Workshop Instructor Biographies

Robert Bever, Ph.D.

Vice President, Government Research and Development

Dr. Bever has over 20 years experience in the field of forensic DNA analysis directing laboratory operations and research in the forensic human identity market. Dr. Bever currently leads Bode Technology’s Government Research and Development Program. He oversees a number of federally funded projects related to the analysis of DNA from touch evidence objects; STR and mtDNA analysis of chemically processed fingerprints; implementation and validation of STR systems; use of laser microdissection microscope to resolve forensic mixtures; the molecular identification of plants from dust and physical evidence; forensic microbiology and development of methods to amplify and identify bacteria (cells and spores) following chemical decontamination; and the development of tools to detect and evaluate microbial DNA found in soil, water and other physical surfaces. Dr. Bever earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Frostburg State College and a Doctorate in Microbiology from the University of Maryland. He performed his post-doctoral research at the Oregon Health Science University and the University of Rochester School of Medicine in the area of molecular biology of infectious diseases.

Robert Driscoll, MFS

Research Scientist

Robert Driscoll is a Research Scientist and Project Manager for the Government Research Group at Bode Technology. He is highly practiced in the separation of difficult evidence mixtures via laser microdissection instrumentation and fluorescent labeling methods. Rob also has extensive experience in the development and execution of novel techniques for the detection and processing of fingerprints, touch evidence, body fluids, and various other low copy number samples. He received his Master of Forensic Science in Forensic Molecular Biology from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Rob conducted undergraduate studies in biology and chemistry at The University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida.

Heather Cunningham, MS

Research Scientist

Heather Cunningham is a Research Scientist for the Applied Research Group at Bode Technology. Ms. Cunningham has extensive experience developing, validating and implementing manual and robotic methods for DNA extraction, differential separation, amplification and quantification methodologies for nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. She also has extensive experience in drafting and modifying standard operating procedures for validated methodologies, and subsequently provides training to DNA analysts for all aspects of forensic DNA applications. Most recently, Ms. Cunningham provided training for a five week period to four scientists at the Police Directorate Forensic Center in Montenegro. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Siena College and a Master of Science degree in Biology with a concentration in Forensic Biology from the State University of New York at Albany.

Abigail Bathrick, MFS

Research Scientist

Abigail Bathrick is a Research Scientist for the Government Research Group at Bode Technology. She has three years of experience in a forensic DNA laboratory and has received extensive formal training in multiple extraction, quantification, and amplification systems, as well as STR analysis and genetic profile interpretation. She is practiced in the separation of cellular mixtures via laser microdissection instrumentation and fluorescent labeling methods. She received her Master of Forensic Science in Forensic Molecular Biology from The George Washington University and conducted her undergraduate studies in biotechnology at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York.