Forensic DNA expert presents to students and community members

By: Chinaza Nwosa  and Dinema Mate

About 40 people attended a presentation on forensic DNA by John A. Butler at 7 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom on Monday. He also gave a presentation to the math and science department at noon that day.

John A. Butler, a graduate of Bingham University, started his presentation on Forensic DNA with an introduction of a family tree. The topics Butler discussed were related to ancestry, forensics and DNA, and genomics.

“The more people understand what DNA can or can’t do, that is helpful to the public and that is why I enjoy bringing this subject to the public,” Butler said. “There is only about 40 programs in the United States that has some sort of Forensic Science degree.” 

Butler stressed that DNA cannot be completely altered, but can be come more accurately traced due to research. 

“My DNA composition in my ancestry test has changed four times since I first submitted them. Does it mean I have changed? No. It only means there is now more precision to the components of my ancestry,”  Butler said.

 The presentation came to end, accompanied with few questions from the audience. An audience member asked, 

“When going for DNA or ancestry testing, are we giving out our body blue print to the government? And could it be used against us?” 

The question stirred laughter from the audience.

 “Yes and no,” Butler said. “When you go for ancestry testing, you definitely sign some documents, but there is privacy associated with you and the company. But at the same time, these information are out there and can be used inappropriately.”