Laboratory Directors

Recognised experts in DNA technology lead DDC's scientific team. Only the best are invited to take the challenge of translating the latest DNA technology into applications for our clients.

If you are a member of the media and require information on DNA testing, please email paternity@dna-bioscience.co.uk

Dr. Michael Baird | Laboratory Director

Dr. Baird has a wealth of experience in the field of DNA testing. In 1982, he was a key figure of DNA testing as part of a team that instigated DNA identity testing, eventually developing it on a commercial scale. In 1987, he was the first DNA expert to testify in a court case and has since testified in numerous court cases involving DNA and forensics.

Dr. Thomas Reid | Associate Laboratory Director

Dr. Reid is DDC's leading technical expert for unusual or complex family relationships. His expertise is in extended DNA testing such as genetic reconstruction and siblingship studies. In April of 2006, his expertise was requested to lend his proficiency in the effort to perform genetic reconstruction analysis to help identify victims of the hurricane Katrina.

Dr. Marco Scarpetta | Associate Laboratory Director

Marco Scarpetta, Ph.D. joined DDC in 2009. Dr. Scarpetta is a leading expert in the field of human identity testing for over 15 years, and has experience in both forensic and paternity. He is active in the aaBB, the governing body of paternity testing. He has worked upon several high profile cases for both forensic and paternity sides of DNA testing, and reviewed over 200,000 paternity cases.

Dr. Julie Heinig | Assistant Laboratory Director

Dr. Heinig is in charge of the forensic laboratory operations at DNA Diagnostics Centre. She performs DNA testing on crime scene evidence for DDC Forensics. Dr. Heinig designed and prepared DDC's forensic laboratory for accreditations by the FQS-I, ISO IEC17025 and ASCLD/LAB-International, setting up the laboratory policies and procedures and performing validation studies.

Dr. Richard Chmelo | Research Scientist

Dr. Richard Chmelo, a genetics and molecular biology specialist, moved to the DDC team in March 2011 to focus on expanded research and development efforts for the introduction of new pioneering DNA tests.