Forensic DNA Laboratory

The School of Forensic Sciences located on the OSU Center for Health Sciences (OSU-CHS) campus desires to equip an exemplary DNA laboratory to provide a state-of-the-art training environment for the preparation of DNA scientists as well as to assist local and state law enforcement agencies in the processing of DNA evidence. The recapitalized DNA laboratory would be located within the OSU School of Forensic Sciences facility and would be staffed by OSU-CHS DNA scientists. The DNA laboratory staff from the Tulsa Police Department (TPD) would also have access to the facility as they are located within the same building and also serve as teaching faculty within the School of Forensic Sciences. Additionally, the laboratory facility will be utilized to provide investigative and scientific support for the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office Cold Case Unit. The synergy of this request is that the equipment will be leveraged by the utilization of existing scientific resources within OSU-CHS. DNA scientists within the School of Forensic Sciences will provide professional services to process DNA evidence in cold cases. Additionally, post-doctoral fellows and PhD students will be available to assist the DNA scientific staff, gaining valuable experience in a forensic laboratory setting. The request for equipment includes two genetic analyzers, a high complexity genetic sequencer and an automated DNA/RNA extraction system. The Principal Investigator (PI) has over 42 years of experience as a university administrator and has served as both Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of OSU-CHS, managing budgets in excess of $250 million annually. The PI will oversee the purchase of equipment in accordance with and pursuant to all OSU purchasing rules and guidelines. OSU-CHS will be contributing the efforts of the PI with no allocations to or expenditure of grant funds. The Director of the OSU-CHS Forensic Laboratory, will oversee the installation and validation of the purchased equipment. The Director has over 20 years of experience as a DNA scientist and Molecular Biologist. OSU-CHS will be contributing the efforts of the Director with no allocations to or expenditure of grant funds. Given that the project consists entirely of equipment recapitalization, the primary measure of successful performance of the project will be the timely purchase, installation and validation of the laboratory equipment by December 28, 2023.