معرفی
Natalie Novotna is a non-tenure-track Professor of Practice in the Department of Forensic Science at Syracuse University, affiliated with the Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute (FNSSI). She joined the university in summer 2023, transitioning from research roles at Charles University in the Czech Republic. Her expertise spans wildlife forensic science, non-human DNA analysis, and DNA mixture analysis.
Education:
- M.S., Forensic Science, Syracuse University (2022)
- B.A. and B.S., Chemistry and Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (2020)
- Certified Degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB, 2020)
Research Focus: Dr. Novotna specializes in whole genome amplification from single cells, low-quality/low-quantity DNA analysis, and forensic methods for endangered species identification. Her work bridges wildlife conservation and human genealogical testing, including paternity analysis using fragmentation and sequencing techniques.
Recent Work Trends: Her 2025 publication in Forensic Science International: Genetics highlights advancements in single-cell DNA analysis and stutter impact mitigation, reflecting her broader commitment to improving forensic accuracy in complex biological evidence.
Awards:
- Honorarium for participation in teaching excellence initiatives (Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, 2025)
Teaching & Service: She teaches advanced forensic courses (e.g., FSC 406 Advanced Forensic Science and FSC 498 Capstone Seminar), mentors independent studies, and serves on the Forensic Graduate Admissions Committee and FNSSI Curriculum Committee. She also organizes outreach activities like the Girls Scouts program.
Labs & Teams: Active within the FNSSI, her research integrates interdisciplinary approaches to address challenges in forensic and conservation genomics.
