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Marcin Tomsia | Forensic Science | Best Researcher Award

Scopus Profile

Educational Details:

Dr. Marcin Tomsia has made significant contributions to forensic science through his academic and professional work. Currently, he is involved in postgraduate education at the Medical University of Lublin, Poland, where he teaches forensic genetics to laboratory diagnosticians. His previous roles include a position in forensic biology at the Institute of Zoology at Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland, where he achieved a top university assessment score.Dr. Tomsia’s academic journey began with his MSc studies in biotechnology at the School of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine at Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland. His MSc thesis focused on the polymorphic IFN-γ gene in recurrent affective disorder. He continued his education with PhD studies at the Medical University of Silesia, specializing in cytophysiology and histology, where his research centered on gene expression profiles in human amnion cells.With a solid foundation in both practical and theoretical aspects of forensic science and biotechnology, Dr. Tomsia’s work has greatly impacted the field, earning him the Best Researcher Award for his exceptional research and contributions to forensic science.

Professional experience:

Dr. Marcin Tomsia is an esteemed professional in forensic science with a diverse and impactful career. Since October 1, 2022, he has served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Toxicology at the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland. He has been a key figure in advancing forensic education and research.Dr. Tomsia has been a dedicated reviewer for MDPI (Switzerland) and Jagiellonian University Press (Poland) since 2021, contributing his expertise to the peer-review process for leading scientific publications.From October 1, 2018, to September 30, 2022, he worked as a full-time genetic technician in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Toxicology at the Medical University of Silesia. His role involved critical forensic analysis and the application of genetic techniques in various investigations.In addition to his role as a genetic technician, Dr. Tomsia has been a lecturer of forensic genetics in the English division of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Toxicology since 2016, where he has educated and trained future forensic experts.Previously, from June 1, 2012, to 2018, he worked part-time as a genetic technician in the same department, building a solid foundation of experience in forensic genetics and contributing to the department’s research and diagnostic capabilities.

Skills:

DNA Isolation from Skeletal Remains: Dr. Tomsia has successfully identified over 100 samples from hard tissues, including bones that were buried for over 70 years, demonstrating his proficiency in handling challenging forensic samples DNA Isolation from Biological Traces: He is adept at using differential extraction and manual methods to isolate DNA from various biological traces, ensuring accurate forensic analysis. Biochemical Identification: He has extensive experience with immunochromatographic strip tests for detecting semen, blood, and saliva stains, which aids in precise evidence identification. DNA Concentration Determination: Dr. Tomsia is skilled in employing spectrophotometric (NANODROP 1000), fluorometric (Quantus™, Promega), and RT2 PCR System (ThermoFisher Scientific) methods to measure DNA concentration. Paternity Testing: His expertise covers the complete paternity testing process, including buccal swab collection, DNA isolation, multiplex PCR, capillary electrophoresis, statistical analysis, and data interpretation. Multiplex PCR and Capillary Electrophoresis: Dr. Tomsia is proficient in using PowerPlex® Fusion and PowerPlex® Y23 Systems, as well as ABI PRISM3130 for advanced genetic analysis. Statistical Calculations: He is competent in performing basic statistical calculations and interpreting the results to support forensic investigations. Legal Cooperation: His extensive experience working with judges and prosecutors highlights his ability to contribute effectively to legal proceedings involving forensic evidence. Cell Isolation and Culture: Dr. Tomsia’s expertise includes isolating cells from human amniotic membranes, culturing amniotic membrane stem cells, and conducting gene expression analyses using RT2PCR-Light Cycler 480 (Roche) and flow cytometry (FACS Aria I). He is also skilled in immunohistochemistry analysis.

Scientific projects:

In recent years, significant progress has been made in forensic science through research led by young scientists in the fields of genetic and biochemical analysis. A noteworthy area of exploration is the study of costal cartilage, which has emerged as a valuable niche in forensic investigations. One ongoing project (2023) investigates the potential of costal cartilage as a new niche of human remains in the field of forensic acarology. This builds on previous studies, such as a 2022 project focused on correlating CT imaging results with the age of individuals in the Upper Silesian population. The investigation continues with the aim of enhancing forensic identification techniques using non-invasive imaging methods.

In 2021, a series of research tasks further highlighted the forensic potential of costal cartilage. One study examined the presence of psychoactive substances in postmortem cartilage, while another investigated the genetic and biochemical markers in human semen, even after laundering evidence. These projects have demonstrated how cartilage’s unique properties can aid in the detection of biological materials, preserving DNA integrity, and facilitating forensic identification, as documented in a National Science Foundation-supported study. Additionally, research from 2020 and 2019 expanded on the understanding of how decomposition affects psychoactive substance concentrations in cartilage, as well as its applications in age estimation of deceased individuals, making costal cartilage a vital area of focus in forensic science.

Top Notable Publications

Tomsia, M., Cieśla, J., Śmieszek, J., Michalczyk, K., & Stygar, D. (2024). Long-term space missions’ effects on the human organism: what we do know and what requires further research. Frontiers in Physiology, 15, 1284644.

Freire-Aradas, A., Tomsia, M., Piniewska-Róg, D., Phillips, C., & Branicki, W. (2023). Development of an epigenetic age predictor for costal cartilage with a simultaneous somatic tissue differentiation system. Forensic Science International: Genetics, 67, 102936.

Żarczyńska, M., Żarczyński, P., & Tomsia, M. (2023). Nucleic Acids Persistence—Benefits and Limitations in Forensic Genetics. Genes, 14(8), 1643.

Tomsia, M., Chełmecka, E., Głaz, M., & Nowicka, J. (2023). Epiglottis Cartilage, Costal Cartilage, and Intervertebral Disc Cartilage as Alternative Materials in the Postmortem Diagnosis of Methanol Poisoning. Toxics, 11(2), 152.

Cieśla, J., Skrobisz, J., Niciński, B., Javan, G.T., & Tomsia, M. (2023). The smell of death. State-of-the-art and future research directions. Frontiers in Microbiology, 14, 1260869.

Tomsia, M., Głaz, M., Nowicka, J., Sosnowski, M., & Chełmecka, E. (2022). Fatal Methanol Poisoning Caused by Drinking Industrial Alcohol: Silesia Region, Poland, April–June 2022. Toxics, 10(12), 800.

Tomsia, M., Droździok, K., Banaszek, P., Pałasz, A., & Chełmecka, E. (2022). The intervertebral discs’ fibrocartilage as a DNA source for genetic identification in severely charred cadavers. Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology, 18(4), 442–449.

Tomsia, M., Cieśla, J., Pilch-Kowalczyk, J., Banaszek, P., & Chełmecka, E. (2022). Cartilage Tissue in Forensic Science—State of the Art and Future Research Directions. Processes, 10(11), 2456.

Marcin Tomsia | Forensic Science | Best Researcher Award

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