Due to copyright issues, an electronic copy of the thesis must be ordered from the faculty. For the faculty to have time to process the order, the order must be received by the faculty at the latest 2 days before the public defence. Orders received later than 2 days before the defence will not be processed. After the public defence, please address any inquiries regarding the thesis to the candidate.
Trial Lecture – time and place
See Trial Lecture.
Adjudication committee
- First opponent: Professor Marielle Vennemann, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Germany
- Second opponent: Scientist Stavroulla Xenophontos, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Cyprus
- Third member and chair of the evaluation committee: Professor Susanne Dudman, University of Oslo
Chair of the Defence
Professor Lars Eide, University of Oslo
Principal Supervisor
Associate Professor Ane Elida Fonneløp, University of Oslo
Summary
Human DNA can be transferred to surfaces, individuals, disperse into the air and settle in household dust. Forensic scientists must consider the implications of DNA transfer at a crime scene, as DNA traces unrelated to a crime may be detected.
This PhD thesis investigated DNA transfer between individuals and the environment, with the aim of providing novel data, knowledge and methods to aid activity level evaluation of DNA evidence. Samples were recovered from various sources: an individual’s neck, air, dust and surfaces in indoor environments. It was demonstrated that non-self DNA accumulates on the neck over the course of 24 h.
Furthermore, novel methods were developed to collect and isolate human DNA from indoor air and dust. It was shown that DNA profiling from air and dust samples can help to identify recent and past occupants of a premises. Finally, integrating data from eDNA samples collected from surfaces, air, and dust was found to provide valuable information to assess complex DNA transfer events.
This research work advances the understanding of DNA transfer and introduces the potential use of human eDNA as an investigative tool in forensic genetics.
Additional information
Contact the research support staff.