Read our REF2021 impact case study here: Ensuring robust and flexible protections against the use of biometric data.

Aaron is a Research Scientist in Forensic Biometrics, Genetics and Biology. Aaron has an academic background in forensic biology, with research experience in DNA profiling and forensic DNA legislation/ policy. Through his research, Aaron has contributed oral and written evidence and reviewed policy reports on forensic biometrics for several groups and agencies including the Scottish Independent Advisory Group on Biometrics, Forensic Genetics Policy Initiative, the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, the Office of the Biometrics Commissioner and the New Zealand Law Commission. He has also worked on Northumbria Police commissioned evaluations on out of court disposals.

Aaron holds a BSc in Biochemistry (2013) from KNUST, Ghana; an MSc in Forensic Science (2015) from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow (funded by the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship); and a Law PhD on Forensic DNA databases (2019) from Northumbria University (funded by Northumbria Research Studentship). Aaron joined Northumbria University as a Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science in January 2020. He worked previously as a Teaching and Laboratory Assistant (National Service Person) in Biochemistry at KNUST, Ghana, from 2013 to 2014. Aaron is an Associate Member of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS) (since 2016).

Aaron's research is multi- and inter-disciplinary, spanning forensic science, law, and policing, with a clear policy-impact focus. His primary research covers the following key themes:

1. Regulation of forensic DNA & biometric databases;
2. Persistence of body fluids;
3. Development of online tools for teaching forensic science practical techniques (Forensic vLabs);
4. Development and evaluation of crime reduction initiatives and tools.

Inquiries are welcome on self-funded PhD projects on the above research themes. International students and professionals who are interested in pursuing postgraduate studies in Forensic Science at Northumbria University may apply for the following scholarships/fellowships if they are eligible.

PhD

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (for least developed countries and fragile states) (3 Years PhD)

Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships (for low and middle-income countries) (12 Months Research as part of a PhD in home country)

Masters

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships (12 Months Masters)

Chevening Scholarships (12 Months Masters)