Jennifer Churchill Cihlar

Dr. Jennifer Cihlar is an Assistant Professor in the Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics Department at UNTHSC, with joint appointment at the Center for Human Identification. She holds a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and a BS in Biochemistry from Texas A&M University.

Her research improves forensic identification through genomic technologies, including:

• Development of molecular biology tools for human/wildlife trafficking cases
• Optimization of massively parallel sequencing protocols
• Mitochondrial genome analysis for forensic thresholds
• Portable genetic technologies for law enforcement

Publications focus on forensic genomics, genetic marker discrimination, and validation of DNA analysis systems, with consistent emphasis on translational applications for crime investigation and missing persons cases.