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. 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.

Nechama is a journalist and the author of several best-selling non-fiction works and two novels. She is a senior lecturer at the Wits Centre for Journalism, at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, and continues to write about journalism, violence, data, health, misinformation, policy, heritage, politics, gender, crime, data, culture, and (on the odd occasion) about sport. Nechama holds a PhD in journalism and media studies.

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.

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.

Her work bridges the fields of art and forensic science, particularly in the area of forensic facial imaging. She has been instrumental in promoting interdisciplinary approaches to forensic identification in South Africa, advocating for the training of forensic officers in post-mortem facial photography as a cost-effective intervention to address the large number of unidentified bodies in the country's medico-legal laboratories.

Dr. Antonel Olckers is a South African forensic DNA expert, academic, and entrepreneur. She holds a PhD in Molecular Human Genetics from the University of Pretoria, with research conducted at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions in the USA. Dr. Olckers has acted as an independent forensic DNA expert witness in numerous criminal cases in South Africa's High Courts.

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.

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.

Mr. Donald Mushove is a forensic expert and detective from Zimbabwe, specializing in forensic biology and chemistry. He currently serves as the Acting Superintendent responsible for Forensic Science within the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). Mr. Mushove is an educator, lecturing on forensic investigations at various institutions, including the ZRP Police Academy, ZRP Police Staff College, and the University of Zimbabwe.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Dr. Ryan Blumenthal is a senior specialist forensic pathologist and associate professor in the Department of Forensic Medicine at the University of Pretoria. He is renowned for his expertise in trauma pathology, particularly in lightning-related injuries (keraunopathology), and has performed over 10,000 autopsies throughout his career. Dr. Blumenthal has published extensively on topics including electrocution, suicide, and trauma, contributing to both academic literature and public understanding of forensic science.

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

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.

Ms. Asha Auckloo is a Senior Forensic Scientist at the Forensic Science Laboratory in Mauritius, specializing in DNA analysis and crime scene investigation. With over 17 years of experience, she holds an MSc in Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology and is currently pursuing a PhD in forensic geosciences. She is also active in forensic training and was a 2023 MVFJ Award nominee for her contributions to justice in Africa.

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.

Professor Lorna Martin is a distinguished forensic pathologist and the first woman to lead a forensic medicine department in South Africa. With over 35 years of experience, she has conducted numerous high-profile autopsies. Prof. Martin's work focuses on medico-legal investigations, forensic toxicology, and the ethical considerations in identifying human remains.

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.

Dr. Amankwaa specializes in forensic DNA databases, biometrics, and forensic biology. His research focuses on developing flexible, research-informed legislative frameworks for the use of forensic DNA in African countries and the use of genetic genealogy databases.

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.

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.

​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.

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.

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.

Associate Professor of Forensic Genetics, and Programme Convenor of the Biomedical Forensic Science Unit at the University of Cape Town. Experience in lecturing, research and supervision. Skilled in molecular laboratory methods, including next generation sequencing and post-mortem DNA analysis. Principal Investigator of the Molecular Forensics Research Group at the University of Cape Town.

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.

Mr. Wally has a robust academic background in forensic science, holding degrees from the University of Botswana and an MSc in Forensic Science from the University of Strathclyde. His expertise spans forensic biology and chemistry, and he has contributed to international research on genetic variation and population structure in Botswana. Beyond his national duties, Mr. Wally is actively involved in the broader forensic science community.

Dr. Gérard Labuschagne is a clinical psychologist and criminologist with extensive experience in forensic and investigative psychology. He served as the head of the South African Police Service’s Investigative Psychology Section for 14 years, where he led the profiling of offenders in over 110 serial murder cases. Dr. Labuschagne has trained law enforcement agencies internationally, including the FBI and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, and has published extensively in professional journals and textbooks.

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.

Dr. Grace Midigo is a forensic pathologist serving in the Ministry of Health's Division of Forensic and Pathology Services in Kenya. Her work focuses on human identification through DNA analysis.

Professor Lisa Smith is a leading academic in the field of forensic science, specializing in the intersection of criminology, psychology, and law. Her research primarily focuses on the role of forensic science in the criminal justice system, particularly concerning judicial decision-making and the interpretation of forensic evidence.

Dr. Désiré Munyali Alumeti is a pediatric surgeon and forensic doctor at Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. He specializes in collecting and documenting forensic evidence of sexual violence, providing crucial care and support to survivors in a region affected by conflict. His meticulous documentation helps ensure that survivors receive justice by supporting legal proceedings. Dr. Alumeti’s work is recognized for bridging medicine, law, and human rights in challenging environments.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.