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Dr Nicholas Dawnay

Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences

Faculty of Science

My career to date has focussed on the development and characterisation of novel biotechnology, innovative assays and products for use in the field of forensic science. My research is multidisciplinary and covers most areas of forensic DNA testing including human and non-human identity testing, wildlife forensics and food authentication. Many of the techniques and methods I have developed are currently used by government and industry scientists at a National and International level. I am currently employed at LJMU, where I split my time between research and teaching.

I am currently supervising four PhD students in the following research areas.
1) Optimising the collection and recovery of human fingerprints and human trace DNA from illegally trafficked wildlife species. PhD candidate Alex Thomas working in collaboration with London Zoo and Edinburgh University.
2) Optimising the collection and recovery of canine DNA from worried livestock. PhD candidate Paul Riley working in collaboration with North Wales Police.
3) Developing sample screening strategies to support the provision of forensic DNA services in Gibraltar. PhD candidate Anabella De La Chica working in collaboration with Gibraltar Police and Gibraltar Health Authority.
4) Developing forensic tools to help support freshwater pearl mussel investigations in the United Kingdom. PhD candidate Matthew Lewis working in collaboration with University of the Highlands and Islands.

I am the module leader on the following three modules.
5104FSBMOL - Molecular Forensics on the Forensic Science course
7104FSBMOL - Bioanalytical Techniques on the Forensic Bioscience course
7107FSBMOL - Wildlife Forensic Science on the Forensic Bioscience course

Degrees

2003, Bangor University, United Kingdom, MSc Ecology
2002, Bangor University, United Kingdom, BSc
Bangor University, United Kingdom, PhD

Academic appointments

Senior Lecturer, LJMU, 2015 - present

Postgraduate training

Method Validation Course, United Kingdom, LGC, ? - present
Design of Experiment Course, United Kingdom, LGC, ? - present

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