Shirley Marshall (Thomson) BSc CBiol MIBiol FFSSoc

Shirley started her career as a Forensic Biologist and DNA expert at the Metropolitan Police Forensic Science Laboratory in 1990 where she was a scientific officer. She then moved to Lothian and Borders Police Forensic Science Laboratory where she signed in excess of 1,300 reports during her 11 years with them, regularly giving evidence in court. Starting as a reporting scientist she progressed to be Head of the DNA Section.

She regularly advised and liaised with external agencies on complex cases, including attending scenes of major crime for expert scientific advice and blood pattern analysis and was Consultant in sexual offence cases to laboratory clients.

Shirley has been a Registered Forensic Practitioner for Human Contact Traces (Body fluids and DNA) since 2005.

Now working in an academic environment, as a Principal Lecturer in Forensic Science, Shirley leads the Forensic Science subject group at University of Teesside and in addition to education, training and research, provides consultancy for legal cases involving forensic biology and DNA profiling. She is an external examiner at two UK Universities for courses in Forensic Science and DNA Profiling.

Shirley takes a keen interest in professional development and quality standards in Forensic Science. She is a Fellow of the Forensic Science Society and has served on the council of the society for 8 years, the last 6 as Honorary Secretary. Shirley has convened several Forensic Science conferences, including ‘Advances in Forensic DNA Analysis' in Sept. 2006 & April 2008. She is also a practitioner assessor for the Forensic Science Society University Accreditation Scheme and has recently become involved in accreditation and quality assessment of Forensic Science Laboratories.

In December 2007 BBC Radio 4 broadcast an interview with Shirley, examining issues surrounding Low Copy Number DNA and she has also presented sessions at the Harrogate Crime Writing Festival. She is an enthusiastic and popular public speaker, demystifying forensic science for local clubs, societies and schools.