- 200 years
- Study
- International
- Business and employers
- Research
- About us
https://webcdn.mmu.ac.uk/profiles/img/profile-images/Kirsty-1-crop-145x145-584fd24b5448d.png
I returned to full-time study as a mature student at Manchester Metropolitan University in 2007 to study Biology and Forensic Science, following a career in retail banking, which was just not 'ticking the boxes' for me. I achieved my BSc (Hons) in 2010 and decided to continue with postgraduate study, leading me to a taught MSc at UCLan, and then onto Chester University to do further postgraduate research in Conservation Genetics. Whilst this final degree is in progress (due to complete in 2017), I have held jobs at two Forensic Service Providers in the North West, processing, interpreting and reporting DNA profiling results for the Criminal Justice System.
I am a goalkeeper for a local ladies hockey team, keen skier, mountain biker and motorcyclist.
You will get out what you put in.
BSc (Hons) Biology and Forensic Science (2010)
1st Class
Manchester Metropolitan University
MSc Forensic and Conservation Genetics (2011)
Distinction
University of Central Lancashire
MPhil Conservation Genetics (in progress): Genetic variation captured in the establishment of the captive population of Asiatic Lions (Panthera Leo persica) in the European Endangered Species Programme.
University of Chester
2015-2016 Cellmark Forensic Services, Chorley.
DNA Reporting Scientist
2013-2015 Key Forensic Services, Warrington.
DNA Reporting Scientist
(previously Technical Development Scientist, DNA analyst).
2011-2013 University of Chester
Technical Demonstrator and Associate Lecturer.
My academic interest is in the field of Forensic Biology. My expertise lies in Molecular Biology, specifically DNA based applications, both human and wildlife. Having worked as a DNA scientist and reporting manager in the legal/forensic field for the examination of evidence from crime scenes, I have in-depth knowledge and skills in human STR profiling and examination of forensic evidence.
My postgraduate research has been in the area of Conservation Genetics, using population genetics and demographic data to establish relationships between individuals within populations.
MSc: ‘Development of an STR multiplex kit incorporating a genetic sexing marker for Blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus), and the analysis of sexual dimorphism in chicks from a population in Lancaster, UK’. Using genetic data I was able to study sexual dimorphism in blue tit chicks to support ongoing research at Lancaster University. I was also able to develop a working STR multiplex which was used to generate genotyping data for the population. This genotyping data was to be used to establish the relationships between chicks within a nest to determine the frequency of extra-pair paternity within broods.
MPhil: ‘An assessment of the genetic diversity of the founders of the European captive population of Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) using microsatellite markers and studbook analysis’ I generated genetic data using biological samples sourced from the founder individuals of the European zoo population of the Asiatic lion. The research used an STR profiling system to genotype all founder members and this data was used in conjunction with the studbook to assess the genetic diversity captured during the establishment of the population and a critical review of the process.
August 8th 2017: Radio 5Live (Drive time)
August 9th 2017: BBC Radio Scotland (Good Morning Scotland)
Interviewed as Forensic DNA expert on the recent DNA identification of victim of 9/11 terror attacks in New York.
2009: Microbiology Undergraduate of the Year (Society of General Microbiology)
2008: Commendation award for Outstanding Academical achievement (MMU)