Exploring forensic breakthroughs – Somruetai’s origin story
I graduated with a bachelor's degree of science in medical technology from Thailand, which is quite different from forensic science, but some of the knowledge can be adapted and applied to both fields. At that time, forensic science was becoming well-known in Thailand because several high-profile cases that captured the public interest were solved using forensic science knowledge. After completing my bachelor's degree, I found a master's program in forensic science and became interested in pursuing further studies in this field. As a child, I enjoyed reading and watching the Japanese manga series Detective Conan, which involves a high school detective who is shrunk to a child's body by a drug and becomes involved in solving various cases. All these reasons led me to pursue a master's degree in forensic science and subsequently apply for a job at a government forensic science agency in Thailand. After working at the agency for about six years, I received a scholarship from the Royal Thai government to pursue a doctoral degree. This opportunity brought me to King's College London in the United Kingdom, where I joined the research group of Dr. David Ballard at King's Forensics.
Can you provide a summary of the project you are working on?
My project focuses on examining the application of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) based analysis techniques for forensic kinship investigations utilizing massively parallel sequencing (MPS) technology. Different scales of SNP panels will be optimized and a new analysis pipeline will be developed to identify the most effective way to integrate SNP analysis into a routine kinship workflow. Following the assessment of the panels' performance on high-quality DNA, they will be investigated for use on low-quality and low-quantity samples such as unidentified human remains.
Please describe your typical day in the lab.
My daily work is quite varied and not limited to just lab work. I have to learn new programs that I have never used before in order to understand and become familiar with them because these programs are necessary for my project. At times, I work in the laboratory on tasks such as extraction and the NGS workflow, including preparation before using the MiSeq FGxTM and post-run maintenance. Additionally, I spend a significant amount of time analysing the sequencing data.
What do you find most interesting about your project? Have you seen any surprising results?
I have yet to see any particularly surprising results for my project because I am still in the early stages of data analysis. In my opinion, the most interesting part of my project is that I have learned how to use a lot of new tools and software packages from my supervisors, which I have never used before, especially the statistical analysis software for LR calculations and MPS data analysis software. I have just realized that there are many processes involved before obtaining the SNP data for an LR calculation.
What are the benefits of your project to human identification casework?
a. What method do the outputs from this project replace?
b. What types of cases is this work intended for?
My project directly relates to forensic kinship analysis workflows and some missing person identification cases. The benefit is finding a suitable size of SNP panel for evaluating each degree of relationship, which can be calculated in combination with the short tandem repeats (STRs) or solely from SNPs data. This project aims to incorporate SNP data analysis into routine kinship analysis workflow. On top of that, it can be extended to evaluate the relationship between unidentified human remains and their relatives. There are many unresolved missing person and human remain cases which could be resolved with the right expanded kinship SNP panel. My project aims to help identify the pros and cons of different panels.
What are the major challenges faced while working on your project and how do you overcome them?
I would say the data analysis is the major challenge. As I mentioned before, most of the software I am using for my project is new to me, so I keep practicing and learning from previously analysed kinship cases to help familiarize myself with the software. Moreover, the sequencing data from the MPS workflow are massive, just as the name of the technique. I try to understand and write down everything I’ve done in detail.
Which QIAGEN products do you use and what do you like about the products?
In my project, I use a variety of products, including those from QIAGEN. The QIAGEN products I use include the EZ2 Connect Fx for DNA extraction, the Investigator Quantiplex® Pro Kit for quantifying DNA, and the QIAGEN Quantification Assay Data Handling and STR Setup Tool, which facilitates plate setup and analysis of results from Real-time PCR. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to use the QIASeq® Targeted DNA Panel, which comprises the FORCE SNPs, and the CLC Workbench software as a data analysis tool. Moreover, the ForenSeq Kintelligence Kit, which contains 10,230 SNPs, provides a substantial amount of data, and the UAS is very useful and significantly aids in data visualization. The customer support teams provided by QIAGEN have been very helpful for training and when I have questions.
Outside of forensic science, what are your hobbies?
As an international student residing in London, this is the best opportunity to explore the UK and Europe. London has many interesting museums, theatres and numerous renowned football clubs. If possible, I would like to visit all of them within the four years I am here. Additionally, I plan to visit other parts of the UK and Europe to explore various natural attractions, as well as to taste different types of food and desserts.