Iceland study-abroad preparation
CODIS & NDIS
A group presentation created in preparation for a study-abroad trip to Iceland, exploring the value and ethical complexity of national DNA databases.
Study Abroad • Iceland Preparation • Group Research
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From question to understanding.
The challenge
In preparation for our study-abroad trip to Iceland, our group needed to research and explain how CODIS and NDIS support DNA comparisons across criminal-justice databases while also addressing interpretation error, privacy, false accusation, and the ethical consequences of centralized genetic information.
My approach
- Defined CODIS and its relationship to state and national DNA indexes.
- Used documented cases to show how DNA databases can support investigations.
- Included research on variation in expert interpretation of complex DNA mixtures.
- Balanced practical benefits with questions about accuracy, fairness, and privacy.
The result
The presentation connected molecular biology with law, technology, public policy, and ethics. It gave the audience an accessible overview while making room for responsible uncertainty and debate.
- Collaborative research
- Ethical reasoning
- Source evaluation
- Presentation design
Artifact reflection
What? So what? Now what?
What?
I worked with two classmates on this presentation as preparation for a study-abroad trip to Iceland. We researched the purpose, results, and potential problems of CODIS and NDIS, combining scientific explanation, investigative examples, visuals, and cited sources.
So what?
Preparing for study abroad encouraged me to consider science in a broader international and cultural context. DNA analysis is biological, but a national database also involves technology, law, public policy, privacy, and leadership decisions with real human consequences. I learned that responsible communication must show both what a tool can accomplish and where uncertainty can cause harm.
Now what?
In future group research, I will establish shared standards for source quality and citation earlier, divide work by both strength and learning goal, and rehearse transitions so the final message feels unified. I also want to keep studying how scientific evidence is translated into policy and public decisions.