Chelsea Jones
Dover
Summary
Detail-oriented Forensic Scientist with experience in different types of forensic analysis. Skilled in using advanced laboratory techniques to produce reliable results. Excellent team player and effective at prioritizing tasks.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Forensic Scientist II: DNA Analyst
Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL)
Dover, Delaware
03.2023 - Current
- Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) analyst for AFDIL in the Past Accounting Section.
- Main lab responsibilities include sample preparation, extractions, library preparation, and data analysis.
- Extractions of low quality samples includes using a PCIA protocol and a Dabney protocol while high quality samples using an EZ1 Advanced XL protocol.
- Library preparation low quality samples includes steps such as quantification using a Qubit Fluorometer, adaptor ligation, and purification steps using the HyperPrep protocols; library preparation for high quality samples includes quantification using a Qubit Fluorometer, fragmentation, adaptor ligation, and purification steps using the HyperPlus protocols.
- Data analysis includes analysis of highly damaged, low quality samples in both whole mitogenome and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), and high quality analysis using Nextera mitogenome analysis, KAPA HyperPlus mitogenome analysis, and SNP analysis. Responsibilities for this role also include performing Nextera Long-Range and capture Next Generation Sequencing data analysis using CLC workflows and running cases through the labs efficiently and effectively.
- Other responsibilities include helping to validate a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) workflow into the lab and training people in this new workflow as well as training others in data analysis for both mitogenome and SNP analysis. Being a lab coordinator which involves schedule making, reporting to higher management, and problem solving skills to keep a lab running.
Forensic Scientist I: DNA Technician
Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL)
Dover, Delaware
05.2022 - 03.2023
- Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technician for AFDIL in the Past Accounting Section.
- Responsibilities for this role include performing Nextera Long-Range and capture Next Generation Sequencing workflows. These workflows include the quantification using the Bioanalyzer and loading of samples on both MiSeq and NextSeq platforms.
- Other responsibilities include mentoring a technician through NGS training and helping to validate a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) workflow into the lab; this validation includes Qubit quantification, KAPA HyperPlus library prep, 5V hybridization capture that can be used with multiple different bait sets, Bioanalyzer quantification at multiple steps in the workflow, and loading samples onto both the MiSeq and NextSeq sequencing platform using both mid and high output.
- Part of the validation responsibilities also include helping to mentor current technicians in the new V5 Capture workflow, testing forms for casework use, and helping to implement multiple material modifications to current SOPs.
Internship
Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL)
Dover, Delaware
01.2022 - 04.2022
- Internship at AFDIL, which included experience with the mitochondrial DNA workflow, bone and hair extractions, Next-Generation Sequencing on the MiSeq FGx and more.
Forensic Biology Graduate Assistant
Arcadia University
Glenside, Pennsylvania
08.2021 - 12.2022
- Graduate assistant to the Forensic Science department at Arcadia University. This included setting up labs for DNA, sitting in on the labs to help students, and creating cases for the students to do.
Biology Graduate Assistant
Arcadia University
Glenside, Pennsylvania
08.2020 - 05.2021
- Graduate assistant to a professor in the biology department of Arcadia University. This included prepping labs and going over some research of the sequencing of a higher primate.
Paid Research
Cullowhee, North Carolina
01.2019 - 03.2020
- Paid to research the familial relationship of ancient skeletal remains found in the same graves from a Romanian gravesite. This was done looking at the mitochondrial DNA.
Education
Master of Science - Forensic Science
Arcadia University
Glenside, PA07.2022
Bachelor of Science - Forensic Science: Biology Concentration
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC05.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Forensic Anthropology
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC05.2020
Skills
- Instrumentation usage for MiSeq FGx Sequencing System, NextSeq 550 System, 3500 Series Genetic Analyzer, Qubit 20 Fluorometer, EZ1 Advanced XL, 2100 Bioanalyzer, 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System, QuantStudio 5 Dx Real-Time PCR System, and Thermal Cyclers
- Data analysis for Next Genration Sequencing using CLC workflows and STR data analysis using GeneMapper
- Pipetting (using single channel, multichannel, and repeat pipettes)
- Routine instrument maintenance
- Grant proposal writing
- Excellent team player
- Time management
- Problem solving skills
Funding and Scholarships
- Academic Project Grant January 2019-May 2019
- A University grant to help fund research-related expenses.
- LEARN Scholarship August 2016-May 2017
- A scholarship awarded to all students who participate in the L.E.A.R.N. Program
- Western Carolina University Grant August 2016-May 2017, August 2017-May 2018
- Grant funding awarded by Western Carolina University to help cover tuition expenses
- Coweta County Law Enforcement Scholarship August 2016-May 2017
- Competitive scholarship funding that was used to cover some college expenses
- Senoia Optimist Club Scholarship August 2016-May2017
Field Experience
Evidential Collection Training October 2021
- An explosion was conducted and controlled. Gained experience through the process of collecting evidence such as if it was a real case. This includes training in pattern searching, order of collection, packaging, and maintaining evidence. The FBI was involved in this training. The evidence collected was stored to be used for a future research project.
Patakfalva Papdom Site, Harghita County, Transylvania Romania June 2019
- Gained bioarchaeological field experience through excavation of a Medieval ossuary. Skills learned: excavation techniques, human fragmentary osteology, commingled remains techniques including minimum number of individuals and landmark data collection.
Presentations
- Jones, C.; Foley, M.; Walsh, T.; Nicholes, J.; Oldoni, F. Comprehensive Evaluation of the ForenSeq DNA Signature Prep Kit on the MiSeq FGx Next-Generation Sequencing System, Presented at the 2020 American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS) Annual Scientific Conference, February 25, 2022. Poster.
- Jones, C.; Jones A. Optimization of DNA Extraction Method for Forensic Chewing Gum Samples, Presented at the 2020 American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS) Annual Scientific Conference, February 24, 2020. Poster.
- Jones, C.; Jones A. Optimization of DNA Extraction Method for Forensic Chewing Gum Samples, Presented at the 2019 National Conference on Undergraduate Research, Kennesaw, Georgia, April 13, 2019. Poster.
- Jones, C. A Pilot Study on Ancient Burial Practices in Medieval Transylvania using Ancient DNA, Presented at the 2019 Undergraduate Research and Scholarship Conference, Cullowhee, NC, April 3, 2019. Poster.
- Jones, C. A Closer Look into the Morphological and Genotypic Differences Between Mycrobacteriophages Discovered in Western North Carolina, Presented at the 2018 Undergraduate Research and Scholarship Conference, Cullowhee, NC, March 29, 2017. Poster.
- Research and Scholarship Conference (RASC) March 2017, March 2019
- National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) April 2019
- Southern Association of Forensic Scientists (SAFS) May 2019
- American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS) Annual Scientific Meeting February 2020, February 2021, February 2022
- Eastern Analytical Symposium & Exposition (EAS) November 2021
- Promega Technology Tour July 2025
Timeline
Forensic Scientist II: DNA Analyst
Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL)
03.2023 - Current
Forensic Scientist I: DNA Technician
Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL)
05.2022 - 03.2023
Internship
Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL)
01.2022 - 04.2022
Forensic Biology Graduate Assistant
Arcadia University
08.2021 - 12.2022
Biology Graduate Assistant
Arcadia University
08.2020 - 05.2021
Paid Research
01.2019 - 03.2020
Master of Science - Forensic Science
Arcadia University
Bachelor of Science - Forensic Science: Biology Concentration
Western Carolina University
Bachelor of Arts - Forensic Anthropology
Western Carolina University