WE ARE DNAforAfrica

Donna-Lee Pamela Martin, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Forensic Genetics at the University of Cape Town. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, her academic and research work focuses on the application of genetic science in forensic investigations, contributing to advancements in human identification and criminal justice.

Dr. Irene Gacheri, Kenya's first forensic nursing PhD holder and a trailblazer in her field! With a career journey from certificate level to achieving a doctorate, she is determined to transform the perception and scope of nursing in Kenya and beyond.

​Brig. Joe Smith is the Section Head of Forensic Database Management at the Forensic Services Division in SAPS. He has more than 34 years experience in the field of forensic science and has played an active and pivotal role in the establishment of the National Forensic DNA Database and the implementation of the provisions of the DNA Act.

Victor Omondi is a Forensic Scientist and Medical Biochemist from Kenya with experience in crime scene investigation and DNA profiling.

Mbali Shongwe is the founder of a youth-based NGO, Mindful(l) Organisation and an intersectional activist focusing on GBV and mental health issues.
She is an active advocate for DNA policy reform and her voice has been instructive in getting the CO Bill passed and backlog reduced.

Yahaya is a forensic scientist with a background in forensic science. He is dedicated to advancing the field through education, outreach, and policy advocacy. As the founder of FSOG and Chair of The Confident Scientist, he works to enhance science communication and promote the role of forensic science in achieving justice.

Lisa Smith is a Professor of Criminology, and Head of School of Criminology at the University of Leicester. Lisa has been leading a team of researchers and NGOs to pilot innovative DNA evidence kits in Kenyan Gender Violence Recovery Clinics, to enhance access to justice for survivors of sexual violence.

Malaika Oringo is a voice for human-trafficking survivors, who has been involved in fighting this crime as global consultant & advisory board member. Her message is that freedom is more than the moment of exiting from slavery; it is an ongoing journey requiring continuous support from all stakeholders including survivor leaders. Her current work is focused on facilitating a united survivor network in East Africa.

Prof. Bruce Budowle has worked with the FBI, been Director of the Center for Human Identification, is one of the original architects of CODIS and holds a rare academic distinction as Regents Professor for the impact of his extensive body of work.

Dr John Mungai is a pioneer of the Forensic DNA laboratories in the East African region where he served as Government Chemist for three decades, implementing Acts and developing curriculi for the forensic evidence management.

Ashley Spence is a public speaker, victim advocate and founder of the DNA Justice Project in the USA, which educates on the power of DNA in order to lobby for policy change. She supports holistic health projects in Kenya.

Women's rights activist, Lady Wangu Kanja is an affiliated researcher at the University of Birmingham and recognised for her extraordinary efforts as a role model promoting the empowerment of Kenyan women and girls.

Master’s in forensic medicine, Dr. Nyamunga is recognized as a pioneer in the field of forensic odontology in Kenya. Her career has been deeply influenced by her passion for supporting and uplifting others, contributing her expertise to numerous forensic investigations.

Marissa Pledger has a strong background in development studies, international relations, and health promotion. Marissa has served in various roles such as Deputy Director, Project Manager, Consultant, Resident Assistant, and Preventative Health Extension Agent. Marissa has experience in managing budgets, overseeing personnel, developing training programs, coordinating events, and promoting health and wellness initiatives. Marissa holds a Master's degree in Development Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Affairs.

Sharlene is a forensic DNA expert with over 30 years at the South African Police Service Forensic Science Laboratory. She has provided DNA testimony in more than 600 cases, including several high-profile murders. Specializing in STR analysis since 1997, she is recognized for her expertise in forensic DNA evidence.

Uwom Okereke Eze is a forensic pathologist and clinical forensic physician specialising in forensic death investigation, medicolegal systems, management of the dead, and clinical forensic caseloads.
Uwom is also the President of the African Society of Forensic Medicine (ASFM).

Pearl AFIA Dansowaa is a Forensic DNA Investigator at the Ghana Police headquarters in Accra, Ghana, where she manages samples and exhibit storage and conducts human semen and blood tests.

Adv Bonnie Currie-Gamwo Special Director of Public Prosecutions: Sexual Offences and Community Affairs. She is the visionary behind the Thuthuzela Care Centre model, one-stop centres that reduce secondary victimisation and help buiolding cases ready for successful convictions.

Yasin Farah is Forensic Science Advisor at the Puntland Bureau of Forensic Science in Somalia and is trained in forensic crime scene investigations by INTERPOL.

Mr Innocent Makasa is specializing in Forensic DNA Analysis and has played a pivotal role in the establishment of Zambia's first Forensic DNA Laboratory. As an advocate for quality standards, Makasa strives to enforce statutory measures to eliminate the misapplication of forensic science. Currently, Makasa is working diligently towards establishing the Zambian autosomal and gonosomal DNA Population databases, which will provide statistical estimation of the evidential value of a DNA match.

Grizelda Grootboom ~ author, abolitionist, female rights activist and international speaker on human trafficking and prostitution from a survivor perspective.

Dr Joseph Kimani has a doctorate in Human Genetics and is published on allele frequencies and pathogenic mutations, in several International journals. With twenty fours years of experience in the Forensics field, he specialises mainly in Forensic DNA analysis for cases in homicide, sexual offences, human identification of postmortem and skeletonized remains, and genetic relatedness using STR markers and Y DNA  haplotypes.

Dr Vanessa Lynch has extensive experience leading DNA policy initiatives and working with governments to advance DNA legislative frameworks.

Andrew Mburi is Director of Forensic Services in the Ugandan Police Force and in charge of the establishment of Forensic Databases to aid Criminal Investigations and was selected for UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine.

Dr. Abubaker has been instrumental in advancing Libya's forensic capabilities, emphasizing the importance of DNA-based identification and the establishment of centralized records to enhance coordination among various agencies. He actively collaborates with international organizations, such as the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP), to strengthen institutional frameworks and uphold the rights of families affected by disappearances.

Dr. Itumeleng Molefe is a Senior lecturer in the Division of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, University of Cape Town (UCT), Faculty of Health Sciences and is a Researcher in and the Co-Director of the Neuroscience Institute Brain Bank project. The topic of her MMed thesis is Violence Against Women: Epidemiology and Pathology of Femicides and Suspected Sexual Homicides in Cape Town.

Prof. Marion Mutugi is a widely published professor of genetics and bioethics and Kenya National Human Rights Commissioner.

Jennifer Degner is a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) from Texas, with a passion for victim advocacy and education, who is serving on the DNA Justice Project Board, and working with DNAforAfrica on a SAK donation drive in East Africa.

Fred is a forensic scientist and educator based in Rwanda. With a BSc (Hon) in Forensics, LLB, and an LLM in International Criminal Law, he is actively involved in promoting and educating about the role of forensic science in the criminal justice system in Rwanda. He serves as an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Kigali, contributing to the academic development of future forensic professionals

Daniel is a lecturer of forensics, criminology and law in Kampala and Director of the CCJP, an independent think tank established to advance the use of forensic science in the administration of justice in Uganda.

Becky Gitau is a gender and mental health specialist, currently managing the Gender Violence Recovery Centre in Nairobi, who has trained hundreds or health care providers and law enforcers in GBV management and prevention programs in Kenya.

Dr. Carolyn Hancock is a South African geneticist and humanitarian leader based in KwaZulu-Natal. With a PhD in Genetics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, she lectured in genetics and biotechnology for over a decade. She is the Chairperson of Angels' Care Centre and Thembelihle School, organizations dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and survivors of gender-based violence.

Dr Kizzie Shako is a forensic medical specialist and Kenya's first female forensic Police Surgeon. Founder of Vunja Kimya Foundation and human rights defender.

Fidelis Bugoye is Government Chemist in Tanzania, in charge of establishing Tanzanian Human DNA database and has participated in mass disaster victim identification and court expert witnessing events in Tanzania.

Sir Alec Jeffreys is Professor of Genetics at the University of Leicester, and was knighted for services to genetics. We honour him as "the Father of Genetic Fingerprinting". DNA profiling was also developed by Jeffreys and his team in 1985, becoming the standard forensic DNA system used in criminal case work worldwide.

Stephen Fonseca is Manager of the new ICRC African Centre of Expertise on Missing Persons and Forensic Systems and a member of the ICRC’s Forensic Unit Global Management Team.