As the science of DNA continues to evolve, forensic facilities are challenged to proactively plan for the ongoing evolution. With this daunting task never ending, questions upon questions are bound to arise.

For this article, five forensic experts have come together to answer three commonly asked questions involving DNA and forensic facilities. To give a wide perspective on each question, the experts, all a part of the Crime Lab Design team, represent many faces of the forensic industry. The experts include Mike Cooper, forensic engineering; Chris Knox, forensic equipment planning; Travis Krick, forensic facility design; Jon Kokanovich, forensic facility operations; and Susan Halla, forensic science.

Mike Cooper is a Senior Mechanical Engineer with 18 years of experience. Mike has been involved in the planning and design of numerous forensic science facilities, both in the United States and abroad. Equipment Planner, Chris Knox, has extensive experience with laboratory equipment. Chris is currently working on the Kuwait General Department of Criminal Evidence Headquarters. Travis Krick is a Laboratory Planner whose work, nationally and internationally, focuses on facilitating the most effective design for laboratory safety and efficiency. Jon Kokanovich is a Forensic Consultant and retired crime lab director. Jon has over 25 years of experience in forensic laboratory operations. Project Leader, Susan Halla’s experience involves both forensic and medical examiner projects worldwide, where she is actively involved in translating the user’s scientific needs into facility solutions.