About our guests

Dr Robin Cotton

Dr Robin Cotton

Dr Cotton is the Director of Technical Forensic Science at the Cellmark Laboratory in Germantown, Maryland, USA. The laboratory conducts DNA identification analysis of biological evidence and has participated in numerous high profile cases around the country. As Director, Dr Cotton is responsible for overseeing development and implementation of new techniques for use in the laboratory, as well as participating in casework and testifying in court. Laboratory test results are routinely used in criminal trial proceedings or may result in re-direction of investigations when exclusionary results are obtained.

Dr Cotton has B.S. and M.S. degrees from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. She received her PhD in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from the University of California at Irvine in 1980. Prior to joining Cellmark in 1988 she did post-doctoral research at the University of Iowa and also at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland.

In the past 15 years she has testified as an expert in DNA analysis in about 180 criminal cases, in almost all 50 states. Notably, she gave evidence at the trial of O.J. Simpson. Dr Cotton serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Forensic Sciences and is on the Board of Directors of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/ Laboratory Accreditation Board.

Dr Andy Hopwood

Dr Andy Hopwood

Dr Hopwood joined the research team of the Forensic Science Service, Birmingham, in 1994 as a Research Assistant. He has worked on the development of DNA-based techniques for application to forensic science, including mtDNA analysis from difficult samples, novel DNA quantification methodology and the development, validation and implementation of automated systems for the analysis of DNA samples for the UK criminal justice system.

Dr Hopwood currently leads the Biochemistry Research Group at the FSS. Current projects include the development of improved detection of crimestains, identification and capture of single cells, further automation of DNA processing, miniaturisation and mobilisation of DNA techniques, and evaluation of alternative DNA profiling systems.

Andy has a PhD in Applied Biochemistry (DNA-based Species Identification in Meat) awarded by the University of Nottingham, England.

Dr Cotton and Dr Hopwood came to New Zealand as part of the Masterclass! Science series. This is a partnership between the Royal Society of New Zealand, British Council New Zealand, Fulbright New Zealand, and Montana Wines. It brings complementary pairs of scientists from the UK and US to share expertise in a nationwide series of seminars, lectures and media interviews on a particular topic.