Jessica Whitney (Dothan, AL) began at WVU in the fall of 2021 to start her Masters degree. She graduated from Liberty University with her Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science (Forensic Bio Emphasis) and a minor in Strategic Intelligence in 2021. Jessica graduated with her Master of Science in Forensic Science in 2023 after completing her thesis: "Analysis of 'touch' DNA recovered from metal substrates: an investigation into cfDNA-metal interactions and the efficacy of different collection techniques on DNA yield". Jessica continued her academic career with her Doctor of Philosophy in Forensic Science in the fall of 2023. Her research focus is the evaluation of investigative genetic genealogy methods with interest in computational metrics for descent estimations. Specifically, I am studying how endogamous population structures elevate the quantity of background DNA shared between relatives, making relationship identification more taxing. I am further working towards developing a robust relationship classification system to overcome this challenge.
Why did you choose WVU?
I chose WVU because it is one of only two 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.