UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, speaks with Mellissa Helligso, manager and the technical lead of the Human DNA Identification Lab at UNMC.
Helligso, who shares that she became interested in DNA and laboratory work as a new mother watching “CSI; Las Vegas” reruns, also speaks to Dr. Gold about her work and the recent accreditation the lab received to perform forensic investigative genetic genealogy as part of its work with law enforcement.
She also spoke with the chancellor about testifying at criminal trials.
“At first it was very intimidating, and it made me very nervous,” she said. “But I would say over time, it’s become kind of one of the more challenging aspects, and it’s enjoyable just because you have to stay on your toes.”