Research in Forensic Science

Forensic Science Research at the University of New Haven reflects the breadth of its faculty, who are also renowned subject matter experts. Starting with technologies used at the incident scene and reconstructive applications, through the laboratory-based disciplines, and incorporating novel technologies such as nucleic acid imaging and forensic investigative genetic genealogy, faculty research impacts foundational understanding, operational practices, investigative clearance rates, and informs policy.

Data Integrity & Quality Management

Data integrity and data authentication are critical components of 21st century quality management. Comprehensive systems-level investigation of elements and their relationships, including research and evaluation of existing and novel technologies. For analytical science, instrumental data provide the foundation for all downstream analyses. Research work focused on DNA instrument data identified a cybersecurity vulnerability that was characterized, evaluated, and formally reported. The results of those findings and supportive documentation to aid stakeholders following public disclosure are provided with links to the affected the product vendor information and associates regulatory reports.

The Ming and Eva Hsieh Forensic DNA Laboratory at the University of New Haven is donor funded.

The DNAForge Vulnerability

The University of New Haven is a contributor to the reported DNAForge Vulnerability and continued efforts to disseminate the findings following coordinated disclosure.

• Webinar Slide Deck
  • Webinar Recording (Passcode: m09bxO#y)
• Disclosure Letter
• White Paper

External Links

• American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors, ASCLD Notification Regarding Electronic DNA Data File Security
• FORENSIC BIOINFORMATICS. ABIFtampering: Tools and documentation for detecting ABIF file manipulation. 2026.
• THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC. FSA HID Security Bulletin. 2026.
• CYBERSECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SECURITY AGENCY. ICS Medical Advisory ICSMA‑26‑216‑01. 2026.
• MITRE CORPORATION. CVE‑2026‑17583: Vulnerability Record. 2026.
• IEEE Standards Association, IEEE Std 7024: Standard for the Procurement, Verification and Validation, and Life Cycle Management of Forensic Technologies

News Coverage

Security Flaw Placed 30 Years of DNA Evidence at Risk of Hacking