Georgina Meakin
Honorary Associate Professor
Biography
Background: Georgina joined UCL JDI Centre for the Forensic Sciences in September 2013 as a Research Fellow in Crime and Forensic Science and was appointed Lecturer in 2016. With a PhD and employment background in molecular genetics, Georgina completed an MSc in Forensic and Analytical Science at the University of Huddersfield, including a placement conducting forensic DNA research at the Forensic Science Service Ltd in 2008.
Casework: Later, she went on to practice as a Forensic Scientist at The Forensic Institute in Glasgow, during which time, she was involved in over 100 cases throughout the UK and in New York, mostly centred around the interpretation and evaluation of DNA evidence. Georgina has provided written and oral evidence and has attended courts in all jurisdictions of the UK as an Expert Witness or a Consulting Expert.
Current research: Georgina conducts and directs research into the transfer and persistence of DNA and other trace evidence. She is particularly interested in the indirect transfer of DNA and how this affects the evaluation of trace DNA in casework. She collaborates with DNA experts from across the world to progress and raise the profile of this important area of research. Georgina still consults in casework to ensure that her research addresses the critical issues faced in forensic science practice, and also lectures on the Crime and Forensic Science MSc programme.
| Relevant publications |
| Brayley-Morris, H., Sorrell, A., Revoir, A. P., Meakin, G. E., Court, D. S., & Morgan, R. M. (2015). Persistence of DNA from laundered semen stains: Implications for child sex trafficking cases. Forensic science international. Genetics. 19: 165-171. |
| Meakin, G. & Jamieson, A. (2013). DNA Transfer: Review and implications for casework. Forensic Sci. Int.: Genetics. 7: 434-443 |
| Jamieson, A., Bader, S., Meakin, G. & Mullen, C. (2011). Two-, three-, and four-person mixtures in forensic casework: difficulties and questions. Croat. Med. J. 52: 653-656. |
| Meakin, G. & Mullen, C. (2011). Chapter 13: DNA Profiling. In Identification: Investigation, Trial and Scientific Evidence, Bogan, P. & Roberts, A., 2nd edition. |
| Jamieson, A. & Meakin, G. (2010). Experience is the name that everyone gives to their mistakes. The Barrister Magazine. |
| Oral presentations |
| 2015. Meakin, G. E., Butcher, E. V., van Oorschot, R. A. H. & Morgan, R. M. The deposition and persistence of indirectly-transferred DNA on regularly-used knives. Abstract in 26th Congress of the International Society for Forensic Genetics |
| 2014. Meakin, G. E., French, J. C. & Morgan, R. M. Experimental evaluation of trace evidence persistence: Implications for forensic casework. Abstract in CSFS Conference: The changing face and pace of trace evidence |
| 2014. From Laboratory to Court: Exploring the use of genetic technologies in the investigation of crime. Invited lecture at Edge Hill University |
| 2013. Morgan, R. M. & Meakin, G. E. Establishing trace evidence dynamics: Implications for forensic investigations. Joint keynote lecture at Advances in Temporal Forensic Investigations Conference |
| 2011. DNA Transfer. Seminar to the Glasgow Bar Association for CPD |
| 2011. Chasing Challenge (in sexual assault). Seminar to Forbes Solicitors for educational purposes |
| 2010. Chasing Challenge. Seminar to the Glasgow Bar Association for CPD |
| 2010. Jamieson, A. & Meakin, G. W5. A collaborative large scale study of DNA transfer. Workshop abstract in 6th National FORREST Conference |
| 2009 & 2008. DNA profiling in CSI: Can a criminal really be identified in just a few hours? Guest lecture to the MENSA society at the University of Huddersfield's forensic science days |
| Poster presentations |
| 2015. Meakin, G. E., Freedman, D., McElhone, R., Alexander, T., Birch, W. & Morgan, R. M. The use of blood and skin proxies for simulating casework scenarios and facilitating forensic evidence interpretation. Poster in 7th European Academy of Forensic Science Conference. |
| 2015. Meakin, G. E., Boccaletti, S. & Morgan, R. M. Forensic DNA transfer: Your DNA goes places you have never been. Poster presented to MPs at SET for BRITAIN. |
| Prizes won and other achievements |
| 2015. Awarded the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences' Research Scholarship |
| 2015. Finalist of SET for BRITAIN competition to present research at Westminster |
Email: g.meakin@ucl.ac.uk
