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Emily Dang
Emily Yen Dang is a Master's candidate in the Forensic Biology program at the Department of Forensic Science at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). She currently conducts research at the Dawson Green Forensic Molecular Biology Laboratory, where she also serves as the lab's Quality Control Officer. Her research focuses on adapting the RapidHIT ID protocol for use with dental samples, particularly emphasizing improving the reliability and efficiency of Rapid DNA testing for challenging samples.
Before joining VCU, Emily Yen Dang completed her undergraduate degree in Forensic Biology at San José State University in California, where she was an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Barash's lab. During her time at SJSU, she assisted in identifying genetic and epigenetic markers that influence facial morphology and incorporating these markers into molecular assays to aid in human identification and forensic investigations. This experience sparked her interest in the intersection of genetics, molecular biology, and criminal justice, setting the foundation for her graduate studies at VCU.
In addition to her academic work, Emily Yen Dang spent a year as a trainee at the U.S. Secret Service office in California and is currently continuing her training at the USSS Richmond Field Office in Virginia.
Emily Yen Dang is a member of the California Association of Criminalists and an active student affiliate of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS). She has been selected to present her research at the AAFS Annual Conference in February 2025.
Jenna Jagielski
Hello, my name is Jenna Jagielski. I am a forensic science major at San Jose State University, aspiring to become a digital evidence examiner. As a student-athlete, I am also a student-athlete on the swim and dive team. I am currently the school record holder in all three dive events and competed at the team USA Olympic diving trials in 2024. Currently, I am enhancing my expertise through courses in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensic Analysis to bridge the gap between technical skills and legal principles in digital forensics.