In the Media
Forensic Colleges: Ask the Expert
Claire Glynn, professor of forensic science and director of the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Genetic Genealogy, comments on careers in forensic science and forensic genealogy.
Claire L. Glynn, Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Certificate in Forensic Genetic Genealogy
Forensic Science Department
Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences
Education
Ph.D., Cancer Research/Surgery, National University of Ireland Galway, School of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences.
B.S., Pharmaceutical and Forensic Science, Technological University of the Shannon (formerly named Limerick Institute of Technology), Department of Applied Sciences.
B.A., Psychology, Sociology, and Politics, National University of Ireland Galway
About Claire
Dr. Glynn previously worked as a forensic scientist at Eurofins Forensic Services (formerly named LGC Forensics) in Oxfordshire, England. Eurofins Forensic Services is one of the United Kingdom’s leading forensic science providers for the UK’s police forces. Dr. Glynn worked in the forensic biology department, within the homicide and sexual assaults team, which has investigated some of the UK’s most high-profile crimes.
See MoreFor her Doctoral degree, Dr. Glynn chose to pursue cancer research, specifically breast cancer, as she wanted her research to be truly impactful, translational, and patient-oriented. The research team that Dr. Glynn worked with is world-renowned in the field of breast cancer research. Her research focused on developing novel biomarkers (microRNAs) for disease diagnosis and treatment. The molecular profiling skills she learned throughout her Ph.D. research are now being researched and applied to forensic applications for the identification of forensically relevant body fluids.
Dr. Glynn, who joined the University of New Haven in 2014, teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses in forensic science, focused on forensic biology, forensic DNA analysis, and Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG). Her research interests are focused on FGG, and the broad range of applications for this novel investigatory tool. This includes investigating the effects of degraded samples and novel technologies, establishing best practices, the international feasibility of this tool, historical applications, and ethical considerations, to name just a few. Her other research interests include Rapid DNA analysis, RNA (mRNA and miRNA) analysis, Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNPs) applications, and DNA Methylation markers.
Dr. Glynn is the founding Director of the University of New Haven’s online Graduate Certificate in Forensic Genetic Genealogy, and she actively consults and provides subject matter expertise on the topic to law enforcement agencies, both nationally and internationally.
Dr. Glynn was awarded the University of New Haven’s Faculty Excellence in Research and Creative Activity in 2017. She also was designated a University Research Scholar for 2017-2020. Lastly, Dr. Glynn was named one of Connecticut’s “40 under 40” for the Class of 2022 by Connecticut Magazine.
Recently Published Articles
Glynn CL. Potential applications of microRNA profiling to forensic investigations. RNA (New York, N.Y.). 2020 Jan;26(1):1-9. DOI: 10.1261/rna.072173.119.
Moloney, B.M., Gilligan, K.E., Joyce, D.P., O’Neill, C.P., O’Brien, K.P., Khan, S., Glynn, C.L., Waldron, R.M., Maguire, C.M., Holian, E., Naughton, E., Elhadi, M., Grealish, A.B., Malone, C., McDermott, E., Dockery, P., Ritter, T., Prina-Mello, A., Kerin, M.J., Dwyer, R.M. Investigating the Potential and Pitfalls of EV-Encapsulated MicroRNAs as Circulating Biomarkers of Breast Cancer. Cells 2020, 9, 141.
O’Leary, K, Glynn, CL. (2018) Investigating the extraction and amplification of microRNAs for the identification of forensically relevant body fluids. microRNA. DOI : 10.2174/2211536607666180430153821
O'Brien KP, Khan S, Gilligan KE, Zafar H, Lalor P, Glynn C, O'Flatharta C, Ingoldsby H, Dockery P, De Bhulbh A, Schweber JR, St John K, Leahy M, Murphy JM, Gallagher WM, O'Brien T, Kerin MJ, Dwyer RM (2018) Employing mesenchymal stem cells to support tumor-targeted delivery of extracellular vesicle (EV)-encapsulated microRNA-379. Oncogene-Nature. doi:10.1038/s41388-017-0116-9
Schlagetter, T., Kammrath, B., Glynn, CL. (2017). The Use of Raman Spectroscopy for the Identification of Forensically Relevant Body Fluid Stains. Spectroscopy, 32 (12): 19-22
See MoreHartley G, Glynn CL (2017) A Comparative Analysis of Protein and Peroxidase Blood Enhancement Reagents Following Laundering and their Impact on DNA Recovery. Journal of Forensic Research and Analysis, 1(1): 1-5
Schlagetter T and Glynn CL. The Effect of Fabric Type and Laundering Conditions on the Detection of Semen Stains. International Journal of Forensic Sciences, 2(2): 1-5.
Clancy, C., Khan, S., Glynn, CL., Holian, E., Dockery, P., Lalor, P., Brown, J., Joyce, MR., Kerin MJ., Dwyer, RM. (2016). Screening of exosomal microRNAs from colorectal cancer cells. Cancer Biomarkers, 17(4): 427-435.
Waters PS, Dwyer RM, Brougham C, Glynn CL, Wall D, Hyland P, Duignan M, McLoughlin M, Newell J, Kerin MJ. (2015) Impact of tumour epithelial subtype on circulating microRNAs in breast cancer patients. PloS one. 2014;9(3):e90605.
Glynn CL, Khan, Sonja, Kerin, Michael J., Dwyer, Roisin M. (2013) Isolation of secreted microRNAs (miRNAs) from Cell-conditioned Media. MicroRNA. 2013;2(1):14-9.
Courses Taught
- FORS 2216 Introduction to Forensic Science I
- FORS 4403 Forensic Biology with Lab
- FORS 4455 International Perspectives of the Forensic Science Industry
- FORS 6620 Advanced Criminalistics I
- FORS 6621 Advanced Criminalistics I Laboratory
In the Media
In the Media
CNN: Workers found human bones by Hoover Dam in 2009. 15 years later, officials identified the John Doe
Claire Glynn, professor of forensic science and director of the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Genetic Genealogy, had her study, Bridging Disciplines to Form a New One: The Emergence of Forensic Genetic Genealogy referenced, as forensic genetic genealogy has become a leading tool in identifying unknown victims.
In the Media
Jack Reed United States Senator for Rhode Island: Rhode Island to Receive $500,000 to Improve DNA Evidence Processing & Bring Justice to Victims of Cold Cases
Claire Glynn, professor of forensic science and director of the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Genetic Genealogy, is training employees from Rhode Island’s Cold Case Unit for investigations that can be solved with the application of modern DNA analysis.
In the Media
CT Insider: Dozens of CT remains have been unidentified for decades. Why crowdfunding is needed for DNA match.
Claire Glynn, professor of forensic science and director of the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Genetic Genealogy, comments that funding to identify the remains of missing persons should become a priority in Connecticut.
In the Media
The Day: Woman in 50-year-old Ledyard murder case identified
Claire Glynn, professor of forensic science and director of the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Genetic Genealogy, comments on forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG). She helped train the investigator who helped solve a murder case dating back 50 years.
In the Media
CT Mirror: Rapid DNA tests speed up investigations for Connecticut police
Claire Glynn, professor of forensic science and director of the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Genetic Genealogy, discusses why Rapid DNA tests have become useful to law enforcement investigations for identification.
In the Media
NBC Connecticut Live:Inside the Troconis Trial: Feb. 6, 2024 - DNA Analysis
Claire Glynn, professor of forensic science and director of the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Genetic Genealogy, discusses the forensic evidence in the trial of Michelle Troconis, whose DNA was found on some of the garbage bags that video cameras captured Fotis Dulos throwing out in West Hartford. The video starts at 17:13 with Dr. Glynn.
In the Media
The Agenda with Steve Paikin: How Is Forensic Genomics Used to Solve Cold Cases?
Claire Glynn, professor of forensic science and director of the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Genetic Genealogy, discusses how companies operating recreational genealogy platforms can consent to release DNA information to law enforcement to help solve cold cases.
In the Media
Eyewitness News 3 WFSB: DNA Detectives: Solving decades-old mysteries with forensic genealogy
Claire Glynn, associate professor and director of the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Genetic Genealogy, discusses how Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy technology has enhanced DNA analysis to aid in solving cold cases of unidentifiable human remains.
In the Media
InvestigateTV+: Science Solving Mysteries
Claire Glynn, associate professor and director of the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Genetic Genealogy, discusses how DNA and FIGG (forensic investigative generic genealogy) technology can assist police in solving cold cases of unidentified remains.
In the Media
Wired: DNA Drives Help Identify Missing People. It’s a Privacy Nightmare
Claire Glynn, professor of forensic science, discusses an event she helped plan with the Connecticut State Police in which family members of missing people were invited to submit DNA samples to the Combined DNA Index System, or CODIS.
In the Media
The Boston Globe: Law enforcement hopes that your free ‘DNA Drive Day’ genealogy test will help solve a cold case
Claire Glynn, associate professor, and director of the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Genetic Genealogy, discusses a first-of-its-kind DNA sample event in Newton, Massachusetts, that may help to solve cold cases of missing family members.
In the Media
Middlesex County District Attorney's Office Press Release: District Attorney Ryan Retains Internationally Recognized Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) Expert
Claire Glynn, associate professor and director of the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Genetic Genealogy, will join the Office of Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan in a newly created role to work with investigators to identify cases for utilizing FIGG technology to solve crimes.
In the Media
Billings Gazette: Wisconsin man's murder remains Carbon County mystery 46 years later
Claire Glynn, associate professor and director of the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Genetic Genealogy, comments on the discovery of bones found in a glacier-carved valley and the challenges of extracting DNA for identification.
In the Media
New Haven Register: Advanced methods could help solve 33-year Westport cold case
Claire Glynn, associate professor and director of the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Genetic Genealogy, says hundreds of cold cases are using forensic DNA profiling to solve crimes.
In the Media
The New York Times: Man Pleads Guilty to 1973 Murder of a Stanford Law Librarian
Claire Glynn, associate professor and director of the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Genetic Genealogy, discusses how DNA databases are being used to match evidence in murder cases to help solve violent crimes, even if they are 50 years old.
In the Media
Insider: How authorities identified the Idaho killings suspect using public genealogy data
Claire Glynn, associate professor of forensic science and director of the graduate certificate in Forensic Genetic Genealogy, discusses how authorities use DNA to identify suspects in crimes, such as in the case of Bryan Kohberger, who’s DNA matched a knife sheath found at the crime scene in Moscow, Idaho.
In the Media
Florida Sun Sentential: Mystery solved: Arrest made in death of newborn whose body was found off Boynton Beach inlet
Claire Glynn, associate professor of forensic science and director of the graduate certificate in Forensic Genetic Genealogy, discusses how law enforcement agencies use genealogy websites to find matches in DNA samples to help solve cold cases.
In the Media
The Agenda: How Is Forensic Genomics Used to Solve Cold Cases?
Claire Glynn, associate professor of forensic science and director of the graduate certificate in Forensic Genetic Genealogy, discusses the ethics of sharing genetic data online from consumer DNA test kits.
In the Media
News 8 WTNH: Connecticut man found guilty in 36-year-old kidnapping cases
Claire Glynn, associate professor and director of the graduate certificate in Forensic Genetic Genealogy, discusses the advances of forensic DNA technology helping to solve decades old cold-case crimes.
In the Media
Daily Magazine: Can a new method to study DNA solve give a name to the 'Lady of the Dunes'
Claire Glynn, associate professor and director of the graduate certificate in Forensic Genetic Genealogy, comments on the advancement of SNP profiles in public databases that lead to solving cold case murders.
In the Media
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: University of New Haven Alumni Launches Investigative Genetic Genealogy Company
Claire Glynn, associate professor and director of the graduate certificate in Forensic Genetic Genealogy, comments on three students who graduated from the FGG certificate program, Erin Hanson, Lisa Needler, and Nancy Landini, and started a woman-owned business for the identification of remains from crime scenes and investigations of missing persons, IGGnite DNA.
In the Media
Genealogy Gems: Podcast Episode 267 How to Become a Forensic Genealogist
Claire Glynn, associate professor and research coordinator of forensic science, talks about forensic science and opportunities in the investigative genetic genealogy field.
In the Media
Connecticut Magazine: 40 Under 40: The Class of 2022
Claire Glynn, associate professor and research coordinator of forensic science, has been named to Connecticut Magazine’s latest list of “40 under 40” to watch for their talent and innovation.
In the Media
Family Tree: Becoming a Forensic Genealogist — An Interview with Dr. Claire Glynn
Claire Glynn, associate professor and research coordinator of forensic science, talks about a new program that trains participants on how to apply genetic and traditional genealogy to forensic investigations.
In the Media
Liverpool City Champion: Your DNA could be hiding a killer family secret
Claire Glynn, associate professor of forensic science, taught a six-month online forensic genetic genealogy course to researchers from around the world.
In the Media
News Chant: Restoring names to the nameless
Claire Glynn, associate professor and research coordinator of forensic science, and her graduate students assisted in identifying the remains of a person who disappeared in 2017 as part of the DNA Doe Project.
In the Media
Cape Cod Times: Buried treasure: Pirate bones found in Whydah debris off Cape Cod
Tim Palmbach, chair of forensic science, Claire Glynn, associate professor of forensic science, and David San Pietro, associate professor of forensic science, will be identifying remains found in the Whydah shipwreck.
In the Media
Boston Herald: Remains of at least six pirates found in 1717 Whydah shipwreck off Cape Cod
Tim Palmbach, chair of forensic science, Claire Glynn, associate professor of forensic science, and David San Pietro, associate professor of forensic science, will be working again with the Whydah Pirate Museum on identifying remains recently unearthed in a shipwreck off Cape Cod.
In the Media
Cape Cod Times: New look at old ‘Lady of the Dunes’ mystery
Claire Glynn, assistant professor of forensic science, talks about the big shift that using SNP profiles for ancestry research is.