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Masterclass! Science: DNA in forensicsThis was held between 24 November and 3 December 2003 For information about the programme, contact Glenda Lewis, Royal Society of New Zealand, (Glenda.lewis@rsnz.org), (04) 470 5758. Masterclass! Science is a partnership between the Royal Society of New Zealand, British Council New Zealand, Fulbright New Zealand, and Montana Wines. It brings complementary pairs of scientists from the UK and US to share expertise in a nationwide series of seminars, lectures and media interviews on a particular topic. The programme for this Masterclass is being developed in consultation with the Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR). It will be of interest to anyone concerned with DNA evidence, including the police and the legal profession. The presentations cover:
Dr Cotton and Dr Hopwood visited Auckland (24-6 November), Wellington (27/8 November), Christchurch (1/2 December), and Dunedin (3 December). Dr Robin Cotton
Dr Cotton has B.S. and M.S. degrees from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. She received her PhD in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from the University of California at Irvine in 1980. Prior to joining Cellmark in 1988 she did post-doctoral research at the University of Iowa and also at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. In the past 15 years she has testified as an expert in DNA analysis in about 180 criminal cases, in almost all 50 states. Notably, she gave evidence at the trial of O.J. Simpson. Dr Cotton serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Forensic Sciences and is on the Board of Directors of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/ Laboratory Accreditation Board. Dr Andy Hopwood
Dr Hopwood currently leads the Biochemistry Research Group at the FSS. Current projects include the development of improved detection of crimestains, identification and capture of single cells, further automation of DNA processing, miniaturisation and mobilisation of DNA techniques, and evaluation of alternative DNA profiling systems. Andy has a PhD in Applied Biochemistry (DNA-based Species Identification in Meat) awarded by the University of Nottingham, England. An event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the discovery of DNA For further information about Masterclass! Science, contact Glenda Lewis (glenda.lewis@rsnz.org), Royal Society of New Zealand, 04 470 5758 or 025 210 0997 |
Dr Cotton is the Director of Technical Forensic Science at
the Cellmark Laboratory in Germantown, Maryland, USA. The laboratory
conducts DNA identification analysis of biological evidence and has
participated in numerous high profile cases around the country. As
Director, Dr Cotton is responsible for overseeing development and
implementation of new techniques for use in the laboratory, as well as
participating in casework and testifying in court. Laboratory test
results are routinely used in criminal trial proceedings or may result
in re-direction of investigations when exclusionary results are
obtained. 
Dr Hopwood joined the research team of the Forensic
Science Service, Birmingham, in 1994 as a Research Assistant. He has
worked on the development of DNA-based techniques for application to
forensic science, including mtDNA analysis from difficult samples,
novel DNA quantification methodology and the development, validation
and implementation of automated systems for the analysis of DNA samples
for the UK criminal justice system.