Jack Ballantyne
Forensic Biochemistry and Genetics

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Associate 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.
	Mitochondrial Analysis by Pyrosequencing Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis is often used in forensic cases in which traditional nuclear DNA is unsuccessful. The goal of this project is to evaluate a novel sequencing technology, pyrosequencing, for its potential applicability to forensic casework.

Selected Publications

1. Messenger RNA Profiling: A Prototype Method to Supplant Conventional Methods for Body Fluid Identification. Juusola, J. and Ballantyne J. For. Sci. Int. 135: 85-96 (2003)
2. The Development of an 18 Loci Y-STR system for Forensic Casework. Hall, A. and Ballantyne, J. Anal Bioanal Chem 376 1234-1246 (2003)
3. Novel Y-STR Typing Strategies Reveal the Genetic Profile of the Semen Donor in Extended Interval Post Coital Cervicovaginal Samples. Hall, A. and Ballantyne, J. For Sci Int 136: 58-72 (2003)
4. The Design and Characterization of a Highly Discriminating 21 Locus Y-STR System for Forensic Casework. Hanson, E. and Ballantyne, J. J Forensic Sci 49(1) 1-12 (2004)
5. Characterization of UVC-Induced DNA Damage in Physiological Stains: Forensic Implications. Hall, A. and Ballantyne, J. Anal Bioanal Chem 380: 72-83 (2004)
6. An mRNA and DNA Co-Isolation Method for Forensic Casework Samples. Alvarez, M, Juusola, J and Ballantyne, J. Anal Biochem 335: 289-298 (2004)

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.