Regan

Through my undergraduate and graduate education, I have gained significant knowledge and expertise in the fields of molecular biology, biochemistry, and forensic science with a concentration on forensic molecular biology. In my undergrad, I worked in the lab of Dr. Thomas Cech on biochemical research with a focus on protein-polynucleotide interactions, work that was published in the scientific journal PNAS. In my graduate education, I worked under Dr. Daniele Podini on Microhaplotypes and their use in complex mixture deconvolution through next-gen sequencing. I also had the chance to present on this research at AAFS and have gained a lot of knowledge on cutting edge sequencing technology. I am currently pursuing a PhD in Bioinformatics with the ultimate goal of being a professor one day. Aside from the lab, public speaking has always been one of my strong suits from my extensive theatrical background. I am very comfortable speaking and presenting in front of large crowds, and through various presentations have also become more adept at explaining complicated scientific concepts in layman`s terms. During my undergraduate education, I had an internship with the Forensic Defense Strategists group, a duo of former defense attorneys dedicated to educating lawyers about forensic evidence so they can be more prepared in the court room. I served as a scientific liaison of sorts, bringing my scientific knowledge to the table and helping to create presentations which would educate lawyers about newer concepts such as DNA transfer and FIGG. I have tutored and mentored students in various aspects of the biological field, and welcome any opportunity to help others learn these complex topics!

Willing to travel: 10 miles

Experience: Forensic hDNA Analyst
Signature Science LLC, Charlottesville, VA Oct 2025-August 2026
Trained in QC for general laboratory maintenance duties, instrument maintenance, and updating SOPs. Trained in evidence itemization and sample processing. Contributed to research and validation efforts for a new analysis workflow of mixture profiles using the ForensSeq Kintelligence Kit. Authored an SOP and form for the use of the workflow for casework.

Graduate Research Assistant
Dr. Daniele Podini Research Lab, George Washington University, Washington, DC Aug 2023-May 2025
Researching microhaplotypes under an awarded NIJ grant in collaboration with Dr. Podini and Bode Technology. Research was focused on creating complex mixtures with up to 5 contributors analyzed with the traditional STR workflow as well as a Next-Generation Sequencing workflow designed for microhaplotypes. Aided in other students’ research projects by providing samples, mixtures, and data. Managed a group of students brought on to the project, continually teaching lab skills and providing guidance on the microhaplotype analysis pipeline. Presented this work at the AAFS 2025 Conference.

Undergraduate Research Assistant
Dr. Thomas Cech Research Lab, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO Aug 2021-Dec 2022
Brought on as one of only two undergraduate students collaborating with Nobel Laureate Dr. Thomas Cech and associates. Independently researched enzymatic and nucleic acid interactions of PRC2 to further flesh out the proposed notion of a displacement-transfer model of competition kinetics under the guidance of Dr. Wayne Hemphill (Postdoc advisor).

Forensic Methodology Research Intern
Forensic Defense Strategists, Boulder, CO Feb 2022-June 2022
Brought on as the only intern with a scientific background. Shadowed confidential case meetings regarding DNA evidence. Assembled a collection of published scientific articles providing evidence of higher DNA quantifications from Secondary Transfer than Primary Transfer of DNA. Compiled a review of over 50 articles detailing transfer kinetics under various conditions to assess the differences in quantification values. Produced a model presentation on Genetic Genealogy and SNP testing to be used for educating lawyers.

Tutor, Head Tutor
University of Colorado- Health Professions Residential Academic Program, Boulder, CO Aug 2020-Jan 2022
Tutored undergraduate students in General Chemistry, Genetics, Intro to MCDB, and Molecular Biology classes.
Organized tutoring events and lead other undergrad tutors in various study sessions as the Head Tutor.