hosts expert in forensic DNA analysis
Lecture is set for April 4 at 3:30 p.m.
KINGSTON, R.I. — April 1, 2002 — The University of Rhode Island Forensic Science Seminar Series will present a lecture on ‘New Advances in Forensic DNA Analysis on Thursday, April 4 at 3:30 p.m.
The talk by Carll Ladd of the Connecticut State Forensic Laboratory will be held in Pastore Hall on the Kingston Campus. It is free and open to the public.
Ladd will discuss the importance of biological evidence in the investigation of such cases as sexual assault, homicide, assault, child and domestic abuse, motor vehicle accidents, and property crimes. Ladd said biological evidence can link a victim with a suspect or scene, support or disprove a victim’s statement, provide investigative leads, or identify a suspect. Ladd said that with recent advances in the testing of biological materials, especially in the area of DNA analysis, associations and identifications can be made with much smaller amounts of material or highly degraded samples. In addition, trace evidence, such as plant fragments or animal hairs, can now be a valuable source of genetic information.
Ladd is supervisor of Forensic Biology at the Connecticut State Forensic Laboratory. He earned his bachelor’s degree in science from Bates College and a doctorate in genetics from the University of Connecticut. Following a post-doctoral fellowship at St. Francis Hospital, he accepted his present position as head of the DNA testing lab in 1992. He is a representative at the International Scientific Working Group in DNA.
For Information: Dave Lavallee 401-874-2116