Priscilla Alex

Crime Scene Examination

• Handled biological and trace exhibits during university laboratory sessions, collecting and storing artefacts in accordance with standard procedures.
• Maintained chain of custody throughout examination procedures, from collection to compliant return, ensuring both photographic and written documentation.

Laboratory Workflow

• Managed a DNA extraction laboratory demonstration for 22 students during an internship. Prepared samples and solutions, maintained Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), supported laboratory workflow and contributed ideas to improve procedural outcomes. This resulted in 28% of students considering laboratory-based university courses.
• Organised all activities for completion of a Master's dissertation project, including sourcing, collection and secure storage of biological samples and equipment, ensuring optimal use of laboratory resources.

Organisation and Communication

• Maintained accurate laboratory bookings and recorded activities using online booking systems and Outlook while working collaboratively with laboratory technicians across engineering and science departments.
• Provided regular progress updates to the Master's project supervisor to support operational planning of research. Escalated issues relating to risk assessment and ethical approval delays, helping minimise disruption to sample processing and project timelines.

Quality and Performance

• Took ownership of issues affecting the Master's project timeline, proactively engaging with departmental staff to identify solutions and adapt the project approach without compromising quality, accuracy, integrity or traceability.
• Completed the timely processing of 76 samples subjected to controlled burning and subsequent pXRF analysis within a two-week submission deadline, maintaining high data throughput, accuracy and quality under pressure.

Forensic Genetics Intern - Teesside University

• Conducted research on the Eld's deer, learned and utilised MEGA software to compare mt-DNA from NCBI for the identification of unknown deer species.
• Performed successful nuclear DNA extraction from deer ear tissue, resulting in high yield. Followed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), EFS Quality Manual, and adhered to quality compliances and protocols for samples to undergo Next Gen DNA sequencing.
• Trained to interpret STR data using Osiris for identification of unknown DNA, paternity testing and understanding of mixed DNA profiles.

M.Sc. Forensic Science Final Year Project: pXRF analysis of random materials for identification of osseous origin and possible species differentiation

Investigated the use of portable X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (pXRF) to differentiate osseous and non-osseous materials in a forensic fire scene context. Conducted controlled burning experiments and analysed elemental composition across biological and environmental samples. Findings confirmed pXRF as an effective preliminary screening technique for distinguishing bone-related materials and supporting forensic identification.

B.Sc. Forensic Science Final Year Project: Dyed Nano Fingerprint Powders Using Eggshells

Together with my team, used simple top-down approach - grinding for preparation of dyed nano-powders using eggshells, aiming to create an effective fingerprint duster that was inexpensive yet effective on non-porous and semi-porous surfaces, based on testing research during 40-day internship at Sherlock Institute of Forensic Science.

References available upon request.