Jack Ballantyne
Forensic Biochemistry and Genetics

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Professor of Chemistry Associate Director for Research, NCFS Ph.D. (Genetics), State University of New York Phone: 407-823-0163 E-mail: jballant@mail.ucf.edu View Full Curriculum Vita (1999- ), Member, DOD Quality Assurance Oversight Committee (1995- ), Chair, New York State DNA Sub-committee (1995- ), Regular guest, FBI Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods Former member, DNA Advisory Board Former member, World Trade Center Kinship and Data Analysis Panel (KADAP)

Research

The goal of my laboratory is to conduct pure and applied research to improve the capacities and capabilities of bio-molecular forensic scientists to either associate an individual with, or exclude falsely accused individuals from, a particular crime. My research areas include the development of novel Y chromosome genetic markers, the assessment and in vitro repair of DNA damage, tissue source identification by RNA expression profiling, the determination of individual physical characteristics by DNA typing and 'smart' single cell or low copy number analysis.

	Y-Chromosome STR (Y-STR) in Operational Use: Speedy Rape Kit Analysis We have developed the capability of typing 19 Y-STR loci in two multiplex systems, MPI and MPII, and have completed a full SWGDAM developmental validation of the MPI and MPII systems.
	Detection of RNA Expression in Biological Stains In the mess and confusion of a crime scene, the origin of a particular stain is not always apparent. Until recently all body-fluid identification testing was expensive, time-consuming, and labor-intensive. Now stains can be discerned quickly, accurately, and efficiently using mRNA analysis.
	Low Copy Number (LCN) Analysis This project is concerned with the investigation of potential strategies for analyzing samples containing low copy number (LCN) DNA templates. We are investigating ways that the DNA template could be DNA profiled, including whole genome amplification and single cell methods.
	In Vitro Repair of Damaged DNA The aims of this project are to ascertain the types of DNA damage encountered in forensically relevant stains and to attempt to repair such damage by means of in vitro DNA repair systems.
	Forensic Biometrics The purpose of this project is to determine, from DNA/RNA, the physical characteristics from an individual depositing a particular biological stain at a crime scene.

Selected Publications

1. Characterization of UVC-Induced DNA Damage in Physiological Stains: Forensic Implications. Hall, A. and Ballantyne, J. Anal Bioanal Chem 380 72-83(2004
2. Multiplex mRNA Profiling for Body Fluid Identification. Juusola, J. and Ballantyne, J. For Sci Int 152 1-12 (2005)
3. Whole Genome Amplification Strategy for Forensic Genetic Analysis Using Single or Few Cell Equivalents of Genomic DNA. Hanson, E. and Ballantyne, J. Anal Biochem 346 246-257 (2005)
4. The Identification of Newborns Using Messenger RNA Profiling Analysis. Alvarez, M. and Ballantyne, J. Anal Biochem 357 21-34 (2006)
5. mRNA Profiling for Body Fluid Identification by Multiplex Quantitative RT-PCR. Juusola, J. and Ballantyne J. J. Forensic Sci 52 (6) 1252-1262 (2007
7. Simplified Low Copy Number (LCN) DNA Analysis by Post PCR Purification. Smith, P.J. and Ballantyne, J. J. Forensic Sci 52 (4) 820-829 (2007)
8. An Ultra-High Discrimination Y Chromosome Short Tandem Repeat Multiplex DNA Typing System. Hanson, E.K. and Ballantyne, J. PLoS ONE 2(8): e688. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0000688 (2007)
9. Y-STR Profiling in Extended Interval (> 3 days) Post Coital Cervicovaginal Samples. Mayntz-Press, K.A., Sims, L.M., Hall, A. and Ballantyne J. J. Forensic Sci 53 (2) 342-348 (2008)
10. Identification of four novel developmentally regulated gamma hemoglobin mRNA isoforms. Alvarez, M. and Ballantyne, J. Exp Hematol 37 285-293 (2009)
12. Identification of Forensically Relevant Body Fluids Using a Panel of Differentially Expressed microRNAs. Hanson, E.K. and Ballantyne, J. Anal Biochem 387 303-314 (2009)
13. Changes in Dry State Hemoglobin Over Time Do Not Increase the Potential for Oxidative Damage in Dried Blood. Marrone, A. and Ballantyne,. J. PLoS ONE 4(4): e5110. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0005110 (2009)
14. A SNP melt curve assay employing an intercalating dye probe FRET for forensic analysis. Halpern, MD and Ballantyne J. Anal Biochem 391 1-10 (2009)

Graduate Students
Graduate students are normally funded by graduate teaching or research fellowships. Normally they enter the lab as matriculated students within the forensic science (M.S.), Chemistry (Ph.D.) or Biomolecular Sciences (Ph.D.) programs. All students are expected to attend national and, whenever appropriate, international scientific meetings to present the results of their research.