Towson University: Checking Out What Is In TU’s DNA – Patch.com

Professor Kelly Elkins, TU Human Remains Identification Lab provide answers, experience

In early October, it was announced that an independent group of cold-case investigatorsclaimed to have found the identity of the Zodiac Killer, one of America's most notoriousserial killers and a case that has gone unsolved for more than 50 years.

The volunteer team, called the Case Breakers, consists of more than 40 former FBIofficials, law enforcement officers, prosecutors and forensic scientists.

And Kelly Elkins, an associate professor in Towson University's Department of Chemistry.

Elkins was initially approached by Case Breaker and University of Maryland lecturerTom Mauriello because of her specialty in DNA recovery.

"I publish the research I'm doing with my students," Elkins says. "We've had severalprojects involving DNA recovery, and the Case Breakers were interested in adding DNAexpertise."

For the past 10 years, Elkins has been sharing that experience as part of TU's forensicchemistry program. One of her biggest goals was to give students hands-on, on-campusexperience in DNA testing. In 2018, through two Fisher College Endowment grants andnew building funds, she established the Towson University Human Remains Identification Lab (THRIL).

It supports student learning in next-generation sequencing methods and enables high-qualitystudent and faculty research and community collaboration.

Along with THRIL, TU has a cutting-edge forensic chemistry teaching lab.According to Elkins,it isthe only forensic next generation sequencing (NGS) lab in the country that provideshands-on forensic coursework and research for students that is not aprivate testing lab.

"We saw a need for hands-on learning, and we wanted to meet that need for our studentsas they get ready to go into the workplace," Elkins says. "Our students are gettinginterviews for jobs based on taking classes here."

Two students working with Elkins at THRIL are senior Alexis Garloff and junior JordanBrooks, both forensic chemistry majors.

When THRIL started at TU, the program just had a small lab in Smith Hall. Now theyhave a state-of-the-art lab in the new Science Complex, which Garloff says felt likehome when she first walked through the doors.

"This lab is giving us the experience that's really focused on our concentration inDNA analysis," Garloff says. "It's crazy we're getting these opportunities becauseonce you get into the professional forensics world, this all they do, all day.

"Every day is DNA extraction, DNA purification, DNA quantification; there is a standardoperating procedure within the forensic biology labs. To get that experience, hereand now before getting out into the real world, into that field, is unmatched."

Brooks just joined the THRIL team this term, and it's her first time working withforensics. One of her favorite parts is that it's a welcoming atmosphere.

"You can drop in any time," Brooks says. "This experience has been really rewarding,and it makes me excited to continue to do research with Dr. Elkins. One of my biggestfears about doing research was having to do it alone or with someone who was not willingto help.

"Dr. Elkins, Alexis and the graduate students involved with THRIL have made me feellike I'm part of the team."

For Elkins, she just enjoys working with students. She says the energy they bringto the class and to research projects is what not only keeps her young, but also helpsmake her a better scientist.

"I just feel fortunate to get to be part of their lives," Elkins says. "We get thisdiverse mix of students who want to be here. And I love the fact that I get to notonly teach them, but also I get to mentor them. I want to be able to help get theminternships, get them jobs and get them experiences that help them have a successfuland happy life."

This press release was produced by Towson University. The views expressed here are the author's own.

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