensic Scientist Specialist II, Kentucky State Police Central Forensic Laboratory - Amy Smith, MS
DNA Technical Leader, Kentucky State Police Central Forensic Laboratory
Date Published: January 7, 2026