Research Assistant: Investigating Crime Scenes using Ancient DNA Profiling Techniques for Identifying Individuals

Introduction to the topic:

DNA profiling techniques are crucial tools in forensic genetics for identifying individuals and solving crimes. Techniques used today include analyses of individuals’ DNA for short tandem repeats (STRs), DNA methylations, mitochondrial DNA analyses, and next-generation sequencing of entire genomes. The field is continually evolving, with technological advancements enhancing accuracy and sensitivity, allowing for the analysis of smaller or more degraded samples that were previously untestable. Staying current with these advancements is crucial for maintaining the reliability and ethical standards of DNA analysis in criminal investigations.

In this context, ancient DNA research is at the forefront of DNA analysis techniques, making significant strides in recovering genetic material from samples dating back thousands, and sometimes millions, of years. These advancements provide valuable insights that forensic genetics can leverage to further refine its capacity for analyzing DNA from crime scenes.

This was highlighted in a recent high-profile Danish murder case, where Prof. Willerslev, a pioneer in ancient human genomics, and his team at the Globe Institute at UCPH introduced a novel approach from ancient DNA research. Their work provided crucial DNA evidence that linked a suspect to the crime, demonstrating that ancient DNA techniques hold great potential for advancing forensic genetics in criminal investigations.

Project details:

As a Research Assistant on this project, you assist in the preparation of a review paper in collaboration with research group at the Globe Institute, focusing on how innovations from ancienct DNA research can enhance current forensic methods. You will explore pioneering research in ancient DNA techniques, pushing the boundaries of DNA profiling in modern forensic genetics. Additionally, you will gain valuable insights into manuscript writing for peer-reviewed scientific journals while working alongside Prof. Eske Willerslev’s interdisciplinary team.

While publishing within the semester is challenging, your contributions could significantly impact forensic DNA profiling practices. Exceptional Research Assistants may be considered for co-authorship on the final paper, subject to evaluation by the project lead.

Selected relevant publications:

Emery MV, et al (2020). Reconstructing full and partial STR profiles from severely burned human remains using comparative ancient and forensic DNA extraction techniques. Forensic Sci Int Genet. doi: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2020.102272.
Hofreiter M, et al (2021). Progress in forensic bone DNA analysis: Lessons learned from ancient DNA. Forensic Sci Int Genet. doi: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2021.102538.
Howarth A, et al (2022). An assessment of DNA extraction methods from blood-stained soil in forensic science. Forensic Sci Int. doi: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2022.111502

Prerequisites

One year of biology and one year of chemistry at the university level.

Additional application required

You must submit an additional application through the Online Registration portal.

All application materials must be submitted on the following dates by midnight in your time zone:

November 1 for spring semester applicants
May 1 for fall semester applicants

Complete your application through Student Registration.

Faculty

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Faculty

The faculty teaching this course will be listed here soon.

Research Assistantship FAQ

Learn more about research at DIS.

: Earning authorship within the course of a semester is challenging. Exceptional Research Assistants may be considered for co-authorship, subject to evaluation from the supervising Research Mentor.

Though you may not ultimately become an author on a published paper, you will gain many practical skills and insights into the publication process.

: Many research projects last across several semesters, so not all RAs on the same project will conduct the same research.

: On average, students in 3-credit Research Assistantships spend at least 10 hours a week on research tasks. These 10 hours per week consist of a variety of different research-related tasks, including conducting a literature review, data collection, analyses, coding, documentation, and meetings with your mentor. You may decide on a particular block of time (consistent each week) for you to carry out the work, or adjust it on a week-by-week basis.

Students in a 6-credit Research Assistantships spend an average of 20 hours per week with lab and clinically based research tasks. You decide the exact meeting and lab times with your supervisor, but your schedule consists of classes at DIS two days a week, with two days a week in the lab.

There may be peak times in the research process where all Research Assistant students are expected to spend a few more hours, and then possibly fewer hours another week – to reflect the individual research project and process.

: Work for the 3-credit Research Assistantships may take place outside DIS, on your own time at a location of your choosing, or at DIS – this varies from project to project. The 6-credit research assistantships generally take place at labs in Copenhagen or Stockholm outside DIS.

: Students with a variety of academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the 3-credit Research Assistant course. While some courses do have prerequisites, many opportunities do not require prior research experience.

The 6-credit Research Assistant opportunity is designed for highly motivated students who have a strong science background within the field of interest and some basic research experience. The student must be willing to commit a large portion of their semester to an engaging opportunity involving hands-on research in universities and medical institutes in Copenhagen or Stockholm.

Introduction to the topic:

Project details:

Prerequisites

Additional application required

Faculty

Coming Soon

Research Assistantship FAQ

Will I publish a research paper?

What exactly will I do?

What is the time commitment for a 3-credit or 6-credit Research Assistantship?

Where is the research work carried out?

What type of student applies for the 3- and 6-credit Research Assistant courses?