Experience

Science from Scientists

• United States
• Primary and Secondary Education
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Lead Scientist Educator

  • Apr 2019 - Present

  Instruct bimonthly modules that are innovative, hands-on, standards based STEM programming to elementary and middle school classes. Instruct bimonthly modules that are innovative, hands-on, standards based STEM programming to elementary and middle school classes.



Independent Contractor

• Forensic DNA Expert

  • Jan 2019 - Present

  Offering attorney trainings, witness coaching, forensic consultations, discovery reviews, or expert testimony in the areas of Forensic Serology, Autosomal (STR) DNA analysis, Y-chromosome analysis, DNA databasing, and probabilistic genotyping.

• DNA Validation Consultant

  • May 2018 - Jan 2022

  Serve as an independent contractor providing technical expertise for the interpretation and analysis of data generated by forensic DNA validation experiments. Provide data summaries and create technical reports of validation results.



Health Fitness Corp

• United States
• Wellness and Fitness Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Yoga Instructor

  • Oct 2018 - May 2019

  Specializing in vinyasa and hatha yoga practices. Providing a relaxing, encouraging, and comfortable setting to settle the mind and challenge the body. Specializing in vinyasa and hatha yoga practices. Providing a relaxing, encouraging, and comfortable setting to settle the mind and challenge the body.



Hennepin County Sheriff

• United States
• Law Enforcement
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Local CODIS Administrator

  • Mar 2016 - Sep 2018

  Oversee and maintain genetic information being uploaded to the FBI's National DNA Index System.Responsible for the dissemination of information and disposition of DNA matches on a national scale.Perform database application and security updates on server and workstation hardware.Develop and administer training program to new analysts on all aspects of DNA profile databasing.

• Forensic Scientist

  • Feb 2008 - Sep 2018

  Perform serology and DNA casework analysis on criminal investigation evidence. Interpret, compare, and calculate statistical relevance of DNA profiles generated with STR technology. Author reports on all conclusions and testify as an expert witness on the county, state, and federal level.Serve as project manager for validation studies. Advise on the dissemination of grant funds for laboratory improvements.

• DNA Technical Lead

  • 2009 - 2012

  Responsible for the procurement, installation, and advancement of all technical operations of the DNA laboratory. Primary responsibility of ensuring the DNA laboratory is adhering to the FBI Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories and ASCLD-LAB International (ISO 17025) standards. Stay abreast of the guidelines issued by the Scientific Working Group of DNA Testing Methods (SWGDAM) and apply them to the laboratory as necessary. Primary author of biology department's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and lead trainer for newly hired scientists.



Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension

• St. Paul, MN

• Forensic Scientist

  • Jun 2004 - Feb 2008

  Performed serology and DNA casework analysis on criminal investigation evidence. Interpreted, compared, and calculated statistical relevance of DNA profiles generated with STR technology. Authored reports on all conclusions and testified as an expert witness on the county, state, and federal levels throughout the state of Minnesota. Serve as lead scientist on validation studies and compiled summary reports. Assisted in new analyst training by reviewing training practicals and giving feedback directly to trainees.



University of Minnesota College of Biological Sciences

• United States
• Higher Education
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Junior Scientist

  • Jan 2001 - Jun 2004

  Using molecular and genetic techniques the morphologies of the yeast Candida albicans were analyzed to determine their role in virulence. Designed primers to mutate or delete genes through PCR and transformations. Resulting phenotypes were analyzed using fluorescent microscopy and various growth assays. Data was processed and organized using multimedia and imaging software to produce posters presented at professional conferences and for manuscripts. Other duties included being the purchasing agent for the lab, as well as general lab maintenance.