Genomics - Bioinformatics Consultants

Howard J. Cohen, PhD, has over 30 years of experience in Software Engineering, Architecture and Implementation. He possesses particular expertise in Algorithms, Relational Databases, Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) and Software Applications in general. His experience has been in a broad spectrum of technology, in several languages, in a wide variety of applications, and on multiple platforms. Dr. Cohen's background includes Electronic Design Automation, Bioinformatics, Digital Cartography, Banking Systems for Foreign Exchange Traders, and many more. He is the co-inventor on approximately 120 patents.

Since 1979, Dr. Cohen has served as a Software Development Consultant to several major Silicon Valley businesses including Nortel Networks, Surromed, Incyte Genomics, BomDiver, Canon Information Systems, WeatherNews, PetroSoft, LSI Logic, Aspect Development, Abbott Laboratories, ETAK, Engineering DataXpress, Nikon Precision, Diasonics, Daisy Systems, Rolm, Oceanroutes, Mindcraft, and Integrated CMOS Systems. Concurrently, he has also held full time senior engineering and management positions with such companies as Tibco, Zycad, ETAK, and the NASA Ames Research Center.

Dr. Cohen's Consulting Services are available to companies needing software development involving problem definition, analysis, design modeling, documentation, programming, and implementation. Consulting services are also available issues regarding Trade Secrets, Copyright and Patent Infringement, and Computer Software Security and Forensics.

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Alan L. Friedman, PhD, specializes is Forensic DNA Analysis. He earned a PhD in Molecular Genetics from the University of Chicago, Division of Biological Sciences and Cell Biology at the Pritzker School of Medicine.

Litigation Support - Dr. Friedman brings over twenty years of experience translating forensic science into clear, understandable English for attorneys, judges and juries. Testimony in over 60 cases in 9 states as well as Federal Courts. Expert DNA case review, testimony and laboratory witnessing in sexual assaults, homicides, robberies and other major felonies as well as paternity and other civil cases. Accept public defender and court appointments.

Areas of Expertise:

Forensic DNA Forensic Biology Serology and Stain ID Statistical Genetics

Case Review Court Testimony Laboratory Test Witnessing Paternity

Ideal Innovations, Inc, (I³) is recognized as an industry leader for Biometric Examination Services, including expert fingerprint identification, latent print identification comparisons, data base system administration, information technologies, Automated Biometric Information System support and biometric data enrollment services. 

I³ provides examination services to the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). We have trained Federal, State, local, international, intelligence and industry professionals. Their instructors are key members of the Organization of Scientific Area Committee (OSAC) for Forensic Sciences, Facial Identification Scientific Working Group (FISWG), and the International Association.

Consulting Services:

• Biometrics - Identity management, Automated Biometric Identification Systems (ABIS) development, systems integration and operation, access control systems (e.g., Biometric Automated Toolset-Army [BAT-A]), biometric handheld development support and operation (e.g., Secure Electronic Enrollment Kit [SEEK]), biometric device testing, and evaluation and pilot study support
• Science and Technology - System integration, program management, and overall force protection to the Department of Defense, commercial entities, U.S. federal entities, and foreign customers
• Information Technology - Information assurance (IA), network administration, system administration, software engineering, and helpdesk services
• Facial Examination Training - Face examiners, fingerprint examiners, detectives border patrol agents, intelligence analysts, police, and many more. Clients have included the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division, Department of Homeland Security, Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Australian Federal Police, Romanian Intelligence Agency, Swedish Migration Agency, Norwegian ID Center, and other US agencies.

Lora S. Sims, CTPE currently serves as the Director of the Facial Identification Training and a Biometrics SME. In this position, Ms. Sims coordinates all training classes as well as many other Face related activities within the company and also provides subject matter expertise on Biometrics for contracts and consulting/expert witness work. 

Ms. Sims is an IAI Certified Tenprint Examiner and is the current chair of both the Facial Identification Scientific Working Group (FISWG) and the Facial Identification Subcommittee of the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Sciences. She also sits on the IAI Facial Identification Subcommittee.

Ms. Sims joined Ideal Innovations, Inc. in 2008 as a Tenprint Examiner at the DoD DFBA, which transitioned into a Sr. Biometric Examiner comparing multiple biometrics (fingerprints, faces, and irises). In this position, she co-authored a training to competency program on facial identification & comparisons and is responsible for mentoring and training new employees through the tenprint and facial training program while integrating them into an operational environment

Steven Lee Johnson joined the I³ Advisory Board after 13 years of service to the company as Senior Vice President. Mr. Johnson is the current Chair of the Forensics Science Standards Board (FSSB) of the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC), a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) entity dedicated to strengthening the nation’s use of forensic science by facilitating the development of technically sound forensic science standards and by promoting the adoption of those standards by the forensic science community. 

Mr. Johnson served in the past as President and Chair of the IAI, secretary and chair of the IAI Forensic Art Certification Board, past chair of the IAI Science and Practices Committee, chair of the IAI Biometric Information Systems Committee and the chair of the IAI Facial Identification provisional sub-committee. In addition to his affiliation with the IAI, Mr. Johnson is an Associate Member of the International Association of Cranio-Facial Identifiers.

Mr. Johnson worked numerous forensic/biometric support contracts for the Department of Defense (DoD) and was actively involved in the development of DoD forensics and biometric standards. He is an International Association for Identification (IAI) Certified Latent Print Examiner (CLPE) and Forensic Artist. Prior to coming to I3, Steve served 20 years in the law enforcement community providing leadership and expertise in criminal investigation and forensic sciences at the municipal and state levels.

View Ideal Innovations, Inc.'s Expert Witness Profile.

George Schiro is a DNA Technical Leader - Forensic Scientist. His duties include incorporating the DNA Advisory Board (DAB) standards, accountability for the technical operations of the lab, conducting DNA analysis using the 13 STR core loci and Y STR in casework, DNA research, forensic science training and crime scene investigation.

Mr. Schiro has worked over 3500 cases and has qualified as an expert over 175 times in 31 Louisiana parish courts, Arkansas, California, Florida, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Texas, West Virginia, federal court, U.S. court-martial, and two Louisiana city courts. Has also consulted on cases in 29 states.

Qualified as an Expert in the Following Areas:

Latent Fingerprint Development

Serology

Crime Scene Investigation

Forensic Science

Trajectory Reconstruction

Shoeprint Identification

Crime Scene Reconstruction

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

DNA Analysis

Fracture Match Analysis

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