I currently work at the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) Division of Scientific Services for the State of Connecticut as a Forensic Science Examiner 1 and the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Coordinator. My position is held under the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Grants to resolve and prevent the problem of un-submitted and partially tested SAKs throughout the state. Under the 2015 and 2017 SAKI funding, the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) has directed the testing of every un-submitted SAK in Connecticut and is in the process of testing every partially tested SAK in the state. As Site Coordinator I work with other lab personnel, Police Departments throughout the state, the State’s Attorney’s Office, Nurse Examiners/Hospital personnel and Victim advocacy groups to collect all data pertinent to generating performance measures and review the data to ensure the goals of the project are being met and all implemented policies and procedures are being followed appropriately. Part of my position is to ensure that the Public Acts put in place surrounding the testing and submission of SAKs are being upheld, this includes monitoring the software (UPS Trackpad) that was developed to track all SAKs in the state through their testing process to their final disposition, as well as monitoring the workflow for cases submitted to the lab to ensure they are meeting their mandated turn-around-time.

During my time at Syracuse University I was lucky enough to work under the supervision of Mike Marciano, during which time I learned how to write grants, eloquently present data in a professional and learning environment, manage my time, conduct both bench-work and analytical reviews, train others and develop a work ethic that has driven me to where I am now. Because of the skills I learned working in my graduate research lab I have been able to co-write and win the 2019 SAKI Grant Award, allowing my project to work on genealogy testing and the testing of secondary bulk items in unsolved cases. One of the biggest things that my time at Syracuse University taught me was the importance of being able to articulate the work I was doing, and use that expertise to teach others. Professor Kevin Sweder trusted me during several classes to share my research work with fellow students and to explain the techniques behind the data. Being able to teach others, both in class and privately, helped prepare me for court testimony and for future working presentations. Because of that experience and my exposure to professional working relationships, I currently sit on the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Working Group and have presented at several trainings and conferences.

Danielle Lindgren '14, G'15