PhD Projects
Szilárd Gudor: Developing next generation genetic markers to determine eDNA and non-human touch DNA profiles as forensic biotrace evidence.
During my master’s graduation my research focused on the expression and purification of monoclonal antibodies in human cell lines for use in cancer immunotherapy. Through internships, I acquired hands-on experience in molecular cancer diagnostics and related research, with a strong emphasis on mastering Sanger sequencing techniques.
My current research focuses on exploring the potential of eDNA analysis as a pioneering tool for forensic applications, specifically through the development of next-generation genetic markers and long-read DNA sequencing, to establish new methods for genetic identification of nonhuman biotrace evidence.
John Marty Mateo:
Estimating the postmortem interval (PMImin) using the larval and puparial stages of blow flies is limited to 4–6 months. After this period, especially once adult flies have emerged, empty puparia serve as valuable trace evidence that can persist for years. Since the life cycle varies between species, accurate identification is essential for PMImin estimation. Given these challenges, this study aims to chemically profile intra-puparial stages and empty puparia of forensically significant fly species (Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae, and Muscidae) using GC-MS and FT-IR and apply machine learning techniques to develop predictive models for species identification and PMImin estimation.
Manuel Fernando Mollon-Laorca:
Manuel Mollon graduated in Electronic Engineering with a specialization in Signal Processing in 2021 from the Instituto Tecnológico de Buenos Aires (ITBA). During his studies, he gained experience in data analytics and data science, participating in projects related to operating room optimization and surgery time prediction using artificial intelligence and machine learning. He is currently researching the use of non-human traces in forensic recognition, a field that faces challenges such as data scarcity and high dimensionality. His work will align with the recommendations of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) and the ISO/DIS 21043-4:2024 standard for forensic interpretation, conducting likelihood ratio (LR)-based methodologies for presenting results in court, integrating artificial intelligence to enhance the extraction and probabilistic calibration in European judicial processes.
Daniil Gornov: Natural Traces in forensic investigations – how pollen imprints can solve crime.
The project focuses on forensic palynology. The aim of the research is to extend the sampling methods and analysis of pollen and palynomorphs to dry (terrestrial) surfaces such as soil or clothing, or bodies, combining them with the sampling and analytical methods of forensic aerobiology. The study should aim to identify indicator species of botanical and geographical origin in palynological spectra, in accordance with the methods of palaeoecology, botany and ecology.
Melika M. Kermani: Significance of acari as location and time markers of buried corpses and mass graves.
Mahdieh Emadi: Air Forensics: Combining human and non-human environmental DNA
The project involves the development of a forensic air sampling method, protocol, and device for combined human and non-human environmental DNA, the collection and sequencing of samples for air-borne human and non-human eDNA, and processing of sequences for analysis in a forensic context.
The aim is the validation of a method in simulated crime scenes.
