New South Wales Branch

Dr Greta Frankham is a conservation geneticist and wildlife forensic scientist at the Australian Centre for Wildlife Genomics (ACWG) at the Australian Museum Research Institute.

Prior to joining the ACWG, Greta’s academic research focused on better understanding the population genetics and molecular evolution of threatened Australian marsupial species to aid in conservation management of these species. Since joining the ACWG in 2011, Greta has continued to work in this area, carrying out and contributing to research on a range of Australian species including; long nosed potoroos, eastern pygmy possums, long nosed bandicoots, koalas (as part of the Koala Genome Consortium), echidnas, red-tail black cockatoos and shingleback lizards.

Dr Frankham also used this research background to move into the field of DNA-based wildlife forensics and helped establish the ACWG as the first ISO17025 accredited DNA-based wildlife forensics lab in Australia.

Dr Frankham now oversees wildlife forensic casework carried out by the ACWG for a wide range of state and federal agencies as well as other animal industries with compliance obligations and has provided expert witness evidence for court proceedings resulting from these cases.

Greta also supervises several PhD and Honours students researching either the conservation genetics of Australian species or the development of new wildlife forensic methods.

I am a forensic biologist at the Forensic and Analytical Science Service (FASS) where I analyse and report DNA profiles and examine biological evidence. I completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science in Forensic Biology at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in 2013 and followed that with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Forensic Biology.

I then decided to pursue a PhD in wildlife forensic genetics, working in conjunction with UTS and Australian Museum Research Institute. My research was on developing a genetic toolbox to help combat the illegal trade of short beaked echidnas. Near the end of my PhD I got the job at FASS; I have been there since 2019 and absolutely love working there!

I am a Senior Consultant at bdna, where I provide clients with advisory services to improve their performance and achieve their objectives through digital transformation. I am a trained forensic scientist with more than 10 years of experience spanning a range of disciplines, including crime scene examination, fingerprint analysis and forensic biology. I have also recently utilised my specialised knowledge and skills as an accreditation specialist at NATA, where I led audits of forensic laboratories against national and international standards and requirements.

I obtained my Bachelor of Science – Biological Sciences Degree (Hons) and my PhD at Western Sydney University (but I will always think of it as the University of Western Sydney, as it was known during my time there). My PhD involved investigating the genetic population structure of an Australian ectomycorrhizal fungus, Pisolithus microcarpus, which involved the de novo identification and analysis of polymorphic short tandem repeat (STR) markers. This fungus is commonly known as the horse dropping fungus due to the fruiting bodies (round brown ball-like structures) frequently being found organised in a line in the dirt on the sides of roads.

Following my PhD, I was looking for a permanent job since I already had a family (quite madly I had had two children during my PhD!). I wanted to use my skills and knowledge of DNA and STRs in a job that was meaningful to me. In November 2008, I was lucky to land a job with the NSW Health Pathology, Forensic & Analytical Science Service (FASS) (which was known back then as DAL, the Division of Analytical Laboratories). For six years, I was involved in validation work related to automation. In October 2010, I became the Robotics Team Leader and led the validation of the total automation of the DNA analytical processes at FASS. Being part of implementing the automation system was a highly rewarding experience as total automation facilitated a significant reduction in processing turnaround time for the lab.

In November 2014, I was appointed the Senior Scientist for Research, Development & Innovation for the Forensic Biology/DNA Unit at FASS. In this role I have been able to investigate new and emerging technologies for forensic applications, together with facilitating research within FASS and undertaking collaborative projects with the NSW Police Force, AFTER, universities and other forensic labs.

I am a Senior Lecturer in Forensic Anthropology and Human Anatomy at Western Sydney University. I am also the Academic Coordinator and Course advisor for new degree program BMedSc (Forensic Mortuary Practice) in collaboration with the Department of Forensic Medicine.

I have a BSc (Anatomy and Histology) from USYD and a BSc (Hons) and PhD in Biological Anthropology from the University of New South Wales (2008). My research interests include modern skeletal variation and sexual dimorphism, and more recently, Forensic Taphonomy and time since death estimations in temperate Australian climates.

Specifically, I lead a research team investigating multidisciplinary and non-destructive methods of determining time since death at Western Sydney University to complement forensic anthropological techniques.

I am currently employed as a Crime Scene Officer with NSWPF in the Forensic Evidence and Technical Services Command, and previously worked for a brief period in the Forensic Biology section at Forensic & Analytical Science Service (FASS). My Honour’s research, published formally in 2021, worked to develop a protocol for DNA extraction from the ABAcard HemaTrace™ Kit. I have been a member of ANZFSS since 2017.

I am a Crime Scene Officer and Fingerprint Expert with over 15 years’ experience in Crime Scene Investigation and Latent Print Analysis working for the NSW Police Force Forensic Evidence & Technical Services (FETS) Command. In my role, I specialise in the development and delivery of forensic identification, evidence recovery, and expert evidence related training. Additionally, I have significant experience in the examination of serious major crime scenes within the Sydney Metropolitan area with a focus on fingerprint and physical evidence recovery using specialised chemical and lighting techniques. I have been a member of ANZFSS since 2015.

Nicole is a Senior Forensic Biologist at the Forensic & Analytical Science Service (FASS). Nicole holds a Bachelor of Forensic Biology in Biomedical Science and a Bachelor of Forensic Science (honours) in Applied Chemistry both from UTS.

Dr. Alicia Haines completed her PhD in Forensic Biology at Flinders University in 2017, where her research focused on advancing the detection of latent DNA on crime scene items through intercalating dyes. With extensive experience in forensic biology laboratories across New Zealand and Australia, Dr. Haines has processed numerous crime scene samples and was instrumental in introducing mRNA-based body fluid identification methods. In late 2021, she joined Western Sydney University (WSU) as a Lecturer in Forensic Biology, where she established critical research infrastructure and developed innovative content and assessments for the Forensic Science Major, integrating her industry expertise. Dedicated to progressing forensic science through research, she is also passionate about teaching and mentoring future scientists. In 2024, Dr. Haines joined the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) as the Academic Director of First Year within the Faculty of Science.

I am a recent Forensic Chemistry and Creative Inteligence and Innovation (BCII) graduate from UTS who has a passion for forensics and is excited to take a step into the professional world of forensic science. I have previously completed an internship with the NSW Police Force Forensic Evidence & Technical Services (FETS) Command, Science and Research Unit where I assisted in the reporting and collection of data for the Novel Spectroscopic Devices Project. Following this internship I developed a special interest in forensic toxicology and illicit drug detection which was further supported by the electives taken in the final year of my Bachelor. 

Having graduated from a UTS Bachelors of Forensic Science (Biology major) in 2022, Thalia is passionate about forensic pathology, taphonomy, and anthropology. She also has experience working in anatomical pathology and is looking forward to starting her new role as a forensic mortuary technician at Forensic Medicine soon.

Maiken Ueland is currently an ARC Discovery Early Career Research Fellow at the Centre for Forensic Science and the Deputy Director of The Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research (AFTER). She is an emerging leader in the field of forensic taphonomy, where she uses analytical, biochemical, and spectroscopic techniques to conduct human post-mortem investigations. Dr Ueland’s main research areas are human decomposition chemistry with a special focus on markers in tissue and odour and their use in criminal investigations, including locating missing persons and estimating time since death. Her interest lies in the interface between forensic science and analytical chemistry. Her current work focuses on developing methods for the successful location and recovery of victims in mass disaster scenarios using electronic nose technology and sophisticated analytical instrumentation. Dr Ueland also uses her knowledge of odour analysis in the investigation of wildlife crime and conservation.

I am currently employed as a Research Assistant with the NSW Police Force in the Forensic Evidence and Technical Services Command and worked for three years in the Forensic Biology DNA Laboratory, Research and Innovation Unit, and Case Management Unit in the NSW Forensic & Analytical Science Service (FASS).

I hold a BForSc (Hons) for research in the area of bloodstain pattern analysis and a BForBiol, both from UTS. I have been a member of ANZFSS since 2017. 

Emma is a PhD candidate at Western Sydney University conducting research in the area of Forensic Photography. Emma has also completed a Master of Research within the same field and a Bachelor of Forensic Science with a major in Crime Scene Investigation at Western Sydney University in the years 2018 and 2016 respectively.

About the award

Eric Murray, an ANZFSS life member, has been paving the way for forensic science for the better part of 40 years. Eric is semi-retired from the forensic unit corrections health as nursing unit manager but is still actively involved on the committee for the NSW branch of the ANZFSS. Eric’s career started in nursing and involved many aspects of the nursing profession. However, he has also spanned chemistry, occupational health and industrial safety, rescue response, profiling and incident reconstruction in various roles. The NSW branch of the ANZFSS is not alone in acknowledging Eric’s lifetime achievements. Eric’s service to industry and the community has been recognised by the NSW government for community service including service to the NSW ambulance and state emergency services. In addition, Eric has received awards from her majesty for his contribution to scouting and the St john ambulance service throughout his life. Eric is tireless in his work to help others and that is shown by the extensive acknowledgements he has received.

This award is offered on alternate years to the ANZFSS travel scholarships, and is open to any person employed in the forensic field within 10-15 years of the commencement of their career (post university). The purpose of this award is to provide opportunity for professionals to enhance their career development and may be utilised for the following activities (not exhaustive); -undertake a course, not prescriptively within the forensic field; eg management -assist with travel to visit leading laboratories and agencies -purchase of consumables or equipment for research projects -provide for a sabbatical to complete part-time study -child care costs to assist with any of the above activities the recipient must have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the forensic field and clearly outline the aims and purpose of their use of the award funds in the application. The biennial award is valued at $2,000. As for the symposium awards, a sub-committee from the NSW branch committee will be formed to judge the applications. Conflicts of interest must be declared in writing to the branch president. The recipient of the award must agree to present at a NSW branch meeting within 6 months of receipt of the award, and write an article of their choice for the branch newsletter within 12 months receipt of the award.

Please contact the NSW Branch or executive@anzfss.org for more information. More information can be found here.

Eric Murray Professional Achievers Award

About the award

Eric Murray, an ANZFSS life member, has been paving the way for forensic science for the better part of 40 years. Eric is semi-retired from the forensic unit corrections health as nursing unit manager but is still actively involved on the committee for the NSW branch of the ANZFSS . Eric’s career started in nursing and involved many aspects of the nursing profession. However, he has also spanned chemistry, occupational health and industrial safety, rescue response, profiling and incident reconstruction in various roles. The NSW branch of the ANZFSS is not alone in acknowledging Eric’s lifetime achievements. Eric’s service to industry and the community has been recognised by the NSW government for community service including service to the NSW ambulance and state emergency services. In addition, Eric has received awards from her majesty for his contribution to scouting and the St john ambulance service throughout his life. Eric is tireless in his work to help others and that is shown by the extensive acknowledgements he has received.

This award is offered in conjunction with the other ANZFSS travel scholarships offered by the NSW branch, prior to each ANZFSS symposium. This award is only open to current students (at the time of closure of applications for that year). It is Eric’s wish that a student member of the NSW branch is provided an opportunity they may otherwise not get. He extends help to students aspiring to attend a biennial ANZFSS symposium and enhance their career development through this award. Eric is the benefactor of this award that is offered to student members who may face adversity during their time of education. This biennial award is valued at $2,000.

Please contact the NSW Branch or executive@anzfss.org for more information. More information can be found here.

Eric Murray Student Symposia Award

Associate Professor Michael Dawson was a dedicated academic and an advocate for the student. Michael completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies in pharmacy which led to a lecturing position in analytical and environmental chemistry at the university of technology, Sydney. It was during his early lecturing career that Michael recognised the potential for the introduction of Australia’s first forensic science undergraduate degree, a vision and awareness that has had a significant influence on forensic science education in Australia. During his career he was an active researcher in the field of analytical chemistry and its application to the analysis of licit and illicit drugs. His impact in this field can still be gauged by his extensive publication record and contribution to expert evidence testimony in court cases. Michael’s dedication to drawing the best from his students was renowned and in return Michael was loved and appreciated by them. It was a priority for Michael to help ensure the success of students and he never missed an opportunity to help them gain experience in the area of forensic science. For the opportunities Michael helped orchestrate, he will never be forgotten and it is the hope of the NSW branch of the ANZFSS that this award will add to his memorial. This award, to attend the ANZFSS symposia is valued at $1,500 and is open to practitioners and students.

Please contact the NSW Branch or executive@anzfss.org for more information. More information can be found here.

Michael Dawson Symposia Award