Education
B.A., Chemistry
Keene State College
B.S., Biology
Keene State College
M.A., Chemistry
Clark University
Ph.D., Chemistry
Clark University
Fulbright Scholar
European Media Laboratory (Heidelberg, Germany)
Postdoctoral Fellow
MIT
Areas of Expertise
- DNA recovery
- DNA typing using capillary electrophoresis and massively parallel
sequencing
- Development of species identification assays for food borne pathogens
- Detection and analysis of new psychoactive substances and counterfeit
drugs
- Co-director of the TU Human Remains Identification Laboratory (THRIL)
Professional Experience
Prior to joining TU's Forensic Science faculty, Dr. Elkins was a Fulbright Scholar
at the European Media Laboratory and University of Heidelberg, Cancer Research Institute
Postdoctoral Fellow in MIT's Department of Biology for 2 years, and a Forensic Faculty
member and Director of the Forensic Science Program at the Metropolitan State College
of Denver. She is the author and editor of 8 forensic books.
Research Interests
- The application of next generation sequencing (NGS) to forensic samples using massively
parallel sequencing (MPS) to analyze DNA extracted from modern and historic period
human remains.
- Using ForenSeq and Imagen kits to predict forensic DNA phenotyping of externally visible
characteristics.
- Developing new tools to aid in the analysis of the DNA sequence data.
- The application of genetic genealogy to solve cold cases and help augment the historical
record and provide closure to familes.
- Developing real-time PCR assays to probe individual single nucleotide polymorphisms
(SNPs) to aid in the detection and identification of foodborne pathogens that have
been used as bioterror agents and 'legal high' drug substances.
Courses
Dr. Elkins teaches Ethics for the Professional Scientist, Forensic Chemistry, Forensic
Serology, Advanced Sequencing Methods, Forensic Identification of Human Remains, Seminar,
and Research.
