Specialties & Experience
General Specialties:
Forensics
Specialty Focus:
DNA, Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Education:
B Sc (in biomedical science)(Honours)
Years in Practice:
23
Number of cases in the last 4 years:
192
Additional Information
Jae Gerhard is an independent forensic DNA expert with over 20 years of operational and expert experience across Australia and international jurisdictions. As Principal Scientist and founder of Independent Forensic Services (IFS), Jae has provided independent forensic review, expert testimony, and case evaluations in thousands of criminal, coronial, and inquiry matters. Her career also includes significant roles in the forensic departments of both the Australian Federal Police and New South Wales Police, contributing to major investigations such as disaster victim identification during the Bali bombings and Boxing Day tsunami and high profile criminal cases.
Core Expertise
* DNA evaluation and interpretation: including complex STR mixtures
* Forensic biology and fluid detection: expertise across blood, semen, saliva, and other biological matrices
* Bloodstain pattern analysis: from scene-level interpretation to courtroom testimony
* Critical case reviews: independent forensic review reports, preparation of detailed expert reports, and observational casefile scrutiny
Experience & Jurisdictional Reach
Jae has appeared as an expert witness in virtually all Australian state and federal courts—as well as select international tribunals. She assists both defence and prosecution teams, maintaining absolute independence. Her forensic reporting regularly influences key decisions during voir dire, case discontinuation, and trial outcomes.
Consultation Services Offered
* Case file review and preliminary forensic assessment
* Expert report preparation in compliance with expert witness codes
* Strategic preparation for voir dire, direct and cross-examination
* Training and expert seminars for solicitors, barristers, and forensic professionals
Testimonials
“Jae demonstrated exceptional clarity in explaining DNA scenarios and identified gaps in the original forensic analysis… resulting in the exclusion of the evidence.”
— Chris Pearson, Barrister
“Accessible, highly professional… I rely on Jae for complex DNA cases across challenging jurisdictions.”
— Tania M. Collins, General Counsel, North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency
Core Expertise
* DNA evaluation and interpretation: including complex STR mixtures
* Forensic biology and fluid detection: expertise across blood, semen, saliva, and other biological matrices
* Bloodstain pattern analysis: from scene-level interpretation to courtroom testimony
* Critical case reviews: independent forensic review reports, preparation of detailed expert reports, and observational casefile scrutiny
Experience & Jurisdictional Reach
Jae has appeared as an expert witness in virtually all Australian state and federal courts—as well as select international tribunals. She assists both defence and prosecution teams, maintaining absolute independence. Her forensic reporting regularly influences key decisions during voir dire, case discontinuation, and trial outcomes.
Consultation Services Offered
* Case file review and preliminary forensic assessment
* Expert report preparation in compliance with expert witness codes
* Strategic preparation for voir dire, direct and cross-examination
* Training and expert seminars for solicitors, barristers, and forensic professionals
Testimonials
“Jae demonstrated exceptional clarity in explaining DNA scenarios and identified gaps in the original forensic analysis… resulting in the exclusion of the evidence.”
— Chris Pearson, Barrister
“Accessible, highly professional… I rely on Jae for complex DNA cases across challenging jurisdictions.”
— Tania M. Collins, General Counsel, North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency