The Effect of Presumptive Testing
Forensic science is an ever-expanding field that has proven its importance over the past few decades. This field is utilized to bring justice to the correct victims, some of which we would not have been able to do prior to the invention of DNA. By utilizing DNA we as a society have been able to significantly decrease the amount of wrongful convictions and increase the certainty of a conviction. This is why it is important to continue to monitor our DNA technology so that we may continue to ensure the validity of our testing. That is why Stella and Jaila have been researching the effect that common presumptive testing techniques have on gene expression. By acknowledging if these techniques have an effect on gene expression we can further assess whether new technology should be accepted for testing DNA. We researched this by performing extraction via EZ1, then amplification, then analysis of untouched saliva and hair samples. We then manipulated the hair samples utilizing the presumptive techniques for hair which included light microscopy and polarized light microscopy. We also manipulated the saliva samples utilizing the presumptive testing techniques for saliva analysis which include alternative light sources as well as an amylase test. After the manipulation of the samples we ran our analysis on the DNA again and compared the two sets of results.
Stella Henline
Stella Henline was born and raised in St. Louis Missouri. She is graduating in May with her B.S. in Forensic Science along with a minor in Brewing Science. She has a profound interest in Forensic Pathology so she will be taking a gap year then either attending a graduate or doctorate program. She also enjoys hobbies such as reading, photography, art, and various other activities.
Jaila Robinson
Jaila Robinson, from Shakopee, Minnesota, is a senior and will be graduating from Saint Louis University in May with a Bachelors of Science - majoring in Forensic Science. Outside of academics, she enjoys her time spent on Saint Louis University’s Division I Track and Field team, volunteering for organizations fighting for food justice, hiking, and watching sporting events. Jaila looks forward to working in a lab environment focused on forensic biology and is excited to see where life takes her.
Erik Hall has been the most influential on their research. With a Masters in Forensic Science, Erik’s years of experience and great patience has been vital, not only as a professor, but to Stella and Jaila’s research and development as scientists. Jaila and Stella would like to thank Erik Hall for his admirable work in the developing Forensic Science department, along with his great mentorship that has opened many doors of opportunity for them. Jaila and Stella would also like to thank Kathryn Heinzmann, the newest addition to the Forensic Science program, for her time and wisdom she has shared with the two of them. The constant support of Erik and Kathryn, has allowed Stella and Jaila to build confidence as students and in their work.