Dr Shanan Tobe

I obtained my B.Sc. Honours degree from Laurentian University in Ontario, Canada in 2003. My research focused on the comparison of fresh versus frozen decomposition rates for the baby pig (Sus scrofa) in Southern Ontario. This research was conducted in partnership with the Ontario Police College. During my B.Sc. I also completed an ancient DNA internship program at the PaleoDNA Laboratory at Lakehead University, Canada. This internship focused on the recovery of DNA from ancient sources. It also included examination of evidence, amplification and interpretation.

I moved to Glasgow in 2003 to complete my M.Sc. in forensic science with the Centre for Forensic Science at the University of Strathclyde. My M.Sc. research focused on the comparison of presumptive tests for blood, their sensitivity, specificity, the effect of heat on them and their effect on the recovery of DNA.

I continued with the centre studying for a Ph.D., which I obtained in 2008. My Ph.D. research involved the identification of mammals from trace samples and mixtures using the cytochrome b gene on the mitochondria. Using universal and species-specific primers I designed a test that can separate eighteen different mammalian species based on differences in the fragment sizes of amplified product. This allows identification of the species, even if found in a mixture and can simultaneously identify multiple species within a mixture.

Additional work during my Ph.D. focused on determining the copy number of human and non-human mammalian mitochondrial genomes within a sample extract. This work required collaboration with the American Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL) due to its sensitive nature.

I began my current post as a Leverhulme Research Fellow in August 2008. My research focus is on the identification of endangered species in commercial products. Tiger, leopard and musk deer are used in commercial products such as traditional medicines, wines, art, jewellery and pelts. Below are some Traditional East Asian Medicines (TEAM) which were purchased in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Depicted are three plasters which claim to contain tiger, leopard and musk deer. Usually any DNA left in the samples is highly fragmented and degraded making it very difficult to identify. I am therefore developing an extremely sensitive test to identify those species. The test is based on the mitochondrial genome cytochrome b gene.

 I am currently active in forensic casework, mainly dealing with wildlife crime or the analysis of non-human evidence in relation to other crimes. I am also responsible for arranging and organising the guest speakers for the Forensic Colloquia.

I hold memberships with the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, the Forensic Science Society and the International Society for Forensic Genetics. I also hold an honorary research associate post at the University of Glasgow through WestCHEM.