Welcome  to this quarter’s issue of the DDC Link! Through this newsletter, we hope to offer valuable information about DNA forensic testing that may help you with your forensic cases.

This issue's articles include:

• DNA Testing Holds Promise of Justice
• Featured Staff – Jessica York
• DDC's Laboratory Accreditations

We welcome your feedback regarding our newsletter. If you have any questions or comments, please send us an email or give us a call using the contact information listed to the left.

We hope you enjoy this edition of the DDC Link!

Dr. Michael Baird
Laboratory Director

Featured Staff  | Jessica York

Jessica York is our most recent addition to the Forensic Department at DNA Diagnostics Center. Jessica has been with DDC for over a year working in our paternity division as a DNA Laboratory Technician. Her responsibilities included the extraction and testing of DNA for paternity, adoption, and immigration cases. In addition, she was also trained to extract DNA from unusual or difficult samples.

Prior to DDC, Jessica worked for a regional medical center as a biology assistant and phlebotomist, where she was involved in the process of plating and monitoring various biological specimens. As a certified Drug Screening Technician for the Kentucky Department of Transportation, Jessica is accustomed to testifying in a court of law.

Now serving as a Forensic DNA analyst, Jessica will be involved with casework involving evidence examination, extraction of DNA, and serological testing. Her background in paternity, biology, and phlebotomy will be a beneficial addition to the department. Jessica will complete a rigorous six-month training and testing program that DDC requires all analysts to complete before casework can begin.
   
Jessica graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a minor in Integrated Science from Morehead State University. In addition, Jessica was a member of Phi Sigma Pi National Honors Fraternity.

DDC participates in the following accreditation programs:

	ASCLD/LAB-International | American Society of Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board-International
	AABB | Formerly the American Association of Blood Banks
	CAP | College of American Pathologists
	CLIA | Clinical Laboratories Improvement Act
	NYSDOH | New York State Department of Health

DDC has achieved perfect ratings in its past 13 laboratory inspections.