Department of Chemistry and Physics
Research Scientist and Academic Advisor, Forensic Science Program
Email: bbintz@wcu.edu
Phone: 828-227-3680
Office Address: 136B Stillwell Science Building
Education:
M.S., Western Carolina University
B.S., University of South Florida
Areas of Interest:
In my current role as a forensic research scientist, I have designed and executed
experiments for the validation of next-generation sequencing (NGS) instruments that
are housed within the WCU core sequencing facility. A current project includes a direct
comparison of human mtDNA sequence data from a previously characterized sample donor
generated using both the Roche GS Junior and Illumina® MiSeq® benchtop sequencers.
Unexpected minor-variants (≥ 0.1% minor variant detection threshold) were assessed
for their presence in data sets generated by both sequencing instruments. Those variants
detected across all NGS platforms were classified as instances of possible true biological
variation, while others were classified as instances of background noise. Those classified
as background noise were further categorized as transitions, transversions and/or
indels in order to elucidate the type of background noise associated with each instrument.
This information will ultimately be used to aid in the establishment of an instrument-based
limit of detection, or analytical threshold above which low-level variants can be
interpreted with a higher level of certainty. Additionally, a related project includes
analysis of human mtDNA sequence data using commercially available NGS software packages
including Softgenetics NextGENe®, and CLC Genomics Workbench as a way to understand
the impact that different computational algorithms may have on NGS data output and
resulting interpretations. This project represents an ongoing collaboration between
WCU, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Armed Forces
DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL).
Selected Publications:
- Bintz, BJ; Dixon, GB; Wilson, MR. Simultaneous detection of human mitochondrial DNA and nuclear inserted mitochondrial-origin
sequences (numts) using forensic mtDNA amplification strategies and pyrosequencing
technology. J Forensic Sci 2014;59(4):1064-73.
- Sither, CB; Hopkins, VE; Harrison, BA; Bintz, BJ; Hickman, EY; Brown, JS; Wilson, MR, Byrd, BD. Differentiation of Aedes atlanticus and Aedes tormentor by restriction fragment length polymorphisms of the second internal transcribed spacer.
J Am Mosq Control Assoc 2013;29(4):376-79.
- Cither, CB; Harrison, BA; Bintz, BJ; Wilson, MR; Kim, J; Graham, M; Caillouët, Hutchinson, ML; Byrd, BD. First record of Aedes (Ochlerotatus) stimulans from Louisiana . J Am Mosq Control Assoc. 2014;30(4)305-308.
- Shroyer, DA; Harrison, BA; Bintz, BJ; Wilson, MR; Sither, CB; Byrd, BD. Aedes pertinax, a newly recognized mosquito species in the United States. J Am Mosq Control Assoc. 2015;31(1)97-100.
