Susan Walsh

Susan Walsh is a Professor in the Department of Biology, Forensic & Investigative Sciences at Indiana University Indianapolis, leading the Walsh FDP Lab (Forensic DNA Phenotyping) focused on genetic analysis of human physical appearance and ancestry for forensic applications.

Her educational background includes:

• BSc. Biochemistry (Hons), University College Cork, Ireland (2001-2005)
• MSc. DNA Profiling, University of Central Lancashire, UK (2005-2006)
• PhD. Forensic Genetics, Erasmus University, Netherlands (2009-2013)
• Post-Doctoral Associate, Yale University, USA (2013-2014)

Dr. Walsh's research centers on predicting externally visible characteristics (eye/hair/skin color) from DNA using genome-wide association studies and next-generation sequencing. Her lab develops molecular tools for forensic intelligence by identifying genetic biomarkers of complex traits, bridging quantitative genetics and practical crime scene applications through projects in Physical Appearance Prediction and Ancestry Prediction.

She actively recruits students specializing in DNA analysis methods and population genetics/bioinformatics, while maintaining public engagement through volunteer phenotype collection initiatives. The Walsh FDP Lab disseminates research via Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn to advance forensic DNA phenotyping methodologies.