The Potential of Forensic Genealogy and its Applications in Forensic Science
Virmari Sanchez
Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation
College: The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology
Major: Forensic Chemistry
Faculty Research Mentor: Heather Stokes-Huby
Abstract:
PurposeForensic genealogy has revolutionized forensic science, solving hundreds of cases in just two years. Many of these were long-standing cold cases, such as The Boy in the Box, Somerton Man, and Lady of the Dunes, which remained unsolved due to past technological limitations.MethodsDNA has long been a crucial tool in investigations, but traditional methods require a pre-existing match. DNA consists of four nitrogenous bases—Adenine, Guanine, Thymine, and Cytosine—paired in a specific pattern. A unique feature called Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) at specific chromosome loci helps identify individuals. When no match is found, DNA is stored in the National DNA Index System (NDIS) until one emerges.To analyze DNA, it must first be extracted, then amplified through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to produce enough samples for testing. Unlike traditional forensic DNA analysis, forensic genealogy relies on public databases rather than government-only records, significantly expanding search capabilities.ConclusionForensic genealogy increases the chances of identifying suspects by forming family trees based on close DNA matches. While it does not guarantee a quick solution, it greatly narrows the search field, allowing law enforcement to focus on viable leads.SignificanceGenealogy has gained popularity through the internet, with more people seeking their ancestral roots. As public DNA databases grow, future criminal investigations will become more efficient, overcoming past limitations of private databases.