Qualifications Bachelor of Science, Faculty of Life Sciences (Biology) - Hebrew University of Jerusalem Master of Science, Faculty of Medicine (Microbiology) - Hebrew University of Jerusalem Teaching Fellow Mr Mark Barash joined Bond University in 2010 bringing with him a wealth of international experience having completed his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Before commencing at the Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Mr Barash spent six years working with the Israeli Police as Reporting Officer (forensic DNA expert) at the rank of Chief Inspector. Mr Barash has also co-authored many peer reviewed journal articles on subjects ranging from DNA extraction methods to genetics and is currently completing his PhD at the Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine. The main aim of his research is developing an SNP-based panel, specially designed for predicting externally visible characteristics in forensic analysis. Currently there is a lack of precious information to understand the factors behind the craniofacial developmental process. This research would add some of this information and enable us to better understand this complex process. In the forensic perspective, identifying a set of SNPs involved in the formation of cranial shape and facial features and potentially developing an assay, will allow the DNA molecule to "talk" and as a result, to draw a "molecular portrait" from the DNA sample. All this together, will greatly improve current methods for DVI identification and give the Police an additional tool for improving their ability to solve crimes.
Articles
The use of adhesive tape for recovery of DNA from crime scene items (with Ayeleth Reshef and Paul Brauner), Journal of forensic sciences (2010)
The selection of the appropriate method of collection of biological material from crime scene items...
Extraction of DNA from 8-year old acid phosphatase test papers in a gang rape case (with P Brauner, A Reshef, and M Abebe), Journal of forensic identification (2008)
A modified method of purification of biological samples stored on FTA paper for STR analysis (with M Shpitzen, R Gafny, and A Zamir), Journal of forensic identification (2006)