Sarah Copeland
Curriculum Vitae
EDUCATION
Master of Science in Forensic Science – DNA Evidence
Expected September 2015
University of California, Davis Forensic Science Graduate Program
 Coursework Completed, Thesis Research in Progress: “Mitochondrial DNA Analysis of Highly
Degraded Bone Samples Using Next Generation Sequencing”
 Relevant Coursework: Human Genetics & Genomics, Forensic DNA Analysis, Non-Human
Forensic DNA, Molecular Techniques, Forensic Statistics, Quantitative Analysis, Scientific
Evidence & Courtroom Testimony, Homicide Crime Scene Investigation
Bachelor of Science in Biology – Physiology, Minor in Chemistry
January 2008
San Francisco State University
 Relevant Coursework: General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Immunology,
Genetics, Cell Biology
SKILLS
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Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) as well as nuclear DNA (nDNA) analysis
Sanger Sequencing and capillary electrophoresis
Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) including Roche 454 and Illumina MiSeq
Library preparation for both amplicon and whole genome probe capture NGS
DNA fragmentation using the Covaris M220 Focused Ultra Sonicator
Linear array mtDNA oligonucleotide probe based assays
DNA extraction from bone, buccal swabs, hair, blood, and tissue samples
PCR and Real-Time quantitative PCR
DNA quality analysis and quantification using fluorospectroscopy, gel electrophoresis, and
Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer
PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE
Forensic Technician, Mitotyping Technologies, State College, PA
March 2015 – Present
 Perform general lab duties such as restocking supplies; maintaining cleanliness standards in
labs; mixing, aliquoting, and performing quality control testing of critical reagents; maintaining
and calibrating equipment such as microscope, gel photo-documentation system, and thermal
cyclers, among others.
 Receive, log in, label, and store evidence according to lab protocols. Then, return evidence
and other sample material to outside agencies or customers after the conclusion of the case.
 Extract and amplify DNA (both nuDNA and mtDNA), perform STR analysis and/or Sanger
sequence the questioned and known evidence samples according to established lab
protocols.
 Attend internal and external training sessions and participate in required proficiency tests and
validation studies.
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Student Researcher, Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute July 2013 – March 2015
Student Researcher, UC Davis Forensic Science Center
 Performed independent research for my Master’s thesis project for the UC Davis Forensic
Science program involving Next Generation Sequencing of mtDNA from degraded bone
samples using the 454 GS Junior and Illumina MiSeq Next Generation Sequencing platforms
 Performed DNA extractions including bone and hair samples, PCR for mtDNA NGS
sequencing, qPCR TaqMan assays for mtDNA/nDNA quantification and degradation analysis,
library preparation for probe capture and PCR enrichment assays for NGS, gel
electrophoresis and bioanalyzer for PCR and NGS library quality/quantity analysis, literature
searches, and other duties as needed to assist personnel in Dr. Cassandra Calloway’s lab
with their research on nuclear and mitochondrial DNA
 Assisted Dr. Calloway in teaching a 40 instruction hour lecture and laboratory course on
mtDNA and HV+ HaploArray 5 and 10 plex linear array analysis in Croatia to Criminalists from
Rjeka and members of the Forensic Science department at the University of Split on
December 9-13, 2013.
 In January 2014, I assisted Dr. Calloway in teaching the Next Generation Sequencing portion
of the lecture and laboratory course Mitochondrial DNA Analysis and Typing for the California
Criminalistics Institute at the Jan Bashinski DNA Laboratory in Richmond, CA (~52 out of 84
total instruction hours).
POSTERS, ABSTRACTS, & PRESENTATIONS
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Laura Wilson, BS; Sarah Copeland, BS; Gloria Dimick, MS; Charity Holland, MPH; Robert
Bever, PhD; Jennifer McElhoe, PhD; Mitchell Holland, PhD. “Validation of mtDNA D-Loop
Sequencing on the MiSeq.” International Society for Applied Biological Sciences
Conference, Bol, Croatia. June 2015 (Poster)
CONFERENCES & CONTINUING EDUCATION
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International Association of Blood Pattern Analysts; October 1-4, 2013 San Diego, CA
o Workshop: Of What We Are Made (version 2): An Introduction to Basic Human Body
Tissues; October 2, 2013.
o Workshop: Forensic Pathology; October 3, 2013.
American Academy of Forensic Sciences Annual Scientific Meeting; February 18-21, 2014
Seattle, WA
Applied Biosystems 3130 Genetic Analyzer Training; March 26, 2015 State College, PA
AFFILIATIONS
Student Affiliate Member
American Academy of Forensic Sciences
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January 2014 - Present