Episode 235 | Just DNA Results in Rapid Time

Original Release Date: February 3, 2023

In episode two of our Unidentified Human Remains mini season, Just Science sat down with Neal Parsons, a Research Forensic Scientist at RTI International, to discuss how rapid DNA analysis has become an important method for identifying unknown human remains, especially in cases of mass fatality.

Rapid DNA analysis is a fully automated process of developing DNA profiles without the need for a DNA laboratory or human interpretation. Due to its quick turn-around time, rapid DNA technology has become a valuable tool that is used by law enforcement agencies, accredited crime laboratories, coroner’s offices, and the military. Listen along as Neal discusses the capabilities of rapid DNA analysis, cases in which rapid DNA analysis was used, and the importance of incorporating novel technologies within the field of forensic science.

This episode of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award #: 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU).

Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Just Science · Just DNA Results In Rapid Time

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View/Download episode transcript here: Transcript

Episode Citation

McKay, J., & Parsons, N. (2023, February 3). Just Science. Just DNA Results in Rapid Time. [Audio podcast episode]. The Forensic Technology Center of Excellence. https://forensiccoe.org/podcast-2023-human-remains-ep2/

Related Resources

FBI Guide to All Things Rapid DNA

Guest Biography

Neal Parsons is a Research Forensic Scientist at RTI International that supports interdisciplinary research initiatives which evaluate technology and policy to provide practical solutions to law enforcement, the U.S. military, and federal government organizations. He is the Project Manager and Evaluation Task Lead for the Criminal Justice Testing and Evaluation Consortium (CJTEC), a National Institute of Justice program that monitors trends and developments related to technologies, products, and practices in areas of interest to criminal justice. Before joining RTI International in 2020, Mr. Parsons worked as a Senior Subject Matter Expert at the ANDE Corporation and as a Project Manager and Research Scientist for the Bode Technology Group, a forensic DNA laboratory. Neal holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in biology and is a certified Project Management Professional.

Episode 235 | Just DNA Results in Rapid Time

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