Faculty and Research

National Center for Forensic Science

Biography

The goal of my laboratory is to conduct pure and applied research to improve the capacities and capabilities of bio-molecular forensic scientists to either associate an individual with, or exclude falsely accused individuals from, a particular crime. My research areas include the development of novel Y chromosome genetic markers, the assessment and in vitro repair of DNA damage, tissue source identification by RNA expression profiling, the determination of individual physical characteristics by DNA typing and ‘smart’ single cell or low copy number analysis.

Publications

  1. Characterization of UVC-Induced DNA Damage in Physiological Stains: Forensic Implications. Hall, A. and Ballantyne, J. Anal Bioanal Chem 380 72-83(2004
  2. Multiplex mRNA Profiling for Body Fluid Identification. Juusola, J. and Ballantyne, J. For Sci Int 152 1-12 (2005)
  3. Whole Genome Amplification Strategy for Forensic Genetic Analysis Using Single or Few Cell Equivalents of Genomic DNA. Hanson, E. and Ballantyne, J. Anal Biochem 346 246-257 (2005)
  4. The Identification of Newborns Using Messenger RNA Profiling Analysis. Alvarez, M. and Ballantyne, J. Anal Biochem 357 21-34 (2006)
  5. mRNA Profiling for Body Fluid Identification by Multiplex Quantitative RT-PCR. Juusola, J. and Ballantyne J. J. Forensic Sci 52 (6) 1252-1262 (2007)
  6. Simplified Low Copy Number (LCN) DNA Analysis by Post PCR Purification. Smith, P.J. and Ballantyne, J. J. Forensic Sci 52 (4) 820-829 (2007)
  7. An Ultra-High Discrimination Y Chromosome Short Tandem Repeat Multiplex DNA Typing System. Hanson, E.K. and Ballantyne, J. PLoS ONE 2(8): e688. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0000688 (2007)
  8. Y-STR Profiling in Extended Interval (> 3 days) Post Coital Cervicovaginal Samples. Mayntz-Press, K.A., Sims, L.M., Hall, A. and Ballantyne J. J. Forensic Sci 53 (2) 342-348 (2008)
  9. Identification of four novel developmentally regulated gamma hemoglobin mRNA isoforms. Alvarez, M. and Ballantyne, J. Exp Hematol 37 285-293 (2009)
  10. Identification of Forensically Relevant Body Fluids Using a Panel of Differentially Expressed microRNAs. Hanson, E.K. and Ballantyne, J. Anal Biochem 387 303-314 (2009)
  11. Changes in Dry State Hemoglobin Over Time Do Not Increase the Potential for Oxidative Damage in Dried Blood. Marrone, A. and Ballantyne,. J. PLoS ONE 4(4): e5110. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0005110 (2009)
  12. A SNP melt curve assay employing an intercalating dye probe FRET for forensic analysis. Halpern, MD and Ballantyne J. Anal Biochem 391 1-10 (2009)