About Me
I began examining and testing physical evidence for human body fluids in 1982 in the North Louisiana Crime lab in Shreveport. During my two years there I was mentored by Dr. Pat Wojtkiewicz, a legend in Louisiana forensic science. My training included physical evidence examination, conventional forensic serological procedures to identify evidentiary body fluids and discriminate potential sources, and blood spatter investigation. These genetic markers included ABO, Lewis, and other red cell surface and soluble blood group antigens and the Multi-System polymorphic blood enzymes like PGM, EAP, PepA, and many other proteins.
In 1984 I joined the Oakland, CA Police Crime lab where I was mentored by Jan Bashinski who later went on to become the first Director of the California Department of Justice Bureau of Forensic Services DNA laboratory in Berkeley, and eventually the Bureau Chief. While in Oakland I expanded the conventional serlogical capabilities of the laboratory and in 1990 implemented PCR-based DNA testing using the first-generation DQalpha gene immobilized probe technology and the electrophoretic gel-based VNTR gene D1S80.
I joined the San Francisco Police Department crime lab in 1996 where as the Serology Section supervisor I immediately implemented DQA1/Polymarker (PM) and D1S80 testing. In 1998 I implemented current state-of-the-art capillary electrophoresis DNA analysis using multiplexed Short Tandem Repeat (STR) genes and trained the section staff in DNA analysis methods.
In 1999 at the invitation of Dr. Ed Blake I joined Forensic Science Associates in Richmond, CA where I worked for 11 years with Dr. Blake, the first forensic scientist in the world to use PCR-based DNA analysis in the forensic arena. Dr. Blake collaborated directly with the inventors of PCR to adapt its sensitivity and discrimination advantages to forensic evidence. During my tenure at FSA I conducted PCR-based DNA investigations for law enforcement, defense, and civil clients, including numerous post-conviction investigations and reviews, from all over the country. It was at FSA working with aged, minimal, and otherwise compromised evidence specimens that my skills and insights into recognizing potential evidence, optimizing DNA recovery, and interpreting challenging results were honed. It was at FSA where I began peer review of other experts' and colleagues' work done previously, both in pre-trial and post-conviction investigations. Being exposed to the wide range of examination approaches, test protocols, interpretive practices, and testimony transcripts of numerous other law enforcement and private crime lab experts provided me with an in-depth foundation that ensures no stone in your case will be left unturned.
In 2011 FSA merged with Forensic Analytical Sciences, now Forensic Analytical Crime Lab, where I served as the DNA Technical Leader and Supervisor of the ANAB-accredited Forensic Biology/DNA Analysis Unit until January 2022. At FACL I continued to perform biological evidence investigations and DNA testing, as well as expert peer case review for law enforcement, defense, and civil clients from across the country. Altogether, I have conducted hundreds of pre-trial forensic biology/DNA cases for law enforcement and the defense, and over 150 post-conviction investigations.
When I'm not working I am probably spoiling a good walk looking for my errant golf ball.