Daniele Podini

Prof. Daniele Podini earned his BS and MS in Biology and Molecular Biology from the University of Parma, Italy, where he conducted research in the Biotechnological-Environmental Laboratory of the Department of Environmental Sciences. He later specialized in Applied Genetics (PhD equivalent) at the University “La Sapienza” in Rome, Italy.

From 1998 to 2000, Prof. Podini served as Assistant Chief of the Biology Section of the Scientific Department of the Carabinieri, Italy’s military police force responsible for law enforcement both domestically and abroad. Following his service, he established and directed the Forensic Section at Genoma, a private molecular biology laboratory in Rome, where he also led the Molecular Diagnostics Section (2000–2004). During this period, he provided international consultancy to laboratories in Istanbul (Turkey), Reggio Calabria (Italy), and Tirana (Albania), assisting in the establishment of molecular genetics sections through logistical planning, technological implementation, and personnel training. His forensic experience spans the entire investigative process—from processing crime scenes and analyzing biological evidence to performing DNA profiling and testifying in court as an expert witness.

Prof. Podini joined the faculty of the Department of Forensic Sciences at The George Washington University in 2004. He primary teaches Forensic Molecular Biology (FMB) I and II, but has also taught FMB III, Fundamentals of Forensic Sciences, Forensic Biology and Population Genetics. His research focuses on applied molecular biology in both forensic and human genetics, with the goal of enhancing the efficiency, accuracy, and informativeness of modern genetic analyses. Projects conducted in his laboratory include the development of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and microhaplotype assays for human identification and to infer biogeographic ancestry and physical traits, high-throughput detection of sperm cells in sexual assault evidence, recovery of DNA from fired cartridge cases, and the creation of a smartphone-based device for rapid bloodstain age estimation.

Prof. Podini maintains active collaborations with leading institutions and agencies, including NIST, ATFE, FBI, Bode Technology, and Thermo Fisher Scientific, providing his students with valuable exposure to cutting-edge forensic research. He is also the founder of the Microhaplotype Working Group, an international consortium dedicated to establishing consensus parameters for selecting panels of microhaplotypes for forensic applications.

An active member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) and the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG), Prof. Podini has also contributed to advancing forensic science policy and practice in the United States as a member of the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) Subcommittee on DNA Analysis 1.