Curriculum Vitae
Catherine M Grgicak, M.S.F.S., Ph.D.
72 E. Concord St Rm R806B
Boston, MA 02118
September 10, 2015
ACADEMIC TRAINING:
1994 B.S. University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Physical Sciences
1994 B.Ed. University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Intermediate/Senior Division
1998 M.S.F.S. University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama. Forensic Sciences
2007 Ph.D. University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Chemistry
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
1998-2000 DNA CODIS Graduate Technician, Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, CODIS
Unit, Birmingham, AL
2000-2001 DNA Analyst, Orchid Cellmark, Germantown, MD
2001-2002 Senior Research Associate, Orchid Cellmark, Germantown, MD
2008-2013 Forensic DNA Consultant
ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS:
2008-2012 Instructor, Biomedical Forensic Sciences (BMFS), Boston University School of
Medicine, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston, MA
2012-present Assistant Professor, Biomedical Forensic Sciences, Boston University School of
Medicine, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston MA
DEPARTMENTAL AND UNIVERSITY COMMITTEES:
2009-present Member – Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology Appointments and Promotions
Committee, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
2010-present Member – Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology Faculty Search Committee, Boston
University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
2011-2012 Member – Graduate Medical Sciences Biostatistics Committee, Boston University School
of Medicine, Boston, MA
2014-2014 Member – Graduate Medical Sciences Academic Policies and Procedures Committee,
Boston University School of Medicine, Boston MA
TEACHING EXPERIENCE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Course Director and Teaching Participation:
2008-present Forensic DNA Analysis Laboratory – Fall and Spring, 104 contact hours/yr
2008-present Advanced Forensic DNA Analysis – Summer, 18 contact hours/yr
2009-present Directed Study in Forensic Sciences – Fall, Spring, Winter, 24 contact hours/yr
2012-present Biology/DNA Practicum – Summer, 16 contact hours/yr
2014-present Advanced Forensic Chemistry – Summer, 20 contact hours/yr
Course Director:
2009-present Internship in Forensic Sciences
2009-present Research in Forensic Sciences
2009-2012 Homicide Investigation
Teaching Assistant
2003-2007 Instrumental Analysis Laboratory – Fall and Spring, 144 contact hours/yr
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MENTORING ACTIVITIES:
MASTERS STUDENTS – MAJOR ADVISOR
2007-2009 Catherine Hennekens, M.S (BMFS). The Effects of Differential Extraction Conditions
on the Premature lysis of Spermatozoa, now an Instructor at Kaplan Career Institute,
Boston, MA
2008-2009 Ruiyi Ren, M.S. (BMFS). DNA Fragmentation and Degradation: Effects on Real-Time
PCR Absolute Quantification, now an Associate Biochemist at Boston University School
of Medicine, Boston, MA
2008-2009 Sarah Phillips, M.S (BMFS). A Comparative Study of DNA Extraction Methodologies:
Variation in DNA Yield and Effects on Downstream PCR Analysis, now a Ph.D.
candidate in molecular biology at Tufts University, Boston, MA
2008-2009 Zena Urban, M.S. (BMFS). Reproducibility and Error Associated with Multiplex PCR
Methods: Effects of Male/Female Mixtures on the Quantification and Amplification of
Forensic Samples, now a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Microbiology and
Molecular Cell Biology at the Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk VA
2008-2009 Laura Flint, M.S. (BMFS). Statistical Evaluation of Heterozygosity Ratios and Stutter
Intensities using Forensically Relevant Loci, now a Molecular Genetics Technologist at
Genzyme Genetics, Westborough, MA
2008-2010 Elisse Coronado, M.S (BMFS). Amplification Reproducibility of Profiles Generated
Using Traditional and Mini- STRs: Effects on Mixture Interpretation, now a Forensic
Analyst at the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory – DNA Unit, Maynard, MA
2008-2010 Kathryn Cerow, M.S. (BMFS). Peak Area versus Peak Height for Analysis of
Forensically Relevant STRs, now a Senior Research Associate at IntelligentMDx,
Cambridge, MA
2008-2010 Roxanne Godding, M.S. (BMFS). An Evaluation of Methodologies used when
microscopically examining and extracting DNA from hair samples, now a Stability
Coordinator at Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA
2009-2010 Katie Webster Hoffmeyer, M.S. (BMFS). Effects of Sodium Chloride Concentration and
Temperature on Corrosion: Understanding Material Interactions in Aqueous
Environments, now a Controlled Substance Analyst at the State of Wisconsin Crime
Laboratory, Wausau, WI
2009-2011 Crystal Simson-Oechsle, M.S. (BMFS). A Comparative Study of Biological Fluid
Identification Methods: Determining the Analytical Figures of Merit for Lateral Flow
Immunochromatographic Test Strips and qPCR and the Effects on Human Identity
Testing, now a QA Manager at DNA Laboratories International Inc., Deerfield Beach, FL
2010-2011 Elyse Cooper, M.S. (BMFS). Differential Extraction Conditions: Effects of Dehydration
on DNA Mixture Quantification and Amplification of Forensically Relevant Markers,
now a Diagnostics Specialist at NewPort Labs Inc, Worthington, MN
2010-2011 Joli Bregu, M.S. (BMFS). Investigation of Baseline Noise: Establishing an RFU
Threshold for Forensic DNA Analysis, now a Laboratory Technician at Boston
University School of Medicine, Framington Heart Study Genetics Lab, Boston, MA
2010-2011 Gretchen Johnson, M.S. (BMFS). Optimization of a Vacuum Collection System for the
Collection and Preservation of Biological Material for Forensic DNA Analysis, now an
Instructor at Capital Community College, Hartford, CT.
2010-2012 Jonathon Dunn, M.S. (BMFS). Effects of DNA Degradation on Single-Source and
Mixture Profiles Generated Using Traditional and Mini- STRs, now a Research Associate
at SAIC-Frederick’s Genotyping Center, Frederick, MD
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2011-2011 Jacob Gordon, M.S. (BMFS). Characterization of Error Tradeoffs in Human Identity
Comparisons: Determining a Complexity Threshold for DNA Mixture Interpretation,
now an Defense Analyst at the MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Hanscom Air Force Base,
Lexington, MA
2011-2012 Megan Wogan, M.S. (BMFS). Solid State Characterization of Corrosion Products:
Determining the Time Since Deposition, now a Research Scientist at California Institute
for Biomedical Research, San Francisco, CA
2011-2013 Michael Cicero, M.S. (BMFS). Evaluation of Error and Reproducibility of the
Calibration Curve Utilized During Absolute DNA Quantification, now a Forensic
Analyst at the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory – DNA Unit, Maynard, MA.
2011-2012 Natalia Liventseva, M.S. (BMFS). Cell Mixtures and the Effects on Differential
Extractions for Forensic DNA Typing
2011-2012 Jessica Shea, M.S. (BMFS). Streptavidin-Biotin Binding of DNA Amplicons: Methods
for the Typing and Re-Typing of Forensically Relevant Short Tandem Repeats, now a
Research Assistant at PrimeraDx, Mansfield, MA
2011-2013 Lena Gunn, M.S. (BMFS). Optimization of the M-Vac® Vacuum Collection System for
the Collection and Preservation of Biological Material
2011-2013 Candace Churinsky-Martin, M.S. (BMFS). Characterization of carbon electrode
surfaces: Development of Biosensors for forensic DNA applications, now a Research
Associate at University of Central Florida, Orlando FL.
2011-2013 Amanda Garrett, M.S. (BMFS). Optimized Collection of Low-Template Levels of
Biological Evidence, now a Research Technician at BUSM – Program Biomedical
Forensic Sciences, now a Research Technician at BUSM, Boston MA.
2011-2013 Joseph Iacona, M.S. (BMFS). Re-amplification of limited quantity DNA samples:
Optimization of an STR Re-amplification Method, now a Ph.D. student in Molecular
Biology at Rutgers University-Newark, Newark NJ
2012-2014 Kayleigh Rowan, M.S. (BMFS). Characterizing Variability in Fluorescence-Based
Forensic DNA Measurement and Developing an Electrochemical-Based Quantification
System, now a Forensic Scientist at Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Grand Junction
CO
2012-present Sarah Norsworthy, M.S. (BMFS). Sensitivity of PCR and Effects on Determining the
Number of Contributors, now a Research Associate at NetBio, Waltham MA.
2012-2014 Genevieve Wellner, M.S. (BMFS). The Examination of Baseline Noise and the Impact
on the Interpretation of Low-Template DNA Samples, now a Lab Technician at Red
Cross, Cross Plains WI
2012-2014 Chelsea Krause, M.S. (BMFS). Isolating Post-Amplification Genomic DNA for
Recursive Analysis of Low-Template DNA Samples, now a Laboratory Technician at
Veterinary Diagnostics Lab, University of Minnesota, MN.
2013-2015 Kevin Hu, M.S. (BMFS). Impacts of Serial Dilutions on DNA Measurements
2013-2015 Lauren Alfonse, M.S. (BMFS). Computing the Number of Contributors to Complex
DNA Mixtures, now a Research Technician at BUSM, Boston MA
2013-2015 Genesis Tejada, M.S. (BMFS). Using Peak Heights to Determine the Probability of the
Number of Contributors to Complex DNA Evidentiary Items, now a Research Associate
at Abcam, Cambridge MA.
2013-2015 Saman Saleem, M.S. (BMFS). Validation of forensically relevant mega-plex STR
amplification chemistries, now a Forensic Scientist I at Massachusetts State Police Crime
Laboratory
2013-2015 Ari Darlow, M.S. (BMFS). Biosensor Development for DNA Quantification, now a PhD
student in Chemistry at Buffalo State College, Buffalo NY
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2013-2015 Tom Tong, M.S. (BMFS). Characterizing Corrosion Behavior of Alloys with Well
Defined Compositions
2013-present Alex Yi, M.S. (BMFS). Determining a Stochastic Threshold for Forensic DNA
Interpretation
2014-present Jennifer Sheehan, M.S. (BMFS). Measuring the sensitivity of PCR for the purposes of
forensic practice and dynamic modeling
2014-present Lauren Taranow, M.S. (BMFS). DNA degradation by sonication and the impact on
qPCR QI measurements
2014-present David Godin, M.S. (BMFS). Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry of low-
grade and degraded pharmaceuticals used in low-resource settings
2014-present Rachel Pruckler, M.S. (BMFS). Control charts and precision of volume transfers during
for the absolute quantification of analytes
2014-present Kelsey Peters, M.S. (BMFS). Determining the exact number of copies in a low-template
samples
PH.D. COMMITTEES
2012-2014 – Grace Wu, Ph.D. (Biomedical Engineering). A Paper-Based Electrochemical Device for
Salivary Analysis in Low-Resource Settings, Boston University
2012-2015 – Harish Swaminathan, Ph.D. (Computational and Integrative Biology). Interpreting complex,
low template forensic DNA samples, Rutgers University – Camden
2014 – present – Nga Ho, Ph.D. (Biomedical Engineering). Multiplexed, Affordable, and Portable Platform
for Real-time Quantitative Detection of Substandard and Counterfeit Pharmaceuticals,
Boston University
OTHER PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES:
PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES: MEMBERSHIPS, OFFICES, AND COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
1999-2000 American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Student Member
2000-2002 American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Trainee Affiliate
2003-present American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Associate Member
2008-present Electrochemical Society, Member
2015-present OSAC Subcommittee on Biological Data Interpretation and Reporting, Executive
Secretary.
EDITORIAL BOARDS: 2009-present Journal of Forensic Sciences
JOURNAL REVIEWER: Journal of Forensic Sciences
Journal of Clinical Investigation
Electrophoresis
Forensic Science International-Genetics
BMC Biotechnology
Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences
RELEVANT COURSEWORK: Biochemistry - University of Windsor and University of Alabama at Birmingham
Statistics – University of Windsor
Population Genetics – University of Alabama at Birmingham
Recombinant DNA Technology – University of Alabama at Birmingham
Genetics – Montgomery College
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RELEVANT SKILLS: DNA extraction, amplification, fragment analysis, Sanger sequencing, cloning, real-time PCR
Capillary Electrophoresis, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, X-
ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, Physi- and Chemi-sorption for particle size and surface area
analysis, physical/analytical electrochemistry, infrared spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy
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Current Other Support:
2015-2017 2014-DN-BX-K026 (NIJ). Principal Investigator, Research and Development in Forensic
Science for Criminal Justice Purposes: Establishing Exclusion Criteria and the Significance
of Inclusion: Developing Tools for the Interpretation of Complex DNA Mixtures, $813,843.
2014-2016 W911-NF-14-C-0096 (ARO). Principal Investigator, A Tool for Determining the Number of
Contributors: Interpreting Complex, Compromised, Low-Template DNA Samples,
$1,685,595
Past Awards:
2013-2015 2012-DN-BX-K050 (NIJ). Principal Investigator, Applied Research and Development in
Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes: Determining the Probability of Exclusion
for Low-Template, Complex DNA Mixtures, $598,765
2012-2014 2011-DN-BX-K558 (NIJ). Principal Investigator, Applied Research and Development in
Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes: Low-Template DNA Mixture Interpretation
– Determining the Number of Contributors, $464,617
2012-2013 Northeastern Association of Forensic Sciences (NEAFS). Principal Investigator, Carol
DeForest Forensic Science Research Grant. Streptavidin-Biotin Binding of DNA Amplicons
for the Typing and Re-typing of Forensically Relevant Short Tandem Repeats, $2500
2009-2012 2008-DN-BX-K158 (NIJ). Co-Investigator, Forensic Science Training Development and
Delivery Program: Training Courses for the Forensic Practitioner: Laboratory Experience
with Biological Evidence, $900,000
2003 Strategic Areas of Development, University of Ottawa
2003-2007 Graduate Admission Scholarship, Department of Chemistry, University of Ottawa
2005 Electrochemistry Society, Travel Grant
2004 Canadian Catalysis Foundation, Travel Grant
2006 Canadian Catalysis Foundation, Travel Grant
Pending Awards:
2016-2017 Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP): PA-AFRL-AFOSR-2015-
0001: Analysis and Interpretation of Complex and Compromised DNA Sequences: Next-Generation
Sequencing signal from single- and low- DNA copy number evidentiary samples, $132,791
Invited Lectures, Presentations and Workshops
September 29th, 2014 25th International Symposium on Human Identification. “Almost Everything You
Wanted to Know About Probabilistic Software” Phoenix, AZ
July 23rd, 2013 Boston Police Crime Laboratory. “Validation and Research: Impact on Low-level,
Complex DNA Mixture Interpretation.” Boston, MA, Speaker.
October 15th, 2012 23rd International Symposium on Human Identification. “Mixture Interpretation
Workshop.” Nashville, TN, Workshop Instructor
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May 4th, 2012 Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Electrical Engineering.
“Complex, low-template DNA mixture Interpretation of Forensically Relevant STR loci: Determining the Number
of Contributors. Boston, MA, Seminar Speaker
October 3rd, 2011 22nd International Symposium on Human Identification. “Mixture Interpretation
Workshop.” National Harbor, MD, Workshop Instructor
June 6-8, 2011 Mesa Police Department. “Mixture Interpretation Workshop”. Mesa, AZ, Workshop
Instructor
May 16-17, 2011 Michigan State Police. “Mixture Interpretation Workshop”. Lansing, MI, Workshop
Instructor
May 9-10, 2011 Harris County Institute of Forensic Science. “Mixture Interpretation Workshop”.
Houston, TX, Workshop Instructor
April 26-27, 2011 Palm Beach County Crime Laboratory. “Mixture Interpretation Workshop”. Palm
Beach, FL, Workshop Instructor
October 11th, 2010 21st International Symposium on Human Identification. “Mixture Interpretation
Workshop: Principles, Protocols and Practice.” San Antonio, TX, Workshop Instructor
November 16th, 2010 Applied Biosystems. “Analytical Thresholds: Determination of Minimum
Distinguishable Signals”. Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory, Maynard, MA, Seminar Speaker
November 16th, 2010 Applied Biosystems. “Investigation of Reproducibility and Error Associated with
qPCR Methods using Quantifiler® Duo DNA Quantification Kit”. Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory,
Maynard, MA, Seminar Speaker
June 7th, 2010 Northeastern University, Department of Chemistry. “Research Skills and Ethics in
Chemistry”. Boston, MA, Career Panel
April 12th 2010 Boston University School of Medicine, CSI Academy. “CSI and DNA”. Holliston,
MA, Seminar Speaker
January 27th, 2009 Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Biology IAP Program. "Sampling of Careers in
Biology – Government and Forensics”. Cambridge, MA, Career Panel
Patents:
C. M. Grgicak, D. S. Lun, M. Medard, and H. Swaminathan. Method for determining the number of contrib-
utors to a forensic DNA sample. WO Application PCT/US2014/59503, Filed: October 7, 2014.
D. S. Lun, Harish Swaminathan, Abhishek Garg, Catherine M. Grgicak and M. Medard. Systems and Methods
for Computational Interpretation of STR Profiles. WO Application PCT/US62/145,131, Filed: April 9, 2015
Bibliography:
ORIGINAL, PEER REVIEWED ARTICLES:
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1 K.E. Rowan, G.A. Wellner, C.M. Grgicak. Exploring the Impacts of Ordinary Laboratory Alterations
During Forensic DNA Processing on Peak Height Variation, Thresholds, and Probability of Dropout.
Journal of Forensic Sciences, In press, DOI: 10.111/1556-4029.12899
2 U.J. Monich, K. Duffy, M. Medard, V. Cadambe, L.E. Alfonse, C. Grgicak. Probabilistic
Characterization of Baseline Noise in STR Profiles. Forensic Science International: Genetics, 19,107-
122 (2015).
3 H. Swaminathan, C.M. Grgicak, M. Medard and D. S. Lun. NOCIt: A Computational Method to Infer
the Number of Contributors to DNA Samples Analyzed by STR Genotyping. Forensic Science
International: Genetics, 16, 172-180 (2015).
4 A.D. Garrett, D.J. Patlak, L.E. Gunn, A.N. Brodeur and C.M. Grgicak. Exploring the Potential of a
Wet-Vacuum Collection System for DNA Recovery. Journal of Forensic Identification, 65(5), 429-448
(2014).
5 C. Simson Oechsle, S. Haddad, J.B. Sgueglia and C.M. Grgicak. Screening Biological Stains with qPCR
versus Lateral Flow Immunochromatographic Test Strips: A Quantitative Comparison using Analytical
Figures of Merit. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 59, 199-207 (2014).
6 M.E. Wogan, K.S. Webster-Hoffmeyer and C.M. Grgicak. Corrosion Behaviour of Four Handguns in
Aqueous Environments: Corrosion Product Characterization and Effects on Estimating the Time Since
Deposition. Science and Justice. 53, 363-370 (2013).
7 C.M. Hennekens, E.S. Cooper, R.W. Cotton and C.M. Grgicak. The Effects of Differential Extraction
Conditions and the Premature Lysis of Spermatozoa. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 58, 744-752 (2013).
8 J. Bregu, D. Conklin, E. Coronado, M. Terrill, R.W. Cotton and C.M. Grgicak. Analytical Thresholds
and Sensitivity: Establishing RFU Thresholds for Forensic DNA Analysis. Journal of Forensic
Sciences, 58, 120-129 (2013).
9 C.A. Rakay, J. Bregu and C.M Grgicak. Maximizing Allele Detection: Effects of analytical threshold
and DNA Levels on Rates of Allele and Locus Drop-out. Forensic Science International: Genetics, 6,
723-728 (2012).
10 C.M. Grgicak, Z.M. Urban, R.W. Cotton. Investigation of Reproducibility and Error Associated with
qPCR Methods using Quantifiler® Duo DNA Quantification Kit. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 55,
1331-1339 (2010).
11 C.M. Grgicak, M.M. Pakulska, J.S. O’Brien and J.B. Giorgi. Synergistic effects of Ni1−xCox-YSZ and
Ni1−xCux-YSZ alloyed cermet SOFC anodes for oxidation of hydrogen and methane fuels containing
H2S. Journal of Power Sources, 183, 26-33 (2008).
12 C.M. Grgicak, R.G. Green and J.B. Giorgi. SOFC Anodes for Direct Oxidation of Hydrogen and
Methane Fuels Containing H2S. Journal of Power Sources, 179, 317-328 (2008).
13 C.M. Grgicak, J.G. Giorgi. Improved Performance of Ni- and Co-YSZ Anodes via Sulfidation to NiS-
and CoS-YSZ. Effects of Temperature on Electrokinetic Parameters. Journal of Physical Chemistry C,
111, 15446-15455 (2007).
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14 M.M Pakulska, C.M. Grgicak and J.B. Giorgi. The Effect of Metal and Support Particle Size on
NiO/CeO2 and NiO/ZrO2 Catalyst Activity in Complete Methane Oxidation. Applied Catalysis A:
General, 332, 124-129 (2007).
15 C. Poulin, M.A. Brown, Y.A. Wasslen, C.M Grgicak, K. Fagnou and J.B. Giorgi. Reactivity of
Mesoporous Palladium Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia for Solution Phase Reactions. Canadian Journal of
Chemistry, 84, 1-9 (2006).
16 C.M. Grgicak, S. Rogers and C. Mauterer. Discovery and Identification of new D13S317 Primer
Binding Site Mutations. Forensic Science International, 157, 36-39 (2006).
17 C.M. Grgicak, R.G. Green and J.B. Giorgi. Control of Microstructure, Sinterability and Performance in
Co-Precipitated NiYSZ, CuYSZ and CoYSZ SOFC Anodes. Journal of Materials Chemistry, 16, 885-897
(2006).
18 C.M. Grgicak, R.G. Green, W.F. Du and J.B. Giorgi. Synthesis and Characterization of NiO-YSZ Anode
Materials: Precipitation, Calcination and the Effects on Sintering. Journal of the American Ceramic
Society, 88, 3081-3087 (2005).
CONFERENCE PAPERS AND PROCEEDINGS:
1 Ullrich J. Mönich, Catherine Grgicak, Viveck Cadambe, Jason Y. Wu, Genevieve. Wellner, Ken Duffy,
Muriel Médard, A signal model for forensic DNA mixtures. Asilomar Conference on Signals, Systems
and Computers, Nov. 2014. http://www.rle.mit.edu/ncrc/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/asilomar_2014.pdf
2 C. Churinsky and C. Grgicak. The Effect of Repeated Activation on Screen-Printed Carbon Electrode
Cards. ECS Transactions, 61 (26) 1-8 (2014).
3 C.M. Grgicak and J.B. Giorgi. YSZ Phase Purity and Stability in Chemically Prepared SOFC Anodes.
Proceedings of the Ninth International Symposium on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, Quebec City, Quebec,
2005-07, 1200-1209 (2005).
ABSTRACTS AND PRESENTATIONS:
1 67th Annual American Academy of Forensic Sciences Meeting – Genevieve Wellner, Kayleigh Rowan,
Kevin Hu, Catherine M. Grgicak. Developing a Dynamic Model of the DNA Laboratory Process to
Characterize the Sources of Uncertainty in DNA Signal: Applications to Forensic DNA Education,
Training and Validation. (February 2015).
2 67th Annual American Academy of Forensic Sciences Meeting – Lauren Alfonse, Harish Swaminathan,
Desmond S. Lun, Muriel Medard, Catherine M. Grgicak. Exploring the Impact of DNA Template
Mass on the Ability to Infer the Number of Contributors using Three Interpretation Methods.
(February 2015)
3 American Society of Human Genetics. Lauren E. Alfonse, Harish Swaminathan, Desmond S. Lun,
Muriel Medard, Catherine M. Grgicak. Determining the Number of Contributors from Complex
DNA Mixtures: Effects of Template Mass and Complexity on the Ability to Correctly Identify the
Number of Contributors. (October 2014)
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4 California Association of Criminalistics DNA Workshop. H. Swaminathan, S. Norsworthy, G. Wellner,
K. Rowan, D.S. Lun, M. Medard and Catherine M. Grgicak. NOCIt: A tool for Determining the
Number of Contributors from Complex DNA Mixtures. (May 2014).
5 66th Annual American Academy of Forensic Sciences Meeting – Sarah Norsworthy, Desmond S. Lun,
Harish Swaminathan, Muriel Medard and Catherine M. Grgicak. Characterizing Rates of Allelic
Dropout and the Impact on Estimating the Number of Contributors. (February 2014).
6 25th International Symposium on Human Identification – Kayleigh Rowan, Genevieve Wellner,
Desmond S. Lun, Muriel Medard and Catherine M. Grgicak. Characterization of the Sources of
Peak Height Uncertainty Resulting from Ordinary Alterations During Forensic DNA Processing:
Examining Validation Schemes for the Calibration of NOCIt. (October 2013)
7 25th International Symposium on Human Identification – Harish Swaminathan, Catherine M. Grgicak,
Muriel Medard and Desmond S. Lun. NOCIt: A High-Accuracy Computational Method for
Determining the Number of Contributors in an STR DNA Profile. (September 2013).
8 39th Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists – Michael C. Cicero and Catherine M. Grgicak.
Examination into the Applicability and Stability of a Single External Calibrator for Forensic DNA
Quantification. (September 2013)
9 39th Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists – Harish Swaminathan, Catherine M. Grgicak,
Muriel Medard and Desmond S. Lun. NOCIt: A Computational Tool to Infer the Number of
Contributors to a Forensic DNA Samples. (September 2013).
10 65th Annual American Academy of Forensic Sciences Meeting – Jacob Gordon, Robin W. Cotton and
Catherine M. Grgicak. Error Tradeoffs in Human Identity Comparisons: Determining a Complexity
Threshold and Exclusion Criteria for DNA Mixture Interpretation. (February 2013)
11 65th Annual American Academy of Forensic Sciences Meeting – Christine A. Rakay, Joli Bregu, Cheng-
Tsung Hu, Catherine M. Grgicak. Maximizing Allele Detection by Selecting Optimal Analytical
Thresholds. (February 2013).
12 38th Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists – Amanda Garrett, David Patlak, Amy Brodeur, and
Catherine M. Grgicak. Improving DNA Evidence Collection via Quantitative Analysis: A Systems
Approach. (November 2012)
13 38th Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists – David Patlak, Amanda Garrett, Catherine M.
Grgicak, and Amy Brodeur. Evaluation of Wet Vacuum Collection versus Traditional Methods for
Collection of Biological Crime Scene Samples. (November 2012)
14 64th Annual American Academy of Forensic Sciences Meeting – Jessica Shea, B.S., Amy Brodeur,
M.F.S. and Catherine M. Grgicak. – Development of Streptavidin-Biotin binding Methods for DNA
Amplicons: Methods for the Typing and Re-typing of Forensically Relevant Short Tandem Repeats.
(February 2012)
15 63rd Annual American Academy of Forensic Sciences Meeting - Joli Bregu, B.S., Elisse R. Coronado,
M.S., Danielle Conklin, M.S., Robin W. Cotton, Ph.D., Catherine M. Grgicak, Ph.D. - Minimum
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Distinguishable Signals and Limits of Detection: Applications of Uncertainty in Analytical
Measurement in Determination of an RFU Threshold for Forensic DNA Analysis. (February 2011)
16 63rd Annual American Academy of Forensic Sciences Meeting - Jonathon S. Dunn, Ruiyi Ren, Robin
W. Cotton and Catherine M. Grgicak. Effects of Degradation on Single-Source and Mixture Profiles
Generated Using Traditional and Mini- STRs. (February 2011)
17 63rd Annual American Academy of Forensic Sciences Meeting – Elyse Cooper, Robin Cotton and
Catherine M. Grgicak - Differential Extraction Conditions: Effects of Dehydration on DNA Mixture
Quantification and Amplification. (February 2011)
18 63rd Annual American Academy of Forensic Sciences Meeting – Jackson Jeong, Catherine M. Grgicak
and Robin W. Cotton. Validation Studies of Allele Drop-out and Heterozygote Peak Imbalance of
Single and Mixture Profiles Generated with AmpFlSTR® Identifiler PCR Amplfication Kit and
Analyzed with GeneMapper® ID-X. (February 2011)
19 36th Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists – Katie Webster, Amy Brodeur, Blake Gilmore and
Catherine M. Grgicak. Effects of Sodium Chloride Concentration and Temperature on Corrosion:
Understanding Material Interactions in Aqueous Environments. (November 2010)
20 36th Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists - Crystal Simson-Oechsle, Amy L. Barber; Sandra
Haddad; Joanne B. Sgueglia and Catherine M. Grgicak. A Comparative Study of Biological Fluid
Identification Methods: Lateral Flow Immunochromatographic Test Strips and Real-Time PCR
Quantitation using Quantifiler® Duo (November 2010)
21 36th Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists - Catherine Grgicak, Catherine Hennekens and
Robin W. Cotton. Differential Extraction Conditions and the Premature Lysis of Spermatozoa:
Effects on DNA Mixture Quantification and Amplification. (November 2010)
22 62nd Annual American Academy of Forensic Sciences Meeting Young Forensic Scientists Forum –
Catherine M. Grgicak, Catherine M. Hennekens and Robin W. Cotton. Differential Extraction
Conditions and the Premature Lysis of Spermatozoa: Effects on DNA Mixture Quantification and
Amplification. (February 2010)
23 35th Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists - Catherine Grgicak, Ruiyi Ren, Zena Urban,
Catherine Hennekens, Laura Flint and Robin W. Cotton. Investigation of Reproducibility and Error
Associated with qPCR Methods using Quantifiler Duo DNA Quantification Kit. (November 2009)
24 215th Electrochemical Society Meeting, – Julie S. O’Brien, Catherine M. Grgicak and Javier B. Giorgi.
Bimetallic Cermet Anode Materials for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Showing Sulfur Tolerance:
Electrochemical Performance and Metallic Species Characterization. (May 2009)
25 61st Annual American Academy of Forensic Sciences Meeting Young Forensic Scientists Forum – Sarah
Phillips, Catherine M. Grgicak and Robin W. Cotton. A Comparative Study of DNA Extraction
Methodologies: Variation in DNA Yield and Effects on Downstream PCR Analysis. (February 2009)
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26 19th International Symposium on Human Identification – Catherine M. Grgicak and Robin W. Cotton.
Investigation of Reproducibility and Error Associated with Real Time Quantitative PCR Methods.
(October 2008)
27 34th Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists – Elisse Ruiz, Catherine M. Grgicak, Robin W.
Cotton. Amplification Reproducibility of Profiles Generated Using IdentifilerTM and MiniFilerTM
PCR Amplification Kits: Effects on Mixture Interpretation. (October 2008)
28 213th Electrochemical Society Meeting – Julie S. O’Brien, Catherine M. Grgicak and Javier B. Giorgi.
Performance of NiCo-YSZ Cermet Anodes: The Relationship between Microstructure, Impedance
Measurements, and Mechanism Elucidation. (May 2008)
29 19th Canadian Symposium on Catalysis – Catherine M. Grgicak and Javier B. Giorgi. Control of
Microstructure, Sinterability and Performance in Co-precipitated Ni-YSZ, Cu-YSZ and Co-YSZ
SOFC Anodes. (May 2006)
30 89th Canadian Chemistry Conference - Carl Poulin, Matthew Brown, Marc Duschesne, Yameli Wasslen,
Grgicak C., Keith Fagnou and Javier B. Giorgi. Synthesis, Characterization and Reactivity of
Mesoporous Palladium/Yttria-Stabilized-Zirconia for Gas and Solution Phase Reactions. (May
2006)
31 9th International Symposium on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC-IX) – Catherine M. Grgicak and Javier
B. Giorgi. YSZ Phase Purity and Stability in Chemically Prepared SOFC Anodes. (May 2005)
32 18th Canadian Symposium on Catalysis – Catherine M. Grgicak and Javier B. Giorgi. The Effects of
Synthesis Parameters in Controlling Microstructure and Sinterability in Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Anodes. (May 2004)
33 5th Annual Cambridge Healthtech Meeting on DNA Forensics - Cynthia Zimmerman, David Sipes,
Catherine Grgicak, Dana Savage, Jennifer E. Reynolds. Robotic DNA Processing of Evidentiary
Samples: Limitations and Advantages. (June 2002)
34 54th Annual American Academy of Forensic Sciences Meeting - Robin W. Cotton, Jennifer E. Reynolds,
Jodi E. Kriss, Lewis O. Maddox, Leslie Rosier, Catherine M. Grgicak, Brian Matibag; Christopher
Knickerbocker. Variation Observed in Amplification Levels of Mixture Components Using Large
STR Multiplex Systems. (February 2002)
35 54th Annual American Academy of Forensic Sciences Meeting - Catherine M. Grgicak, et al. Relative
Sensitivity Comparison Between ABI Fluorescent Detection Instruments Using Data From Large
Scale No-Suspect Casework. (February 2002)
36 The Young Forensic Scientists Forum Newsletter, American Academy of Forensic Sciences - Dan
Baker, Andrea Broussard, Catherine Grgicak, Jason Linville, Steven O’Dell, Chris Springer and
Dana Wagner, Write a Resume, Find an Internship, Get a Job. (July 2000)