Gracie
Flake

Lab Skills: Evidence handling, Screening (Microscopy & ALS), Presumptive tests (KM, HemaTrace, BCIP, AP spot, p30, Christmas Tree Stain, RSID), Report Writing

• Received full serology training with verbal, written, and practical competency across all modules: Evidence Handling, Screening, Blood, Amylase, Semen, and Mock Court Testimony.
• Perform visual, microscopic, and serological testing on items of evidence related to police investigations.
• Write serology reports summarizing laboratory findings and analyses for forensic casework.
• Currently undergoing DNA training including extraction, quantitation via RT-PCR, PCR amplification, and DNA typing using Capillary Electrophoresis.

Lab Skills: Qiagen EZ1 extraction, PCR, qPCR, Kastle Meyer, O-tol, RSID, Microscopy, Photography

• Became familiar with serology/DNA lab protocols, safety precautions, and proper clean techniques for bench setup and materials handling.
• Assisted one serologist and one DNA analyst in completing two formal validation studies.
• Validation Study 1: Liquid extractions of alpha-amylase from saliva, RSID testing, photography; prepared diluted saliva samples and performed DNA extractions, quantification, and amplification.
• Validation Study 2: Created blood dilution stains on fabric, treated with BlueStar reagent; performed Kastle Meyer, Ortho-tolidine testing, and DNA extractions over multiple time markers.

Lab Skills: Qiagen DNeasy extraction, Invitrogen Trizol RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, Gel Electrophoresis, Microscopy

• Completed 4 independent research projects across forensic entomology, genetics, and botany.
• Achieved NCUIRE Research Assistant (×2) and NCUIRE Research Scholar designations.
• Presented research at 7+ conferences including the Entomological Society of America (national) and AAFS.
• Contributed to peer-reviewed publication and a CRC Press book chapter.