Forensic Biology

Mirna Ghemrawi, PhD, MSFS

Program Director, Forensic Biology Program
Mirna.Ghemrawi@cfsre.org  |  Mirna.ghemrawi@jefferson.edu

Originally from Lebanon, Dr. Ghemrawi graduated with a B.S. in Medical Laboratory Sciences from Haigazian University on a USAID Merit Scholarship and completed her Master’s in Forensic Science at Purdue University as a Fulbright Scholar. Passionate about education and STEM outreach, she offers pro bono guidance to students and actively promotes science communication. Her research focuses on developing novel sequencing-based assays for forensic applications, including non-human DNA. She is a member of the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG) and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS).

Dr. Mirna Ghemrawi is the Associate Director at the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE) and the Program Director for the Master of Science in Forensic Biology at Thomas Jefferson University. With expertise in forensic biology, genetics, and epigenetics, she has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications and presented at international conferences. Dr. Ghemrawi earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Florida International University, where she received the Real Triumphs Award. Recognized as a young and inspiring scientist in Electrophoresis, she has also been elected Co-chair for the 2025 Gordon Research Seminar on Forensic DNA.

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Sara Bodnar

Assistant Program Director, Forensic Biology Program
Sarah.Bodnar@cfsre.org

Sara graduated from Bowling Green State University with a BS in Biology in 2019. From there, she earned her MS in Forensic and Investigative Science from West Virginia University (WVU) where she conducted research focused on mitochondrial DNA sequencing from hair shafts. While at WVU, she also gained leading Forensic Biology and Genetics labs where she fell in love with educating and mentoring.

Sara’s research interests include the optimization of methods relating to the analysis of trace DNA samples and Next Generation Sequencing. She is excited to guide the next generation of forensic scientists both in and out of the laboratory.

Coral Smith, MSFS

Instructor, Forensic Biology Program
Coral.Smith@cfsre.org

Coral Smith earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic and Investigative Science from Alfred State College in 2019. She continued her education at West Virginia University, where she completed her Master of Science in Forensic and Investigative Science with a focus on DNA analysis. During her time at WVU, she instructed laboratory courses, earned her Certificate in University Teaching, and researched innovative techniques for DNA and RNA recovery from low-template evidence samples. Coral’s research interests include maximizing DNA recovery from challenging samples and developing novel techniques for multianalyte recovery from casework-type samples. She is passionate about teaching and inspiring the next generation of scientists, encouraging them to become creative thinkers and researchers.

Judith Rodriguez Salas

Program Coodinator, Forensic Biology & Toxicology Program
Judith.Rodriguez-Salas@cfsre.org

Judith Rodriguez serves as laboratory support assistant and STEM coordinator at CFSRE assisting in all laboratory necessities, developing STEM classes and laboratory activities for surrounding schools in the Philadelphia area. She also serves as the ITAD program administrator and Instrumental Analysis lab teacher for Thomas Jefferson University and Arcadia University 1st year students.

Judith Rodriguez graduated from the University of Maine at Augusta in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. In 2018, she obtained her Master of Science in Forensic Science from Arcadia University, focusing on forensic biology through her research in a Method Development of Direct Quantification for Sexual Assault Samples to be Incorporated in the Direct PCR Workflow. She also focused on forensic toxicology through her internship at the CFSRE. After the completion of her degree, she worked as the forensic toxicology mentor for the Forensic Science Mentoring Institute class of Summer 2018, in which she is reprising her role for the Summer 2023.

She has been working as the International Toxic Adulterant Database (ITAD) program administrator as a liaison between laboratories around the world, collecting data and managing the ITAD.org website where all data about the toxic adulterants identified in seized drug material are displayed. Judith also worked on the African Wildlife Forensic program. She assists the lab manager in making sure the laboratory has everything that is needed to run and instruments are in good working condition. She also acts as the in-house Lab Safety Officer.

As the STEM coordinator, she is working on forensic science outreach, bringing forensic science to middle and high schools in the Philadelphia area. She also organizes field trips for students to come to CFSRE and perform laboratory experiments on the different forensic science fields.