Mirna Ghemrawi, PhD, MSFS

Program Director, Forensic Biology Program
Mirna.Ghemrawi@cfsre.org

Hailing from Lebanon, Mirna pursued her BS in medical laboratory sciences on a merit scholarship from the US embassy at Haigazian University, Beirut. She was then granted the Fulbright scholarship to come to the States to do her master’s degree in Forensic and Investigative Sciences at Purdue university, Indiana. Her project involved a genetic investigation of the Lebanese population. She pursued her Ph.D. in Biochemistry-Forensic track at Florida International University before joining the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education as an Associate Director of Forensic Biology. 

Connect with me on LinkedIn.

Thomas Walsh, MSFS

Assistant Program Director, Forensic Biology Program
Thomas.Walsh@cfsre.org

Thomas Walsh received his Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Tech in Biology and Master of Science degree from Arcadia University in Forensic Science. After graduating from Arcadia University, Thomas worked for over eight years in the Forensic Biology department at NMS Labs. During this time, he held positions as a Lab Support Specialist performing DNA extractions, quantitative-PCR, PCR amplification, and DNA typing and as a Forensic Biologist performing complex evidence examination, serology testing, DNA data analysis, and interpretation, and report writing and review. He also served as the DNA Technical Leader for over two years.

Currently, Thomas is a Senior Scientist at the CFSRE. In this role, he mentors students aspiring to become forensic biologists, assists with the teaching of laboratory courses and student research projects, conducts validations on new instrumentation and maintains current instrumentation. Thomas is a certified Forensic Manager and a member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) and International Society of Forensic Genetics (ISFG).

Connect with me on LinkedIn.

Leah Nangeroni

Instructor, Forensic Biology Program
Leah.Nangeroni@cfsre.org

Leah Nangeroni received her Bachelor of Science degree from The Pennsylvania State University in Forensic Science in 2010. After graduating, Leah worked as a DNA technologist at GeneDx until 2011 where she performed PCR amplification and DNA sequencing.  From 2011-2022, she worked at the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL) both in Rockville, MD, and Dover AFB. During her 11 years at AFDIL, she held positions as a DNA technician performing quantitative-PCR and DNA typing and as a DNA Analyst performing independent casework on various sample types (bone, tissue, bloodstain cards, and swabs), to include DNA extraction, PCR amplification, DNA data analysis, and interpretation, and report writing in auSTR, Y-STR, and mtDNA technologies.

Leah is currently a Forensic Biologist III at the CFSRE.  In this role, she assists with the teaching of laboratory courses and student research projects, mentors graduate students, conducts validations on new instrumentation, conducts research, and maintains current instrumentation. Leah is also a certified Forensic ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Technical Assessor through ANAB (ANSI National Accreditation Board) and a member of the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG). 

Connect with me on LinkedIn.

Lindsay Kotchey

Instructor, Forensic Biology Program
Lindsay.Kotchey@cfsre.org

Lindsay Loughner Kotchey graduated from Duquesne University with her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology (2018) and Master of Science degree in Forensic Science and Law (2019). Starting during her graduate year, she was contracted by the Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner in Pittsburgh, PA as a Forensic Accreditation Specialist. She worked to prepare the Morgue Operations for accreditation to ISO 17020 and NAME standards. After graduation, Lindsay began working for the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory in Dover, DE. She held roles as DNA Technician and DNA Analyst during her 3.5 year tenure. As part of the Past Accounting Section, Lindsay helped to identify human remains from past military conflicts by performing independent casework on various sample types (bone, teeth), DNA extractions, PCR amplifications, NGS library preparations, DNA data analysis and interpretation, report writing in mtDNA technologies (Sanger & Next Generation Sequencing) and technical review. Lindsay has also served as a technical expert in mtDNA analysis and Next Generation Sequencing technology for external ANAB audits. Lindsay is currently a Forensic Biologist II at the CFSRE.

Connect with me on LinkedIn.