Speakers

Peter M. Vallone, Ph.D.

Leader, Applied Genetics Group (NIST)

Over the last 24 years at NIST, Dr. Vallone has developed multiplex PCR assays for the detection of genetic variation, developed methods for the rapid amplification of STR loci, and has been involved in the development and characterization of nucleic acid-based reference materials. As the leader of the Applied Genetics Group at NIST since 2013, Dr. Vallone works with a team of researchers producing DNA reference materials and assessing emerging techniques such as next generation sequencing and digital PCR.  The group’s efforts provide research and training that supports the forensic DNA typing community.  Dr. Vallone is an author on over 90 peer-reviewed articles in the areas of DNA thermodynamics, human identity testing, and clinical standards. He is also a member of the International Society for Forensic Genetics and is an associate editor for the journal: Forensic Science International (FSI) Genetics.

Ted Hunt

TBD

Caitlin Oliver

DNA Section Chief

Caitlin Oliver has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Science in Forensic Science with a concentration in Forensic Biology from Virginia Commonwealth University.  Once she earned her graduate degree, Ms. Oliver worked as a DNA Analyst and the DNA Quality Manager for Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in Harvey, Louisiana, from 2012 through 2017.  Upon leaving Louisiana, Ms. Oliver came to work as a Forensic Biologist at FSL-W in December 2017. Ms. Oliver is currently employed by the ATF Laboratory as a DNA Section Chief and maintains technical proficiency as a Forensic Biologist, conducting examinations as needed. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and adventuring to new places whenever possible.

Erica Romsos, MSFS

Research Biologist (NIST)

Erica Romsos has been a member of the Applied Genetics Group at NIST since 2009 focusing on rapid DNA testing, development and optimization of digital PCR assays, and managing the Human DNA quantitation standard.  Erica’s work in digital PCR supported the release of the next iteration of the Human DNA quantitation standard (SRM 2372a) employing digital PCR as a primary characterization method.  Her work in Standard Reference Material characterization has assisted the creation of many SRMs produced by NIST and the creation of a Research Grade Testing Material (RGTM 10235) for the forensic DNA community.  Additionally, Erica is the Leader of the Forensic Science Quality Assurance Program, supporting method testing, validation, and technology performance across the different modalities within the NIST Special Programs Office portfolio.

Lauren Mullen, MSFS

Research Biologist (NIST)

Lauren Mullen has been working as a research biologist with the Applied Genetics Group since July 2024. Previously, she completed her Masters' thesis at NIST as an intern for her degree in forensic molecular biology at the George Washington University in which she developed an NGS protocol for variant allele sequencing. Additionally, Lauren has collaborated on various projects, including concordance testing with new commercial STR kits, laboratory research, and participation in the Working Group for DNA Recovery from Fired Cartridge Casings, and evaluation of extraction efficiencies across various methodologies.

Sarah Riman, Ph.D.

Research Associate (NIST)

Sarah Riman is a Research Associate in the Applied Genetics Group. Riman's work is focused on understanding the factors that affect the measurement and interpretation of STR profiles. She will be discussing her recent project on creating a software tool that will assist forensic practitioners in designing and interpreting Forensic DNA Validation Studies.

Jeremy Boone

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Jeremy Boone is a Staff Scientist in Field Applications at Thermo Fisher Scientific, bringing more than 15 years of experience in forensic DNA analysis and laboratory support. Since joining Thermo Fisher in 2019, he has supported forensic laboratories nationwide through implementation, validation, customer training, and advanced troubleshooting across forensic DNA platforms, working closely with laboratories during instrument onboarding and validation in collaboration with the HID Professional Services team. Prior to joining Thermo Fisher Scientific, Jeremy spent nearly a decade as a Forensic Scientist in the Forensic Biology Section at the Virginia Department of Forensic Science, where he performed DNA analysis and interpretation, authored analytical reports, and provided expert testimony. He began his forensic career at the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner. Jeremy holds a Master’s Degree in Forensic Science and a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry.

Megan Gillespie

QIAGEN

Megan Gillespie is a Field Application Specialist in Human Identification (HID) at QIAGEN, where she supports forensic laboratories across the Northeast region in the implementation and optimization of automated DNA extraction workflows. She previously worked as a forensic DNA analyst at the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory, analyzing complex degraded samples in support of human identification efforts.

Anupama Gopalakrishnan

Promega

Anupama Gopalakrishnan earned her PhD in Life Sciences at Jawaharlal Nehru University India, and following post-doctoral research at Univ of California, Irvine and University of Wisconsin, Madison, she joined Promega 17 years ago as a technical services scientist, specializing in support of Genetic Identity products. With a strong technical background in forensic workflow, she joined Genetic Identity Marketing team at Promega in May 2013 as a Product Specialist. Currently, as a Sr. Product Manager, she supports new product development and ongoing product management of 8- color STR amplification kits, Maxprep automation, and Massively Parallel Sequencing product portfolio for the Genetic Identity business unit.