Contact Information

DNA Mixture Interpretation SoftwareNext Generation Sequencing Technologies For Forensic Applications

Biography

Dr. Lyndsie N. Ferrara is an assistant professor in the Forensic Science and Law Program at Duquesne University. She is a former forensic biologist at the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory (USACIL), a forensics specialist/contractor for the Department of Justice's International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP) and project coordinator for a DNA mixture interpretation software company. She began working in the Duquesne University Forensics Science and Law program in May 2012, as a grant coordinator/program assistant and became a faculty member in 2014. She has partnered with the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence through workshops and report writing. Dr. Ferrara teaches a variety of courses and has the opportunity to interact with all levels of forensic science students. She actively mentors a number of research students with diverse projects that seek to benefit the forensic science community.

Education

  • BS Biology, Duquesne University
  • MS Forensic Science & Law, Duquesne University
  • PhD Healthcare Ethics, Duquesne University

Research Interests

  • Ethics education for forensic scientists
  • Bias in forensic science DNA mixture interpretation
  • Various facets related to sexual assault/sexual violence cases
  • Intersection of forensic science and the law

School

About

  1. Ropero-Miller, Jeri, Patricia Melton, Lyndsie Ferrara, and Jonas Hall. "Landscape Study of DNA Mixture Interpretation Software." National Institute of Justice, Forensic Technology Centre of Excellence (2015).
  2. Vasko, Elisabeth T., and Lyndsie Ferrara. True crime and the justice of god: Ethics, Media, and forensic science. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2022.
  3. Martin, Mikalaa, Erin Estus, Shannon Krauss, Cody Sorrell, Rebecca Shute, Lyndsie Ferrara, Tracey Johnson, and Patricia Melton. “Landscape Study of Next Generation Sequencing Technologies for Forensic Applications.”
  4. Research Triangle Park, NC: RTI International, April 2023.
    Ferrara, Lyndsie. Ethical Reasoning in Forensic Science. Springer, forthcoming 2024.
  1. Coffman, S.R., Ferrara, L.N. "Using Online Learning and Gamification to Enhance Reasoning Skills". Anaheim, CA. American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS) Meeting February 2020.
  2. Ferrara, L.N., J. Schreiber. "Development and Test of an Abductive Reasoning Ethics Module for Forensic Science Majors." New York, NY. American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting April 2018.
  3. Ferrara, L.N., J. Schreiber. "Using Forensic Cases to Improve Ethical Reasoning Skills." Seattle, WA. American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS) Meeting February 2018.
  4. Ferrara, L.N., J. Schreiber. "How Abductive Reasoning Impacts Criminal Investigations." Pittsburgh, PA. Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Sciences (MAAFS) Meeting May 2017.
  5. Ferrara, L.N., J. Schreiber. "Creating an Ethical Reasoning Curriculum for Forensic Science Majors." New Orleans, LA. American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS) Meeting February 2017.
  6. Ferrara, L.N. "Duquesne University Research Collaborations." Cambridge, MD. Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Scientists (MAAFS) Annual Meeting May 2015.
  7. Ferrara, L.N., J. Schreiber. "Six Modes of Peircean Reasoning and Crime Scene Investigation Education." Washington D.C. American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting April 2016.
  8. Ferrara, L.N., J. Schreiber. "How Abductive Reasoning Impacts Criminal Investigations." Las Vegas, NV. American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS) Meeting February 2016.
  9. Schantz, L.N., S. Hochendoner, L. Ludvico. "Comparison of Surfactants for the Transfer of Touch DNA." Denver, CO. AAFS Meeting February 2009.
  10. Schantz, L.N., R. Freeman, N. Sciulli, C. Spencer. "Corresponding with ‘The Happy Face Killer' - A Case Study." Denver, CO. AAFS Meeting February 2009.
  11. Schantz, L.N., L. Ludvico. "Genetic Sex Determination of Amur Tiger." (Poster) Washington, D.C. AAFS Meeting February 2008.
  • FORE 101 Introduction to Forensic Science & Criminal Law
  • FORE 521 Forensic DNA Analysis/Interpretation/Statistics
  • FORE 522 Quality Assurance & Laboratory Administration Management
  • FORE 550 Seminar/Journal Club
  • FORE 640 Research Defense
  • FORE 650 Advanced DNA Topics: Non-Human DNA