The TU Human Remains Identification Laboratory (THRIL) was formed to support student
learning in next generation sequencing (NGS) methods and enable high quality student
and faculty research and community collaboration using pyrosequencing and massively
parallel sequencing (MPS).
THRIL was established in 2018 with support from two FCSM Endowment grants and new
building funds. The MiSeq instrument was funded by NSF support (B. Masters, PI) and
upgraded to a Verogen MiSeq FGx through a FCSM Endowment grant. In addition, a FCSM
Endowment grant supported the addition of the Verogen Universal Analysis Software
and the upgrade to enable mitochondrial DNA interpretation was funded by the Provost’s
Budget Office.
Faculty members from THRIL have supported the work of Jennifer Jordan Hall, KYK9 Search
and Reunite Services, and the Maryland Department of Transportation through a collaboration
with Dr. Dana Kollmann, Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice.
THRIL provides state of the art DNA extraction, quantitation, and analysis services
for human body fluids and human remains. THRIL also offers analysis for Cannabis DNA.
We work closely with law enforcement agencies including the Baltimore Police Department
and Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division and suppliers including QIAGEN,
LLC, located in Germantown, Maryland, Verogen MiSeq FGx based in San Diego, California,
Gentueri, Inc. based in Madison, Wisconsin, and Stellar Scientific, located in Baltimore,
Maryland.
Services
Quotes available upon request and will vary depending upon the number of samples and services selected.
DNA Extraction from biological samples
DNA Extraction from environmental samples
DNA Quantitation (NanoDrop)
DNA Quantitation (fluorimetric)
DNA Quantitation (qPCR)
Sex Determination (human DNA)
STR fragment analysis using 3500 Genetic Analyzer
NGS DNA typing
Cannabis DNA Detection by PCR HRM
Human and Nonhuman DNA species ID
Consultation with THRIL Faculty
Information provided by THRIL is for information purposes and not for entry or upload
to DNA databases or databanks or used for legal purposes that require analysis be
conducted by an ISO or ASCLD-LAB accredited laboratory.
Facilities
THRIL is located in rooms 5325 (Verogen Teaching Research Lab) and 5328 (Qiagen Research
Lab) of TU’s new, state-of-the-art 220,000 square foot Science Complex.
Analysis of Differentially Methylated Genetic Markers Through Bisulfite Treatment
and PCR-High Resolution Melt to Distinguish Between Monozygotic Twins
Assessing the Performance of Next Generation Sequencing for Determining Sex, Ancestry,
and Phenotypic Characteristics of Historic Human Remains
FRSC 422 Advanced Sequencing Methods (LEC/LAB, 3 credits) Theory and application of DNA sequencing technology including Sanger sequencing, pyrosequencing,
and massively parallel sequencing and their uses in forensic DNA analysis. Five lecture/laboratory
hours. Prerequisites: (FRSC 420 and MATH 237) or permission of instructor.
FRSC 622 Advanced Sequencing Methods (LEC/LAB, 3 credits) Theory and application of DNA sequencing technology including Sanger sequencing, pyrosequencing,
and massively parallel sequencing and their uses in forensic DNA analysis. Five lecture/laboratory
hours. Prerequisites: FRSC 621 Advanced DNA Technologies or permission of instructor.
Lectures and trainings are available to private groups. Contact us to discuss this opportunity.