Georgina Meakin

Georgina Meakin is an Associate Professor in Forensic Science at the University of Technology Sydney's Centre for Forensic Science within the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. She joined UTS in October 2019 after six years at University College London's Centre for Forensic Sciences. With expertise in forensic DNA analysis, particularly in DNA transfer, persistence, prevalence, and recovery (TPPR), Dr. Meakin is recognized for her contributions to forensic science research and casework.

Her academic credentials include:

• MSc in Forensic and Analytical Science, University of Huddersfield (2007-2008)
• PhD in Molecular Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of East Anglia (2003-2007)
• BSc in Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of East Anglia (1999-2003)

Dr. Meakin's research focuses on the transfer, persistence, prevalence, and recovery (TPPR) of DNA and other trace evidence in forensic contexts. She is particularly interested in indirect DNA transfer and its implications for forensic interpretation. Her work spans crime scene evidence collection, DNA recovery methods, packaging considerations, and the evaluation of trace DNA in casework. Dr. Meakin has co-authored major review articles on DNA transfer in forensic science and contributes to the development of best practices in forensic DNA analysis.

Dr. Meakin's recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on practical forensic challenges related to DNA evidence. Her work examines DNA recovery methods across various substrates, environmental effects on DNA persistence, and packaging considerations to minimize DNA transfer. She has developed innovative approaches to DNA collection, including an applicator prototype for tapelifts. Her research increasingly addresses operational forensic science questions with direct implications for crime scene investigation protocols and evidentiary interpretation.

Dr. Meakin actively supervises students in Biological Criminalistics and Crime Scene Investigation courses at UTS. She has secured research funding including a grant for "Development and validation of an applicator for use with adhesive tape for DNA recovery" from the Defence Science and Technology Group (2022-2024). She provides forensic DNA consulting services for legal cases through various solicitors.

As part of the Centre for Forensic Science at UTS, Dr. Meakin collaborates with forensic practitioners and researchers globally. She has participated in high-profile cases, notably serving as a forensic scientist on the team that re-examined evidence for the BBC2 documentary 'The Chillenden Murders'. Her editorial roles with Science and Justice and previous work with Annals of Human Genetics demonstrate her commitment to advancing forensic science scholarship.