About Michael Adamowicz:
I received a B.S. in biology from the University of Illinois and my Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I then spent two years performing post-doctoral studies at Purdue University before moving to Connecticut. I joined the Connecticut State Forensic Laboratory in 1996 as a forensic DNA analyst. In 2003 I became a supervisor in the DNA unit and managed both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA casework groups. I left the Connecticut Forensic Laboratory in 2009, when I accepted a faculty position in the Department of Forensic Science at the University of New Haven. As an associate professor there, I have taught courses ranging from introduction to forensic science to advanced forensic DNA methods at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. I was also the forensic science program coordinator at the undergraduate and graduate levels, responsible for student advising and curricular development. I have maintained an active research program focusing on developing new methods for developing DNA profiles from challenged evidence items and understanding how to better process mixed DNA samples in evidence. The forensic science program at UNL is already very strong and I hope to continue to advance it with the addition of new resources for students.
What is your position at UNL?
Director of the forensic science program and I am an associate professor.
What drew you to UNL?
I received my Ph.D. in microbiology from UNL in 1993, so I am more than a little familiar with the university. My wife is also a Lincoln native, and has her B.S. and M.S. degrees from UNL. We consider that we have come home.
What aspect of working in an educational setting do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy working with students the most. Whether in the classroom or the laboratory, I find the interactions with students to be tremendously fulfilling.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement so far is probably raising my two daughters (ages 12 and 15), but we're not done with high school yet.
What is something that most people don't know about you?
I am an avid tabletop miniatures gamer and motorcyclist.
What is your life like outside of work?
Outside of work I spend a lot of time with my family and pursuing my hobbies.