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Education

Ph.D., Criminal Justice, Forensic Science Specialization, The Graduate Center, City University of New York
M. Phil., Criminal Justice, The Graduate Center, City University of New York
M.S., Forensic Science, John Jay College of Criminal Justice
B.S., Neuroscience, College of William and Mary

About Ashley

For the past nine years Dr. Morgan worked as a forensic DNA analyst. She began her career in 2013 at the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (NYC OCME) in the Department of Forensic Biology. Her work at the NYC OCME involved processing bone samples for missing persons investigations and casework evidence analysis. In 2016, Dr. Morgan transitioned to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) Crime laboratory. During her time at both the NYC OCME and CMPD laboratories, she processed hundreds of evidence items for a variety of case types including missing persons investigations, sexual assaults, homicides, burglaries, robberies, credit card fraud, and firearm-related offenses. Dr. Morgan has testified in New York City grand juries and jury trials in both New York and North Carolina.

While working as a forensic DNA analyst, Dr. Morgan completed her Ph.D. in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Forensic Science from the Graduate Center, City University of New York. Her dissertation work focused on the development of an integrated workflow for processing paper evidence for DNA, Questioned Documents, and Latent Prints. During her graduate studies, Dr. Morgan taught as an adjunct instructor in the Department of Sciences at John Jay College, teaching undergraduate courses including Introduction to Environmental Science and the laboratory for Instrumental Analysis.

Research Interests/Experience

Dr. Morgan’s research interests focus on development and optimization of DNA sampling and extraction methods from difficult substrates including discharged cartridge cases and paper. Dr. Morgan is interested in applying optimized methods to other difficult substrates including fabrics and skeletal remains.

Awards

• CMPD Chief’s Award for Excellence in Policing for the DNA from Cartridge Casings Initiative, 2021
• Forensic Sciences Foundation Lucas Research Grant Recipient, 2017

Professional Societies

American Academy of Forensic Sciences; 2014-present