Court Filing
CHRISTIAN G. WESTRING, PH.D. CURRICULUM VITAE CONTANT INFORMATION Tel: (610) 704-3970 Email: christian.westring@gmail.com EDUCATION Ph.D. in Biology 2002-2008 Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Colorado B.S. in Biology 1999-2002 Department of Biological Sciences, Penn State University, Pennsylvania PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Executive Director, Gustav and Sons, LLC Forensic Science Services 2009-present Owner and Founder Laboratory Director, Niagara County Sheriff's Office Forensic Laboratory 2024-present Supervisor (s): Chief Deputy Rob Richards Research Associate, Purdue University Northwest 2019-2024 Supervisor (s): Curtis Creighton Director and Prof. of Practice, Purdue University Northwest Center for Crime and Forensics 2019-2024 Supervisor (s): Kenneth (Chris) Holford Laboratory Director, NMS Labs Integrated Forensic Services 2012-2018 Supervisor (s): Marlow B. Hicks DNA Technical Leader, NMS Labs 2010-2012 Supervisor: Marlow B. Hicks Serology and Trace DNA Technical Leader, University of Copenhagen 2008-2010 Supervisor (s): Camilla Lenz, Bo Simonsen STATE'S EXHIBIT exhibitsticker.com S-1 (b) CR01-24-31665 RESEARCH EXPERIENCE Purdue University NW, Hammond, IN (Director and Prof. of Practice) 2019-present Supervisor: Kenneth Holford, Ph.D. Forensic Genetics: Application, validation, and implementation of analytical and stochastic thresholds in modern DNA typing. Forensic Genetics: Validation and implementation of probabilistic genotyping and statistically based data interpretation of commercial STR kits for human identification. Forensic Genetics: Advances in the collection, preservation, and analysis of touch-DNA based evidence for human identification. Forensic Chemistry: Research and development in novel detection methods for characterizing cannabis materials and / formulations for crime laboratories and law enforcement personnel. Arcadia University, Glenside, PA (Adjunct Professor) 2011-2018 Supervisor: Barry K. Logan, Ph.D. Proteomics: Assay development for human body fluid identification and characterization in sexual assault-type evidence by mass spectrometry. Serology: Validation and implementation strategies for human body fluid identification by lateral flow (immuno-chromatography). Forensic Genetics: Advances in the collection and analysis of touch-DNA from fired cartridge cases, PCR inhibition, and downstream data interpretation. Forensic Genetics: Validation and implementation of probabilistic genotyping and statistically based data interpretation of commercial STR kits for human identification. University of Denver, Denver, CO (Assistant Director) 2009-2010 Advisor: Phillip Danielson, Ph.D. Forensic Genetics: Advances in the collection, preservation, and analysis of touch-DNA based evidence for human identification. University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen (Adjunct Faculty) 2008-2010 Advisors: Niels Morling, M.D. Ph.D. and Bo Simonsen, Ph.D. Serology: Validation and implementation strategies for the confirmatory detection of human spermatozoa from sexual assault-type evidence. University of Denver, Denver, CO (Grad. Res. Assist. Ph.D. Student) 2003-2008 Advisor: Phillip B. Danielson, Ph.D. Committee Members: Joseph Angleson, Ph.D., Christian Coughlan, Ph.D., Michael Monahan, Ph.D., and Robert Dores, Ph.D. Dissertation Title: Characterization of the Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Hypercorticism in Spawning Pacific Salmon Neuroendocrinology: Characterized the role of several key neuropeptides associated with hypothalamus-pituitary-interrenal axis function and cortisol secretion in spawning Pacific salmon. Studies compared the relationship between corticotropin releasing hormone / urotensin expression and plasma cortisol levels. Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan (Res. Assist. Visiting Scholar) 2002-2003 Advisor: Akihisa Urano, Ph.D. Neuroendocrinology: Determined the mRNA expression levels for Corticotropin releasing hormone in brain tissues from spawning and non-spawning masu salmon. Penn State University, Erie, PA (Research Assistant) 2000-2002 Advisor: David Hunnicutt. Ph.D. Microbiology: Studied potential mechanisms for bacterial gliding motility in the genus Flavobacterium and its relation to pathogenesis in aquatic organisms. TEACHING AND MENTORING Purdue University, Hammond, IN (Director and Professor) 2019-present Instructor and mentor for undergraduate and graduate level students in serology, forensic biology, human forensic genetics, and statistics. Instruction to law enforcement personnel and practitioners. Impact: 100-150 students annually. Arcadia University, Glenside, PA (Adjunct Professor) 2010-2018 Instructor and mentor for undergraduate and graduate level students in serology, forensic biology, human forensic genetics, and statistics. Instruction to law enforcement personnel and practitioners. Impact: 100-150 students annually. University of Denver, Denver, CO (Assistant Director) 2009-2010 Instructor and mentor for graduate level student in serology, forensic biology, human forensic genetics, and statistics. Impact: 10 students annually. University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen (Adjunct Faculty) 2008-2010 Instructor for university staff, graduate students, law enforcement personnel and practitioners in serology, forensic biology, and human forensic genetics: Impact: 200-300 students annually. University of Denver, Denver, CO (Graduate Teaching Assistant) 2003-2008 GTA for undergraduate biology and pre-med students in general biology SERVICE AND EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH ecology, cell and molecular biology, comparative endocrinology, genetics, human molecular biology, neuroendocrinology, forensic pathology, and journal club discussion on peer reviewed literature. Impact: 150-200 students annually. Center for Forensic Science, Research, and Education 2010-present Provided talks and instruction to public school programs on various topics related to biology and forensic genetics. University of Denver Young Scholars Program 2004-2010 Provided talks and instruction to public school programs on various topics related to biology, neuroendocrinology, and forensic genetics. Penn State University Science Outreach Program 2003-2007 Provided talks and instruction as a former student in the program to foster collegial collaboration and mentoring of undergraduate students seeking graduate level degrees in the biological sciences GRANT FUNDING (Westring as Major Contributor) " Molecular Genetics of the HPA (I) Axis ”, National Institutes of Health, (PI: Phillip Danielson), Submitted January 2001, Budget Amount = $ 131,390, Duration = 12-01-01 to 11-30-04, Funded at $ 131,390. “ A WAVE Nucleic Acid Fragment Analysis System for Research and Education ” National Science Foundation, Submitted October 2001, Budget Amount = $ 107,296, Duration = 03-01-02 to 02-28- 05, Funded at $ 107,296. “ A MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometer for Research and Education ” National Science Foundation, Submitted October 2002, Budget Amount = $ 199,250, Duration = 02-01-03 to 01-31-06, Funded at $ 119,250. East Asia Summer Institute, National Science Foundation, Submitted December 2002, Budget Amount ($ 30,000 in addition to travel and room and board for 12 weeks in Japan, Duration = 06- 01-03 to 08-30-03, " Mitochondrial DNA Analysis by Denaturing High-Performance Liquid Chromatography for the characterization and Separation of Mixtures in Forensic Samples ”, National Institute of Justice,, Submitted June, 2003, Budget Amount = $ 202,513, Duration = 09-01-03 to 05-31-05. Funded at $ 202,513 " Acquisition of a ProteomeLab PF2D System for Research and Education ” National Science Foundation, Submitted January 2004, Duration = 08-01-04 to 07-31-07. Funded at = $ 147,080 (NSF Request = $ 102,956; DU Cost Share = $ 44,124) " Mitochondrial DNA Mixture Separation and Analysis by Denaturing High Performance Liquid Chromatography ” Submitted to National Institute of Justice, Submitted March 2005, Funded at $ 254,549 (Duration = 09-01-05 to 08-31-06) " Comparative Proteome Mapping of Body Fluids in Forensics ” Beckman-Coulter ProteomeLab Collaborative Grant Program. Funded at $ 20,000 (Duration = 01-01-05 to 12-31-05) " Mitochondrial DNA Mixture Analysis by Denaturing High Performance Liquid Chromatography for the Screening of Forensic Evidence and the Fractionation of Mixtures in Forensic Samples " Submitted to National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Submitted September 2005, (Duration = 11-01-05 to 03-31-08) Funded at $ 106,686 " Isolation of Highly-Specific Protein Markers for the Identification of Biological Stains: Adapting Comparative Proteomics to Forensics ”, Submitted to National Institute of Justice, Submitted February 2006, Funded at $ 186,602 (Duration = 10-01-06 to 10-01-09) " Validation of Highly-Specific Protein Markers for the Identification of Biological Stains ", Submitted to National Institute of Justice, Submitted December 2008, Funded at $ 243,427; (Duration = 10-01-09 to 9-30-12) " Development and Testing of a Rapid Multiplex Assay for the Identification of Biological Stains ", National Institute of Justice, Funded September 2011, ($ 25,000; Duration = 01-01-12 to 12-31-12). " Developmental Validation of a High-Specificity Multiplex Assay for Human Body Fluid Identification ” National Institute of Justice, Full proposal submitted April 2012, (Duration = 10- 01-12 to 9-30-14) Funded at $ 576,428 " Validation of a Mass Spectrometry Based Serological Assay ” Department of the Army, Full proposal submitted January 2015, (Duration = 10-01-15 to 9-30-17) Funded at $ 789,298 " Evaluation and Optimization of DNA Recovery and Amplification from Bullet Cartridge Cases " Sponsored by National Institute of Justice, Federal, $ 494,630.00. (January 1, 2016-December 31, 2018). " Using Proteins to Maximize the Genetic Information Gained from Challenging Sexual Assault Evidence " Sponsored by National Institute of Justice, Federal, $ 700,000. (2023 Not Funded, 2024 Resubmission, Pending Review). " Specific Glycoprotein Analysis by Immuno-Purification Coupled High Resolution Mass Spectrometry for Vaginal Fluid Confirmation ” Sponsored by National Institute of Justice, Federal, $ 600,000. (2024 Pending Review). " Using Proteins to Maximize the Genetic Information Gained from Challenging Sexual Assault Evidence " Sponsored by National Institute of Justice, Federal, $ 800,000. (2024 Not Funded, 2025 Resubmission, Pending Review). AWARDS AND HONORS Chairs Cup Recipient, University of Denver 2005 Award given for outstanding performance in teaching, research, and community service within the Department of Biology Sciences Graduate Student Representative, University of Denver 2003-2004 Nominated position within the Department of Biological Sciences to represent the interests of the graduate student body and work directly with the biology faculty to serve on the faculty search committees. National Science Foundation Fellow, EAFS, University of Denver 2003-2004 Award given for my research efforts in the field of neuroendocrinology. PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES New York State Crime Laboratory Advisory Committee 2024-present Organization of Scientific Area Committees, NIST 2014-present Terminology Task Group Vice Chair: Westring, C. G. (2025-present) Subcommittee: Biological Data, Interpretation, and Reporting Chair: Thresholds Task group (2014-2020) Human Biology Subcommittee – Affiliate Member American Society for Crime Laboratory Directors 2012-present Board of Directors (2016-2020) Chair: International Committee American Academy of Forensic Sciences 2010-present International Society for Forensic Genetics 2008-present Congress President, ISFG 2022, Washington D.C. TECHNICAL AND SCIENTIFIC ROLES Reviewer 2014-present Forensic Science International: Genetics Reviewer 2007-present General and Comparative Endocrinology PUBLICATIONS Westring, C. G, Kopitke, E., Diegoli, T. M., Bille, T. (2025) Investigation into the Effects of Gunshot Residue on STR PCR Inhibition in DNA Testing from Firearms, 30th Congress of the International Society for Forensic Genetics, Universidade de Santiago de Compostella, pp. 665- 672, 2025. Brown, C., Westring, C., Danielson, P., Legg, K. (2024) Saliva identification in forensic samples by automated microextraction and intact mass analysis of statherin, Journal of Forensic Sciences, 2024, 00: 1-11. Butler, J., Diegoli, T., McKiernan, H., Westring, C., Proceedings of the 29th ISFG Congress, Forensic Science International: Genetics, November 27, 2022. McKiernan, H., Danielson, P., Brown, C., Signaevsky, M., Westring, C., Legg, K. (2021) Developmental validation of a multiplex proteomic assay for the identification of forensically relevant biological fluids, Forensic Science International, Vol 326, September 2021 Sudkamp, L., Gamette, M., Wickenheiser, R., Arnone, B., Forry, E., Jackson, L., Dyas, R., Burdett, L., Houlihan, B., McNair, J., Nye, J., O'Neill, S., Scanlan, T., Tessarolo, T., Westring, C., Robertson, R. (2020) ASCLD statement on volume of untested sexual assault evidence kits, Forensic Science International: Synergy, (2) 349-350. Foley, M.M., Brown, C.O., Westring, C. G., Danielson P.B., McKiernan, H.E. (2020) Effects of organic acids and common household products on the occurrence of false positive test results using immunochromatographic assays, Forensic Science International, (308) Westring, C.G., Wiuf, M., Nilsen, S.J., Fogleman, J.C, Old, J.B., Lenz, C., Reich, K.A., Morling, N. (2014) Validation of SPERM HY-LITER ™ for the Microscopic Identification of Human Spermatozoa, Forensic Science International: Genetics, (12) 161-167. Fogleman J C, Trilk S, Yackley A, Westring C, Forbes S, Lumsden T, Kunst C B. (2011) Fine Mapping of an Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Modifier Locus to a Single BAC. Webmed Central GENETICS; 2 (7): WMC002044 Komorowski, K.K., Lecaude, S.G., Westring, C.G., Danielson, P.B., Dores, R.M., (2011) Evolution of gnathostome prodynorphin and proenkephalin: Characterization of a shark proenkephalin and prodynorphin cDNAs, General and Comparative Endocrinology. Westring, C.G., Kristinsson, R., Danielson P.B. (2007) Validation of reduced-scale reaction for the Quantifiler Human DNA kit, J. of Forensic Science, Sept 52 (5): 1035-43. Westring, C.G., Ando, H., Kitahashi, T., Bhandari, R.K., Ueda H., Urano, A., Dores, R.M., Sher, A.A., Danielson, P.B. (2008) Seasonal changes in CRF-I and urotensin I transcript levels in masu salmon: correlation with cortisol secretion during spawning, Gen Comp Endo, Jan 1; 155 (1) 126- 40. INVITED TALKS AND PRESENTATIONS Westring C. (2024), Investigation into the Effects of Gunshot Residue on STR PCR Inhibition in DNA Testing from Firearms, Santiago de Compostella, Spain Westring, C. (2024), Modern Applications in Forensic DNA Testing: Crime Scene to Courtroom, Allentown Police Department (Training Academy), Allentown, Pennsylvania Westring, C. (2023), Forensic Body Fluid Identification, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana Westring, C. (2022), Advances in Forensic DNA Testing, Danish Society for Legal Medicine, Annual Symposium 2022, “ From Crime Scene to Courtroom ”, Hilleroed, Denmark Westring, C., Gill, P., Linacre, A. Diepenbroek, M., Sweeny, E., Schellberg, C., Syn, C. (2022), Blood, Sweath, and Breathroughs, International Society for Forensic Genetics, Washington D.C., USA Westring, C., Werner, M., Danielson, P. (2019), Achieving Greater Uniformity in Threshold Determinations: Recommendations for Statistical Considerations and Validation Design, International Society for Forensics Genetics, Prague, Czech Republic Westring, C. (2018), The Value of Accreditation in Managing Forensic Science Laboratories, Central America Regional Forensic Science Conference, San José, Costa Rica Westring, C. (2017), ISFG 2021 – Washington, D.C., International Society for Forensic Genetics, Seoul, Korea Westring, C. (2017), Evaluation and Optimization of Independent Forensics RSID Urine for the Presumptive Identification of Tamm-Horsfall Glycoprotein for use on Casework Samples, Green Mountain DNA Conference, Burlington, VT Westring, C. (2017), Forensic DNA Profiling in Criminal Investigations, Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA Westring, C. (2017), DNA Thresholds, Mixtures and LR Applications, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, St. Paul, MN Westring, C. (2016), Forensic DNA Profiling in Criminal Investigations, Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA Westring, C. (2016), DNA Mixtures and LR Applications, Colorado Bureau of Investigations, Denver, CO Westring, C. (2015), Ethics in Forensic Science, NMS Labs, Willow Grove, PA Westring, C. (2015), Strategies for Processing Sexual Assault Backlogs – The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, Philadelphia, PA Westring, C. (2014), Ethics in Forensic Science, NMS Labs, Willow Grove, PA Westring, C. (2014), Forensic DNA Validations – Stories from the Trenches ”, Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, Philadelphia, PA Westring, C. (2014), DNA Mixture Interpretation – Thresholds and the Application of LRs, Colorado Bureau of Investigations, Denver, CO Westring, C. (2014), Mixtures: Why are we Still Getting it Wrong? Perspectives from both Sides of the Pond, Midwestern Association of Forensic Sciences, St. Paul, MN Westring, C. (2014), Development and Testing of a Rapid Multiplex Assay for the Identification of Biological Stains, Emerging Forensic Genomic Applications, Genome ID Forum, Greenville, NC Westring, C. (2014), Sex Crimes, Arcadia University SANE Program, King of Prussia, PA Westring, C. (2013), Forensic DNA Profiling – Touch DNA: Explosives and Firearms, International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators, Conshohocken, PA Westring, C. (2013), Collecting Touch DNA Evidence – Firearms and Explosives, The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, Willow Grove, PA Westring, C. (2013), Forensic DNA Profiling in Criminal Investigations, Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA Westring, C. (2013), Forensic Biology, Forensic Mentors Institute, Willow Grove, PA Conte J, Cronin L, Sears J, Westring C., (2013), Comparison of Two Immunochromatographic Test Strips for the Detection of PSA, Proceedings of the Sixty-Fifth Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Scientists, Washington, D.C. Westring, C. (2012), Forensic Biology, Forensic Mentors Institute, Willow Grove, PA Westring, C. (2012), Forensic DNA Profiling in Criminal Investigations, Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA Westring, C. (2012), Forensic DNA Profiling in Sexual Assaults, Arcadia University, Continuing Education Workshop for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, King of Prussia, PA Westring, C. (2011), ASCLD / LAB International Internal Auditor Course, Mesa, AZ Westring, C. (2011), Courtroom Presentation Skills, The Center for Forensic Science Research Education, King of Prussia, PA Westring, C. (2011), New Laboratory Directors: Tips, Tricks, and Tactics, American Society for Crime Lab Directors Symposium, Denver, CO Westring, C. (2011), Forensic Biology, Forensic Mentors Institute, Willow Grove, PA Westring, C. (2011), DNA Mixtures: The SWGDAM Mixture Interpretation Guidelines, American Academy of Forensic Sciences Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL Westring, C. (2011), Forensic DNA Profiling in Criminal Investigations, Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA Westring, C. (2010), Improved methodologies for the collection of “ touch ” DNA in violent crimes: Implementation, Department for Forensic Medicine, Copenhagen, DK Westring, C. (2009), Applicability of Novel Methods for Analyzing Sexual Assault Evidence, National Institute for Forensic Genetics and Independent Forensics, Hillside, IL Westring, C. (2009), Novel Methods for DNA Collection in Violent Crime, National Institute for Forensic Genetics and Independent Forensics, Amsterdam, NL Westring, C. (2008), First International Congress