Expert Details
Forensic DNA and Body Fluid Analysis
ID: 730579
California, USA
"Vanessa's testimony and ancillary support services were outstanding. Without her help an innocent man would have been wrongly convicted of a particularly heinous crime. She and her colleagues at HIT showed a jury in a how the Prosecution experts hadn't done certain things that helped attack their conclusions and support the defense theory. She was professional in demeanor, well-spoken, attractive and as a result, the jury liked her. That is important in developing credibility. Her testimony was an absolutely essential piece in successfully defending that client and thus, saving his life."
Service Category: Expert Witness
Year first hired: 2011
Top Qualities: Great Results, Expert, Creative
roberschell@justice.com
Education
Year | Degree | Subject | Institution |
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Year: 2012 | Degree: MA ED | Subject: Higher Education | Institution: Ashford |
Year: 1996 | Degree: BA | Subject: Biology | Institution: University of California, Santa Cruz |
Year: 2005 | Degree: Certificate | Subject: Applied Forensic Science | Institution: California State Univeristy, Fullerton |
Work History
Years | Employer | Title | Department |
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Years: 2011 to Present | Employer: Undisclosed | Title: Director of Forensic Training/ Expert Consultant | Department: |
Responsibilities:As Director of Forensic Training:• Coordinates and presents forensic DNA training classes with outside agencies • Provides clients a general understanding of how forensic DNA evidence is interpreted and utilized in courts of law. As Forensic Scientist: • Perform consultative services • Generate scientific reports detailing evidence, examinations, results and conclusions • Testify as an expert in courts of law • Peer review other Forensic Scientists work for correctness and completeness |
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Years | Employer | Title | Department |
Years: 2004 to 2011 | Employer: Serological Research Institute | Title: Forensic Serologist | Department: |
Responsibilities:As Forensic Serologist II:• Casework examination • Complex analysis and testimony • Maintain and supervise inventory and quality control testing of reagents and supplies As Forensic Serologist I: • Casework examination and testing of biological evidence including serological testing and PCR-based DNA analysis As Assistant Forensic Serologist: • Assisted higher level serologists in evidence processing, sampling, presumptive and confirmatory body fluid testing • Evidence control • Systematic semen analysis • Whole blood preparation, hairs, fingernails, and blood or saliva reference samples • Skilled in PCR-based DNA methods including organic extraction, amplification, PE 9700 thermocycler operation and Applied Biosystems 310 Genetic Analyzer. • Assist in quality control testing, new reagent testing, troubleshooting and multiple caseload scheduling |
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Years | Employer | Title | Department |
Years: 2003 to 2004 | Employer: Adventist Health | Title: Lab Technician/Phlebotomist | Department: |
Responsibilities:As Laboratory Technician/Medical Assistant:• Processed and collected specimens as a nationally certified and California State licensed Phlebotomy Technician. • Performed inpatient and outpatient venipunctures, arterial blood draws and analysis with various equipment including the blood gas analysis system • Worked with various body fluid procedures including, blood, urine, semen, feces and others • Laboratory specimen handling skills • Collected DNA buccal swab, fingerprint and patient photos |
Additional Experience
Expert Witness Experience |
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Qualified numerous times in California Supreme and United States Federal court as Forensic DNA Expert witness for both prosecution and defense. |
Training / Seminars |
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Have taught numerous seminars to the legal community on Forensic DNA. |
Marketing Experience |
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Experienced as both laboratory tech and consultant for both prosecution and defense. Such experience provides for insight and increased ability to assist client's needs. |
Other Relevant Experience |
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I have presented on multiple subjects related to the field. |