Jennifer Melayes

-Lead and supervise a team of 20 personnel, training staff on standardized workflows and performance optimization. -Oversee the management and return of over 20,000 pieces annually of crime scene evidence, ensuring accurate chain of custody tracking and integrity.

-Analyze large-scale whole genome sequencing (WGS) datasets from Illumina NovaSeq platforms, improving data quality through systematic cleanup and validation pipelines. -SNP analysis using MiSeq and iScan instrumentation to identify genetic patterns and support downstream interpretation. -Validation of pipelines allowing for enhanced accuracy in complex sample interpretation.

-Perform DNA extraction, quantitation, and capillary electrophoresis for forensic casework samples, generating high-quality datasets for downstream analysis. -Operate and build logic for advanced instrumentation including Promega Maxwell, Aurora VERSA, Thermofisher Applied Biosystems Real-Time PCR Systems, and Thermofisher ABI 3500xL Genetic Analyzer. -Conduct evidence intake and screening of sensitive crime scene materials while ensuring strict chain-of-custody protocols and data integrity. -Design and optimize analytical workflows to improve DNA yield, reduce processing variability, and enhance data reliability in high-sensitivity forensic environments. -Validation and material modification experience.

-Completed validation procedures for Seratec P30/Amylase Test Cards. -Conducted research and development on DNA recovery from wood. -Managed stockroom operations, supply inventory, and intake.

-Observed pathology workflows within a histotechnology laboratory. -Maintained HIPAA-compliant documentation and quality control records. -Assisted with slide preparation including labeling, staining, and coverslipping.

-Generated and analyzed DNA datasets through extraction, quantitation, amplification, and capillary electrophoresis across diverse sample types. -Wrote protocol for transition of manual extraction to robotic extraction. -Applied analytical techniques to interpret results and identify biological patterns in both human and non-human samples. -Operated instrumentation including Qiagen EZ1 Advanced XL, Qubit 4.0 Fluorometer, QuantStudio 3 HRM PCR System, Thermofisher Proflex Thermal Cycler, and Thermofisher ABI SeqStudio Genetic Analyzer. -Conducted microsatellite analysis (CE fragment sizing) using Applied Biosystems platforms. -Completed validation of non-human DNA kits for food fraud applications, contributing to method reliability and reproducibility. -Published "Validation of Forensic Ladder for Food Fraud Purposes" in FIU Undergraduate Research Journal (FIU-URJ). -Presented at Global Forensic Science Symposium (GFJC, FIU).