Rohith Krishna

Rohith Krishna

Email: rk2319@hallam.shu.ac.uk
Research Centre: Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre (BMRC)
Research Group: Fingermark Research Group
PhD Thesis Title: Advancing Capabilities of Molecular Fingerprinting by MALDI MSI on the SELECT SERIES Cyclic Ion Mobility Spectrometer.
Director of Studies: Prof. Simona Francese
Supervisors: Dr. Robert Bradshaw, Dr. Laura Cole, Dr. James Langridge

Collaborators:  Waters Corporation, Wilmslow, UK

SUMMARY

I am a PhD student exploring the molecular fingerprinting capabilities of the latest generation of MALDI mass spectrometers in the forensic science. I love science education, horology, gaming anime, and cooking!

RESEARCH

Molecular fingerprinting pioneered by Francese’s group at Sheffield Hallam University has been a game changer in the chemical analysis of fingerprints. The molecular information is used to provide intelligence on the suspect’s lifestyle, sex, and actions prior to/during the perpetration of the crime. Additionally, it is used to reconstruct multiple images of the fingerprints for enhanced biometric intelligence.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) coupled with the SELECT SERIES Cyclic ion mobility spectrometer (Cyclic IMS) would represent a significant advancement in the molecular fingerprinting capabilities thanks to the enhanced mass accuracy (sub ppm), resolution (~500,000 (FWHM)) and molecular identification afforded by the instrument. In particular, new methods are being developed on this instrument to detect and map antipsychotics and date rape drugs as well as blood in fingerprints.