About Dr. Spence

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Dr. Michael J. Spence received his Bachelors of Science and Masters of Science degrees from the University of Texas at El Paso in 1983 and 1985, respectively. He earned his Doctorate in Molecular Biology from New Mexico State University in 1990. Dr. Spence continued as a Postdoctoral Research Assistant at the University of Vermont, Department of Molecular Genetics. He then moved on to work as a Research Assistant at the V.A. Medical Center in Boise, Idaho. During his work in Boise, Dr. Spence secured funding for a five-year independent research project focusing on oncostatin M (OSM). OSM is an anti-cancer cytokine produced by activated
T-lymphocytes, monocytes, and macrophages. In May 2003, after over 20 years of research and 14 publications in scientific journals, Dr. Spence began his efforts as a Forensic Biologist with the Indiana State Police - Evansville Laboratory. He has completed forensic examinations and reports corresponding to over 100 criminal cases, provided technical review on over 225 additional cases, and has testified as an expert witness in 16 felony trials. In June of 2007, Dr. Spence began working as the Technical Manager with a small, private laboratory in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He launched Spence Forensic Resources in Las Cruces, New Mexico in February, 2008. Dr. Spence has since achieved FBI - sponsored certification as a DNA Technical Auditor for the National Forensic Science Technology Center (NFSTC). Dr. Spence will utilize his Technical Leadership experience for the NFSTC as he assesses Quality Assurance Policies, Standard Operating Procedures, and Proficiency Training Programs to assist DNA laboratories in their compliance with federal accreditation standards. For more up-to-date information on what is going on at Spence Forensic Resources, refer to this link. A native of New Mexico, Dr. Spence enjoys golf, the unique cuisine of his home state, and volunteering his time to provide forensic DNA technology presentations to students at the elementary, secondary, and college levels.