Jessica Whitney is originally from Dothan, Alabama, USA, and began attending WVU in the fall of 2021 to begin her graduate education. Prior to coming to WVU, she graduated from Liberty University (Lynchburg, VA) in May 2021 with her Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science ( Forensic Bio Emphasis) and with a minor in Strategic Intelligence. Throughout her undergraduate education, Jessica had been fortunate to join the forensic science research group where from 2018-2021 the research focus was using bacterial succession as an indicator of the post-mortem interval. From her undergraduate research experiences, in 2019 she had the opportunity to present at the 104th International Association for Identification Educational Conference in Reno, Nevada.
In 2021, Jessica began her Master of Science in Forensic and Investigative at WVU. She successfully graduated with her masters in May 2023 a fter completion of her thesis entitled, " Analysis of 'touch' DNA recovered from metal substrates: an investigation into cfDNA-metal interactions and the efficacy of different collection techniques on DNA yield. " In February of 2023, Jessica was able to present her thesis at the 75th Annual Academy of Forensic Science conference in Orlando, Florida. Her presentation was entitled, "Using Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (ATR-FTIR) to Characterize Cell-Free DNA (cfDNA) Interactions with Metal Surfaces to Optimize Collection and Processing of Touch DNA Samples."
Jessica continued her academic career by pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy in Forensic Science in the fall of 2023. Her Ph.D. research focuses on the evaluation of investigative genetic genealogy methods with interest in computational metrics for descent estimations. Specifically, she is studying how pedigree collapse and endogamous population structures elevate the quantity of background DNA shared between relatives, making relationship identification more taxing. She is further working towards developing a robust relationship classification system to overcome this challenge.
In February of 2025, Jessica had the opportunity to present the preliminary findings of her Ph.D. research at the 77th Annual American Academy of Forensic Science conference in Baltimore, Maryland. Her presentation was entitled, " The Development of Artificial Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Data for Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) Research and Training: A Preliminary Study." Later in May 2025, Jessica was accepted to present further research findings at the European Academy of Forensic Sciences in Dublin, Ireland. Her presentation was entitled, "The Assessment of Background Identical-by-Descent (IBD) Within and Between Artificially Assembled Pedigrees ."
While pursuing her doctorate, Jessica is a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the Department of Biology here at WVU. She has aided in the instruction of courses for Introduction to Biology and Introduction to Physiology, as well as served as a mentor for first-semester graduate teaching assistants.
Why did you choose WVU?
I chose WVU because it is one of very few universities in the nation to offer a Ph.D. in Forensic Science. The faculty here have ample experience both in the field and in research which is reflected in their teaching and mentorship. WVU also offers many teaching aid/work study positions which help me pay my way through school.
Why did you choose to work with Dr. Morris?
I chose Dr. Morris’ research group for my Ph.D. specifically because of his extensive experience in investigative casework, as well as both he and I have an interest in genetic genealogy. While my background is primarily wet-lab forensic biology research, Dr. Morris challenges me to apply what I have learned in new ways. The opportunities I have in his research group, such as computer programming and data processing, are not only applicable to my research interests, but they are transferrable to a wide array of jobs. Through his mentorship, I am learning to become a well-rounded and self-sufficient researcher.
What is one thing you have learned while being in this research group?
Though independence is an admirable quality, it is okay to ask for help. Too often I strive for perfection and to do it all on my own. While it is our responsibility as graduate students to exhaust our resources when problem solving prior to asking for help, there is a point when it becomes less of an "independence" mentality and devolves into a display of my own perfectionism and pride. Learning that I can't do it all and that sometimes I need to humbly ask for help has really made a positive impact on both my professional and personal life.
When do you want to do when you graduate?
I would like to work as a university professor leading undergraduate and possibly graduate students in research. I could also find great satisfaction in becoming an author by applying what I have learned in my education to expand the literature-base for my field and related disciplines.
Outside of the lab, what do you like to do to relax and unwind?
During the work week, my favorite ways to burn off steam are either through lifting or swimming laps at the rec center or going for walks after dinner with my husband. On weekends, I enjoy going to football games, traveling to local state parks, or visiting family nearby.