April 5, 2004

DNA As Legal Evidence Discussed By Forensic Scientist April 9

Greg Hampikian, a forensic DNA specialist who has worked with courts from Illinois to Georgia and is a frequent guest commentator on news shows such as Good Morning America and Fox News, will speak at Boise State University. “Convicting and Exonerating through Forensic Science: the Miracle of DNA” will be the subject of Hampikian’s talk from 11 a.m. to noon, Friday, April 9, in the Lookout Room of the Student Union. The talk is geared toward the general public and is free and open to everyone. Parking is available in the visitor parking lot behind the Student Union. from left to right, Barry Scheck, Calvin Johnson, and Greg Hampikian click on photo to download print quality version Hampikian, a professor of biology at Clayton State College and University in Atlanta, Ga., works with the courts as an expert in DNA evidence. Hampikian’s recent book, “Exit to Freedom” co-authored with Calvin Johnson, chronicles Johnson’s 16-year struggle to prove his innocence after he was given a life sentence for rape and related crimes. He was freed in 1999 after DNA testing conclusively ruled out the possibility of his guilt. The highly acclaimed book is the only first-hand account of a prisoner freed by DNA evidence, and includes an afterward by Innocence Project co-founder, Barry Scheck, as well as comments by the noted forensic scientist Dr. Henry Lee. “Exit to Freedom” will be featured in a 90-minute presentation on C-SPAN Books this month. Hampikian is also a board member of the Georgia Innocence Project. He earned a doctorate in genetics from the University of Connecticut and has participated in a wide variety of biological research, holding research positions at Yale University, Emory University, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), La Trobe University (Australia), the Worcester Foundation and Georgia Tech. His current research interests are in novel methods of DNA identification and the antimicrobial effects of aromatic compounds. Hampikian and a colleague also developed a popular high school science program that allows students to explore scientific principles through forensic investigation of a “crime scene,” complete with fake blood, hair and clothing fibers, fingerprints, footprints and lip prints, and other evidence. Hampikian is the author of numerous scientific articles in journals such as Nature, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and Antisense. He also writes popular press articles for newspapers and magazines and is a playwright. Hampikian is a frequent guest commentator on forensic science and has appeared on Good Morning America, Fox news and Prime Time Live. -30- Contact Nancy Rountree College of Engineering 208 426-1153 nrountree@boisestate.edu Media contact Pat Pyke communications and marketing 208 426-1987 ppyke@boisestate.edu