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).
TU Human Remains Identification Laboratory
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.
Instrumentation
- 2x Qiagen Rotor-Gene Q real-time PCR
- 3x Qiagen EZ1 DNA extraction robots
- Applied Biosystems Veriti thermocycler
- MultiGene gradient thermocycler
- Qiagen Q48 Pyrosequencer
- Qiagen QIAcube liquid handler
- Applied Biosystems 3500 Genetic Analyzer
- MiSeq FGx Massively Parallel Sequencer
- Biomek 2000 liquid handler
- NanoDrop 2000 spectrophotometer
- Mini-CrimeScope alternate light source
- Leica CLM and polarized light microscopes
Software
- Verogen Universal Analysis Software
- Illumina BaseSpace
- Qiagen ScreenClust HRM Software
- Qiagen Q-Rex v. 1.1
- Qiagen RotorGene Q Series 2.3.5
- GeneMapper v. 1.5
- Finch TV v. 1.4
- BioEdit v. 7.2
- Accelrys Draw v. 4.2
- Swiss PDB Viewer v. 4.1
Recent and Ongoing Projects
- DNA yield and STR profiling of Human Long Bones
- 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
- Evaluation of DNA Extraction Methods and PDQeX Instrument
- What is the CURE for limited DNA? A forensic science course focused on NGS
- Body Fluid Analysis using High Resolution Melt and Pyrosequencing
- Cannabis and Magic Mushroom Species Identification
- Identification of “legal-high” Plant Species in Forensic Labs
- Researchers Describe Rapid, Multiplexed High-Res Melt Assay for Species Differentiation
Advanced Courses for Undergraduate and Graduate Students and Professionals
TU offers a B.S. in Forensic Chemistry and a M.S. in Forensic Science.
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.
Affiliated Faculty
Kelly Elkins, Ph.D.
kmelkins AT_TOWSON
Associate Professor
410-704-6217
Chemistry Department
SC 3301F
Profile webpage
TU Wordpress Site
Cynthia Zeller, Ph.D.
czeller AT_TOWSON
Associate Professor
410-704-2170
Chemistry Department
SC 5130B
Adam Klavens, M.S.F.S.
aklavens AT_TOWSON
Adjunct Professor
Chemistry Department
SC 3301S