CV — Full profile
Curriculum
Vitae.
My research sits at the intersection of forensic anthropology, genetics, and bioinformatics, with a focus on computational phenotyping: quantitative methods for studying 3D facial variation, DNA phenotyping, genetic linkage, and vocal phenotyping. This work addresses core questions in human identification and biological variation. Before returning to academia, I served as Director of Forensic Laboratories in Afghanistan, overseeing national forensic casework in DNA, toxicology, serology, and criminalistics. I now teach at Penn State as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for ANTH 1 (Understanding Humans), ANTH 21 (Biological Anthropology), and BIO/ANTH 560 (Human Genetics). My goal is to close the gap between genomic research and the tools forensic science actually needs: methods that are scientifically rigorous, practically deployable, and useful for both justice and the study of human variation.
- mrs6995@psu.edu
- Address
- 221 Welch Building, University Park, PA 16802
- Website
- https://mshirzad.com/
- linkedin.com/in/mrshirzad
01 — Section
Education
Jan 2022 – Present
Ph.D. Anthropology (Major), Bioinformatics and Genomics (Minors)
The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA
PhD Candidate (ABD), Dissertation in Progress
Aug 2024
Master's in Anthropology (Major), Bioinformatics and Genomics (Minors)
The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA
Completed, Degree Obtained
Jan 2016
Master of Philosophy in Forensic Science (MPhil)
The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Completed, Degree Obtained
Aug 2012
Bachelor of Science Honors (BS Honors) in Microbiology
University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
Completed, Degree Obtained
02 — Section
Certifications & Training
Aug 2025
13-day online hands-on training program on Genome-wide Association Studies (GWAS) Data Analysis
Center of Bioinformatics Research and Technology
Completed
Dec 2024
10-day online training program on foundational concepts, data analysis techniques, and practical application of R programming in biological data analysis
Center of Bioinformatics Research and Technology
Completed
Nov 2024
One-month online hands-on training program on Next-Generation Sequencing Data Analysis
Center of Bioinformatics Research and Technology
Completed
Oct 2024
10-day online hands-on training program on machine learning in bioinformatics
Center of Bioinformatics Research and Technology
Completed
Oct 2024
15-day online training program on foundational tools and techniques in bioinformatics
Center of Bioinformatics Research and Technology
Completed
Mar 2020
Hands-on training on foundational concepts of HID (DNA Human Identification) workflow, laboratory workflow for forensic DNA analysis on ABI GA3500XL, data interpretation, reporting, and practical application in forensic DNA analysis for casework and research
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Completed
03 — Section
Publications
Forensic features and genetic legacy of the Baloch population of Pakistan and the Hazara population across the Durand Line revealed by Y-chromosomal STRs
Atif Adnan, Shao-Qing Wen, Allah Rakha, Rashed Alghafri, Shahid Nazir, Muhammad Rehman, Chuan-Chao Wang, Jie Lu
International Journal of Legal Medicine
Suicide Cases and Causes Reported in the Forensic Medicine Directorate and Isteqlal Hospital of the Ministry of Public Health, Kabul, Afghanistan
Faridullah Rahiq, Li Xiguang, Muhammad Rehman, Azizaqa Zahed, Khalil Ahmad Pashtoonyar, Bashir Ahmad Taseer, Ahmad Shah Wazir, Mohammad Mustafa Amarkhil
International Journal of Multidisciplinary Educational Research, Volume 9, Issue 7(3), July 2020
Trace Elemental Analysis of Hair for Toxicity Using Partial Induced X-Ray Emission (PIXE) Testing for Forensic Science Applications
Muhammad Waqas, Muhammad Saqib Shahzad, Arif Malik, Ishaq Ahmad, Haleema Sadia, Muneeba Butt, Murtaza Hassan, Waseem Ashraf, Muhammad Rehman
IJBPAS, 8(11): 2181–2194, November 2019
A comprehensive exploration of the genetic legacy and forensic features of Afghanistan and Pakistan's Mongolian-descent Hazara
Guanglin He, Atif Adnan, Allah Rakha, Hui-Yuan Yeh, Mengge Wang, Xing Zou, Jianxin Guo, Muhammad Rehman, Abulhasan Fawad, Pengyu Chen, Chuan-Chao Wang
Forensic Science International: Genetics 42 (2019) e1–e12
Detection and comparison of light metals in hair among workers of different industries using Particle Induced X-Ray Emission (PIXE) for forensic casework
Muhammad Rehman, Muhammad Waqas, Muhammad Saqib Shahzad, Saeeda Kalsoom, Javed Iqbal Bajwa, Amina Arif, Muhammad Azmat Ullah Khan
Adv. Life Sci., 5(4):154–157, 2018
04 — Section
Media & Press
The Night Doctrine
Field Producer — Tribeca Film Festival
U.S.-Backed Zero Units in Afghanistan
Featured in — ProPublica
Afghanistan Night Raids Investigation
Featured in — ProPublica
Kabul Crime Scene Investigators
Featured in — Al Jazeera
Afghan Meth Epidemic
Featured in — Undark.org
Advancing the Forensic Biosciences in Afghanistan
Talk
Afghanistan Forensic Laboratory
Featured in — Los Angeles Times
05 — Section
Professional Experience
Aug 2023 – Present
Graduate Teaching Assistant (TA)
Department of Anthropology, College of Liberal Arts, The Pennsylvania State University, PA 16802
Subjects: Introduction to Biological Anthropology (ANTH-21) and Understanding Humans (ANTH-01) in person and through Penn State World Campus.
Oct 2023 – Present
Translator / Interpreter
State College Area School District, 240 Villa Crest Dr., State College, PA 16801
Languages: Pashto, Dari, Hindi, Farsi, and Urdu.
May 2024 – May 2025
AGSA President
Anthropology Graduate Student Association (AGSA), Department of Anthropology, College of Liberal Arts, The Pennsylvania State University, PA 16802
Jan 2022 – Jul 2023
Graduate Research Assistant (RA)
Shriver Anthropological Genomics Laboratory, Department of Anthropology, College of the Liberal Arts, Pennsylvania State University, PA 16802
Nov 2021 – Dec 2021
STEM Teacher
Liberty Village Community Education Program, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL), Fort Dix, New Jersey, USA
Dec 2015 – Aug 2021
Director of the National Forensic Laboratories & Forensic Laboratories Consultant
Forensic Medicine Directorate, Ministry of Public Health, Afghanistan
Jun 2016 – Jul 2021
Assistant Director and Molecular Pathologist (Part-time)
Noor Rahman Medical Laboratories, Kabul, Afghanistan
Jul 2020 – Mar 2021
Molecular Biology Laboratory Consultant (COVID-19, Part-time)
Blossom Healthcare Center, Kabul, Afghanistan
Jan 2018 – May 2019
Volunteer Lecturer of Biotechnology (Part-time)
Faculty of Sciences, Nangarhar University, Jalalabad, Nangarhar, Afghanistan
Sep 2014 – Dec 2015
Forensic Labs Investigative Scientist (Volunteer)
Forensic Medicine Directorate, Ministry of Public Health, Afghanistan
Sep 2013 – Mar 2014
Laboratory Technologist / Molecular Technologist
French Medical Institute for Children (FMIC), Kabul, Afghanistan
Jun 2011 – Jul 2011
Undergraduate Intern
Post Graduate Medical Institute (PGMI), Lady Reading Hospital, Department of Pathology, Peshawar, Pakistan
06 — Section
Memberships
2025 – Present
Graduate Student Affiliate
Center for Human Evolution and Diversity (CHED)
Building skills in leadership and outreach and learning ethical principles for respectful engagement with marginalized communities.
2022 – Present
Associate Member, Criminalistics Section
American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)
2023 – Present
Pro Bono Forensic Expert
American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)
Evaluate forensic reports and casework, review crime laboratory analyses, and provide consultation on forensic investigations. Support expert testimony and deliver forensic services when requested by AAFS.
2023 – Present
Student Affiliate
American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG)
07 — Section
Conferences & Training
Forensic Analysis of Human DNA
Gordon Research Conference, Maine, USA
Connecting Fundamental Science, Innovative Methodologies, and Forensic Casework Applications.
AAFS 77th Annual Meeting
American Academy of Forensic Science, Baltimore, Maryland
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Instrument Training: NextSeq 2000 (Certificate of Completion)
Illumina, Inc. Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University
Laboratory Rotation in NGS and Molecular Techniques
Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University
Hands-on training in NGS library preparation, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), tissue culture, NGS data analysis, and molecular laboratory workflows.
ASHG 75 Meeting
American Society of Human Genetics, Washington, DC
Gordon Research Conference, Forensic DNA — JRC Human Identification Conference 2022
Mount Snow, Vermont
Organizer — Investigation Evidences in Criminal Cases
The University of Lahore, Pakistan
4 sessions × 1.5 hours, 1.0 CPD credit points.
Coordinator — International Workshop on Vaccinology
University of Lahore, Pakistan
Organized in collaboration with the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) and the Center for Research in Molecular Medicine (CRiMM).
Organizer — 1st National Conference on Integrated Role of Forensic Science in Criminal Justice System
Department of Forensic Science, The University of Lahore, Pakistan
08 — Section
Awards & Honors
CHED SEED Grant
Center for Human Evolution and Diversity (CHED), Penn State University
Part of the research team awarded $5,000 for developing voice-based predictive models for complex respiratory disorders.
Emmy Award — The Night Doctrine
Three Emmy Awards
Outstanding News Discussion & Analysis: Editorial and Opinion; Outstanding Graphic Design: News; and Outstanding Music Composition: News. As a field producer, I led field operations, research, and logistics, playing a key role in the documentary’s critical and award-winning success.
Visual Anthropology Award
Penn State University
For the short 3D documentary The Night Doctrine.
Principal Nominee for IVLP — Rule of Law and the U.S. Judicial System
International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), U.S. Department of State
Appreciation Certificate
United States Department of State and the United States Embassy, Kabul, Afghanistan
OIC Scholarship
Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC)
Student exchange scholarship.
Forensic UOL — Shield for Best Performance and Best Organizer
1st National Conference on the Integrated Role of Forensic Science in the Criminal Justice System, Department of Forensic Science, The University of Lahore, Pakistan
DAFI Scholarship
Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative Scholarship, Germany
Ministry of Education Merit Certificate
Executive District Officer of the Ministry of Education
Awarded for District Topper in the Middle School Examination.
09 — Section
Outreach & Community
2025
Jury Member, 3D Animated Film Category
Centre Film Festival, Pennsylvania, USA. Evaluated submissions and contributed to award selection.
2025
LION-BASH — Living in One Neighbourhood, State College, PA
Shared my research findings with the broader community and helped the Center for Human Evolution and Diversity at Penn State organize the iTOK podcast series and community discussion.
2025
People's Choice Award — Orange and Blue Fair and Art Fest, State College, PA
Presented my research to the broader community and helped the Center for Human Evolution and Diversity at Penn State University organize community outreach programming.
2025
Committee Member and Instructor, ARISE
Served as a committee member and instructor for the genetics module in the ARISE program at Penn State University.
2025
AnthroFest 2025
Presented my research to the broader community and helped organize the event in my role as President of the Anthropology Graduate Student Association (AGSA).
2023, 2024, 2025
Ask a Scientist
Engaged with school children who showed strong interest in my research and work.
2023, 2024
ARISE Program, Graduate Participant
Assisted with the genetics module and supported all assigned activities at Penn State University.
2024
Love Your Neighbor — Speaker, State College, PA
A gathering that brought together people of many backgrounds, beliefs, and professions to promote understanding, respect, and unity.
2023
Policy Council Representative, CenClear Preschool, Matternville Center
Support communication between parents and teachers, attend school meetings, and help advocate for the needs and interests of families in the program.
10 — Section
Languages
- Dari
- English
- Hindi
- Pashto
- Persian
- Urdu
References available upon request.