Shane Tobe

I joined Murdoch University in January 2019 as a Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science. I am currently an Associate Professor in Forensic Science; the Honours Academic Chair for MMFS, specifically for Forensic Science and Molecular Biology; and a Research Integrity Advisor.

When I started at MU, I improved the undergraduate forensic content to align with real world forensic needs. I was Academic Chair for the Forensic Biology and Toxicology major from January 2020 until early 2024, when I became Honours AC. I co-coordinate CHE103 Introduction to Forensic Science, where I introduced laboratories in 2021 to allow students to experience some of the techniques they were being taught. I also coordinate BIO359 Forensic DNA Analysis, where I fully redeveloped the unit to streamline content and align with current forensic needs. The changes instigated resulted in increased student satisfaction in both units.

My academic career has spanned three continents and four universities. From 2008-2011 I was a Leverhulme Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Glasgow, Scotland at Strathclyde University, where I subsequently spent a year as a teaching associate at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The Strathclyde forensic degrees were accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. I was awarded a highly competitive Vice Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowship at Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia in 2012 which involved both teaching and research. In 2016 I took up a teaching only position as an Assistant Professor at Arcadia University in Pennsylvania, USA teaching at the postgraduate level on a FEPAC (American Academy of Forensic Sciences) accredited forensic masters program.

I have presented research as an invited speaker for TEDxFlindersUni, and have been invited as a keynote speaker to discuss research and teaching to such organisation as the US Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory, Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) New Zealand, Third Circuit Judicial Conference USA, and the Science Teachers Association of Australia.

My most recent book, Forensic Serology (ISBN: 9780128129685), will be published by AP a part of Elsevier later this year (06/2025). I have previously co-authored a textbook, Wildlife DNA analysis: applications in forensic science (ISBN: 9780470665954), that was published by Wiley. I have additionally authored two book chapters, and 66 peer-reviewed papers or reports. Please see Scopus or Google Scholar for a full list of my publications.

Research Interests

My early research career focused on forensic anthropology, specifically in taphonomy and decomposition studies. After an internship with an ancient DNA (aDNA) laboratory, my interests grew to include forensic genetics, with a deep appreciation of the need to maximise sample recovery and minimise contaminants. My master’s research focused on presumptive blood testing, and subsequently forensic serology became a continued research interest. My doctoral research and subsequent postdoctoral positions focused on species identification, human forensic genetics, low level DNA typing, QPCR, direct PCR, DNA binding dyes (shown below DNA within cellular material attached to a hair root), population genetics, bioinformatics, and provenance studies.

I have received over $8 million in funding through collaborative research funding as well as individual grants and scholarships. A selection of current projects include:

1. Environmental DNA (eDNA) for total biological presence in a system, for targeted identification of species (i.e. endangered, or invasive), and for provenance of samples (archaeological and forensic based).
2. Non-human DNA from low level/low biomass samples. This is used in species identification from minimally invasive samples, and also in carrying out population genetic studies from low biomass samples.
3. Sterilization of DNA using different methods to investigate the most appropriate for total DNA removal. This is essential to ensure when working with forensic, aDNA, or eDNA samples.

Professional Casework, Industry Consultation, and Outreach

In addition to my teaching and research I carry out professional casework and outreach. I have worked with the Innocence Project in Philadelphia, USA; I have carried out work with multiple police forces in the UK and Australia; and consulted on legal matters in the UK, Canada, USA, and New Zealand.

I also am regularly asked to provide keynote and invited talks, as well as outreach.