معرفی
Heather Miller Coyle, Ph.D., serves as Associate Professor in the Forensic Science Department within the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences at the University of New Haven. Her academic appointments span forensic biology, DNA analysis, and botanical evidence applications in criminal investigations. She maintains an active research profile with publications spanning forensic botany, DNA mixture interpretation, and touch DNA analysis.
- Ph.D. in Plant Biology, University of New Hampshire (1994)
- M.S. in Plant Science, University of New Hampshire (1989)
- B.S. in In Vitro Cell Biology, SUNY Plattsburgh (1986)
Dr. Miller Coyle's research centers on forensic applications of biological evidence, with particular expertise in DNA for human identification, touch DNA transfer dynamics, DNA mixture interpretation challenges, and botanical evidence analysis. Her work bridges plant biology with forensic science through forensic botany applications, including pollen analysis, seed identification, and plant DNA profiling for criminal casework. She has developed specialized methodologies for botanical evidence collection and interpretation in crime scene contexts.
Her publication record shows consistent focus on improving forensic DNA analysis reliability, with recent work examining STR quality control measures, probabilistic genotyping software validation, and haplotype analysis for ancestry determination. The research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between plant biology, molecular genetics, and criminalistics, with practical applications in courtroom testimony preparation and evidence interpretation standards.
Dr. Miller Coyle has contributed significantly to forensic education through curriculum development that links laboratory practices to courtroom testimony requirements. Her work includes developing engaging lesson models for biological evidence collection training and classroom resources that prepare students for forensic science careers.
