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Greg Hampikian, Ph.D.

Professor, Department of Biological Sciences

Joint appointment in Department of Criminal Justice

Idaho Innocence Project

Dr. Greg Hampikian working in the lab
Greg Hampikian, Biology, essential work during COVID-19 campus closure, John Kelly photo.

Co-Director of the Idaho Innocence Project
Director of the Forensic Justice Project at BSU
Charter Fellow National Academy of Inventors

In the News

Hampikian Lab in the News, videos

Scholarship and Internship Resources

Student Scholarship and Internship resources
Mailing Address
: Department of Biology
Boise State University
Boise, ID 83725-1515
Office Location: Science 215
Office Number: 208-426-4992
Fax Number: 208-426-1040
E-Mail Address: greghampikian@boisestate.edu

RESEARCH INTERESTS

  • Nullomers. Our lab identified and studies the shortest sequences absent from nature (DNA, RNA, Protein).  We coined the term Nullomers for the shortest sequences absent from a species or group of species, and the term Primes for the shortest sequences absent from all of nature. This field has blossomed internationally over the past decade with our lab working on cancer drugs derived from Nullomer peptides, and patenting Nullomer Markers for use in tagging samples like forensic DNA swabs.
  • The Sewagome.  We consume food and beverages from all over the world, but deposit our excrement in a common, branched capillary bed, that can be thought of as a Megacolon.  Our lab is interested in this ecosystem from a public health and environmental perspective.  We have established a collaboration with Boise City, the Health Department and area schools to monitor viral (COVID-19) and other pathogen sequences in wastewater.  We are most interested in optimizing these analyses by studying the ecology and genetics of wastewater.
  • HIV and Genome Inoculation.  More than 8% of the human genome is made of retroviruses that have successfully penetrated the immortal human germ cell lineage (sperm or eggs) to become “human DNA.”  We are interested in the process of converting dangerous invaders into good genomic citizens.  Viral genes code for the placenta and can aid in immunity against other viruses; we are looking for ways to exploit this pathway for genomic vaccination, and to improve HIV testing.
  • Advanced Forensic DNA Technology. Through our work with innocence organizations and the police, we have helped free more than three-dozen wrongfully convicted prisoners, and helped police identify new suspects in 6 of those cases.  Funded by US Department of Justice, we are using cutting-edge DNA to help reveal long-hidden truth.

Academic Degrees

  • Postdoctoral Associate, Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology, 1992
  • National Science Foundation International Centers of Excellence Postdoctoral Award, 1990-91 with Jennifer Graves, La Trobe University, Australia
  • Ph.D., University of Connecticut, Genetics, 1990
  • M.S., University of Connecticut, Genetics, 1986
  • B.S., University of Connecticut, Biology, 1982

Professional Positions

  • Professor, Biology, and Criminal Justice, Boise State University, 2006-present
  • Director of the Idaho Innocence Project, 2006-present
  • Associate Professor, Biology, and Criminal Justice, Boise State University, 2004-2005
  • Professor, Biology, Clayton State University (CSU), 1993-2004
  • Board Member, Georgia Innocence Project, DNA expert, 2003-present
  • Grants Coordinator for the School of Arts and Sciences (CSU), 2003-2004
  • Biology Coordinator, Natural Science Department, (CSU) 2001-2002
  • Visiting Research Faculty, National Science Foundation, Georgia Tech, Biochemistry Department, 1997-98
  • Visiting Scientist, Emory University and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, 1994-95
  • Research Assistant, Yale University Medical School, Dermatology, 1983-84

Professional Organizations

Teaching

Graduate Courses

  • Biology 597 Human/Virus Coevolution
  • Biology 597 Viral Archeology
  • Biology 597 Advanced Topics in Genetic Analysis
  • Biology 598-05 Oxidative Stress
  • Biology 598-02 Genomics Seminar, Small Molecules and Cell Death #10089
  • Biology 598-05  15512  Biotechnology Seminar   Biol 498 -01 , #15511
  • Biology 547 Forensic Biology
  • Biology 696 Directed Research
  • Biology 596 Graduate Independent Study
  • Biology 593-05 Thesis, 13866
  • Criminal Justice 597 -02 15618 /497-04 15619 Forensic Evidence in Cold Cases
  • Criminal Justice 597/497-02 DNA Evidence in Wrongful Convictions, Special Topics
  • Criminal Justice 590 Internship

Undergraduate Courses

Boise State University

  • Biology 447 Forensic Biology
  • Biology 310 Genetics #70356
  • Biology 310SL #70358 Genetics Service Learning Lab
  • Biology 320 Cell Biology
  • Biology 496 Section 03 Independent Study, #75883
  • Criminal Justice 497 Forensic Biology

Clayton State courses

Biotechnology, Biotechnology Lab, Genetics, Human Genetics (on-line), Recombinant DNA Laboratory, Biobusiness and Regulatory Affairs, Microbiology, Microbiology Lab, Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) sequence, A&P Labs, Sex and Reproduction, Introductory Biology (majors and non-majors sequence), Introductory Biology Labs, Biotechnology for teacher education students

Selected Publications

Academic

Other writing

Patents

Outreach

Schools: Learning Science with Forensic Investigations

High School Forensic Curriculum Aids We have developed a series of forensic science activities that can be used to teach basic scientific concepts to students in all levels of K-12 staring in 1994.  In conjunction with the Boise State Forensic Science Club and The BSU Biology Club, we have tested and assessed the activities in several schools in Idaho, and across the country. Dr. Hampikian has presented his findings and run workshops for local and national groups including, The Idaho Science Teachers Association (Keynote 2006), National Science Teachers Association (2004), and The Summer Institute on Enrichment Learning and Teaching (Confratute 2004 and 2005).

Examples of National educational outreach (not updated since 2011)

  • Georgia Science Teachers, Forensic DNA and Biotechnology Workshop, September 13 and 14, 2011, Georgia State University, 24 teachers from Georgia Schools, Sponsoring Institutions: Georgia State University’s Bio-Bus Program; Boise State University Outreach; Bio-Rad; Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Undergraduate Science Education Division
  • Georgia Science Teachers, Forensic DNA and Biotechnology Workshop, September 13 and 14, 2010, Georgia State University, 24 teachers from Georgia Schools, Sponsoring Institutions: Georgia State University’s Bio-Bus Program; Boise State University Outreach; Bio-Rad; Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Undergraduate Science Education Division
  • Georgia Science Teachers, Forensic DNA and Biotechnology Workshop, November 5 and 6, 2009, Georgia State University, 24 teachers from Georgia Schools, Sponsoring Institutions: Georgia State University’s Bio-Bus Program; Boise State University Outreach; Bio-Rad; Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Undergraduate Science Education Division
  • Georgia Science Teachers, Forensic DNA and Biotechnology Workshop, Sept. 15 and 16, 2008, Georgia State University, 20 teachers from Georgia Schools, Sponsoring Institutions: Georgia State University’s Bio-Bus Program; Boise State University Outreach; Bio-Rad; Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Undergraduate Science Education Division
  • Atlanta Area Science Teachers, Forensic DNA and Biotechnology Workshop, Sept. 17 and 18, 2007, Georgia State University, 27 teachers from Georgia Schools, Sponsoring Institutions: Georgia State University’s Bio-Bus Program; Boise State University Outreach; Bio-Rad; Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Undergraduate Science Education Division
  • AAAS American Association for the Advancement of Science, 88th Pacific Northwest Annual Meeting, Molecular Biology for High School Teachers, 2 Day workshop with Bio-Rad, June 20, 21, 18, 2007 teachers from around the Northwest
  • Atlanta, in conjunction with the US Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory; 500 Students, 26 teachers, May 25, 2005.  50 hours of laboratory with teachers, followed by sustained contact and a forensic science day for students.  Each year we work with high school teachers to develop a forensics based science curriculum for participating schools. The High School Curriculum in Forensic Science has received national recognition from Good Morning America, The Wall Street Journal, Fox news and others. In Idaho we will be working with students in education and the sciences, and teachers in local schools to develop hands on science activities for school children. With support from BIO-RAD.  See Atlanta Forensic Science for Schools, 2005
  • Forensic Science and Biotechnology for Teachers.  in Conjunction with Center for Applied Genetics Technology, sponsored by BIO-RAD University of Connecticut, July 7-10, 2005, 30 hour intensive lab course, 22 teachers.  Hartford Courant article
  • Confratute workshop for teachers of gifted children, Storrs, CT, 48 teachers, July 12, 2005
  • Undergraduate educators workshop in forensic science, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, 12 undergraduate professors, July 12-14
  • NSTA Short course: “Forensic Biotechnology Laboratory for Teachers,” National Science Teachers Association Annual Convention, laboratory course, Hampikian and Burke, Atlanta, April, 2004, 6 hours, 23 teachers from around the country

Examples of Workshops and Internships for Idaho partnership schools (Not updated since 2011)

  • Kuna High, First Science Symposium Speaker, January 27, 2011
  • Salmon High School, visit to BSU lab, April 21, 2011 Science Tracy Burgess Chairperson
  • Renaissance High School, May 17, 2011
  • Kuna High, Timberline High, and Borah High attended Boise City Club of Boise  Nov. 29, 2011
  • Meridian Medical Arts High School, January 15, 2010
  • Nampa High School, visit to our lab, Feb 4, 2010
  • Boise High School, Feb 19, 2010, 3 presentations for different classes
  • Riverglen Junior High, 8th grade Career Day, host Jeanette Griggs, November 15, 2010
  • Salmon High School, 35 students 4 adults, 2010
  • Horshoe Bend High School, Chris Ball, May 7, 2010
  • Mountain View High School, Host Kristi Brown, Forensic Science Classes, 200 students, 5 teachers, September 30, 2009
  • Discovery Center of Idaho, Forensic Science Camp, 18 students, 5th and 6th graders, 3 teachers, instructor Michael Merkly, June 17, 2008
  • “Forensic DNA,” Boise High Forensic Class, Teacher Heidi Pluska and Erik Quissell, 42 students, 3 teachers, May 21, 2009
  • Van Burren Elementary School, visit to Hampikian lab, May 21, 2009
  • “Clones, Twins, and the Rest of Us,” Boise High School, AP Biology Classes, swabbed a set of identical twins and processed their DNA, 45 students, 3 teachers, May 20, 2009
  • Salmon High Biology, visit to Hampikian Lab, 2 teachers, 26 students, 4.23.09, pdf
  • North Junior High School, Boise, Ms. Viegal’s Classes, 32 students 3 teachers, 4.16.09, pdf
  • Mountain View High School, presentation for Mike Knutson’s Sociology Class at the high school, 40 students and two teachers, 4.09.09
  • Boise State University Preschool, 12 students under 5 years old, and 2 teachers, microscope, mosses, magnets, and snakes, February 6, 2009
  • Kuna High School, 150 students, auditorium presentation, “Forensic Science and The Good Life,” December 18, 2008.
  • Greenleaf Christian Academy, 40 students, 7th and 8th grade, 4 teachers, 3 parents, Lab visit and research presentation at BSU, pics, November 21, 2008
  • Nampa High School, 50 students, 3 teachers, Lab visit and research presentation at BSU, pics, November 13, 2008
  • Hawthorne Elementary 6th Grade, 24 students, three teachers, October 27, 2008, 5mb pdf pictures
  • North Junior High School, 60 students 5 teachers, at BSU, October 10, 2008, 1.5mb pdf, 7mb ppt
  • Science for preschoolers,” Boise State University Daycare, 8 very young visitors, 3 teachers, June 25, 2008
  • Discovery Center of Idaho, Forensic Science Camp, 24 students, 5th and 6th graders, 5 teachers, June 17, 2008
  • Mountain View High School, Meridian, Visit to School, 75 students 5 teachers, April 23, 2008
  • Lincoln Elementary School, Nampa, lab visit and department tour, 28 students, 4 teachers, April 15, 2008
  • Homedale High School, Laboratory visit and discussion, teacher Mark Weeks, 20 students, April 7, 2008
  • Homedale Middle school 25 students, 3 teachers, lab tour, April 7, 2008, pics (ppt)
  • Mountain View High School, 100 Students in sociology classes, Mike Knuston Teacher, April 23, 2008
  • Emmett Junior High, 14 students, 2 teachers, visit to Biology Department, March 19, 2008
  • Fairmont Junior High, Special Education Program, 20 students, 5 teachers, Ahfong room, Boise State University, April 7, 2008
  • David Wisniewski Idaho City High School, shadow a scientist, March 7, 2008
  • YMCA Eagle Idaho-16 students (k-5th), 3 teachers, Feb. 5, 2008, pdf pics 4mb
  • Football Recruits Breakfast talk, Saturday, December 15, 2007
  • Kuna High Lab Day at Boise State Biology, 20 students and teacher George Carpenter spent the day in our lab, Dec. 14, 2007
  • Discovery Center of Idaho, with BSU Biology Club, Saturday, Dec 8, 2007, “DNA Forensics,” Talk, and Biology
  • Outreach activities, Pics, 250 students with parents
  • Discovery Center of Idaho, with BSU Biology Club, Saturday, November 10, 2007 volunteer training, Biology Outreach activities
  • YMCA Eagle Idaho-18 students (k-5th), 2 teachers, pics
  • Highlands Elementary, DNA Science, 18 students 1 teacher:
  • Weeblos troop visit to lab: 2 hour hands on DNA, for 6 students and 10 parents
  • Boise State Summer Academy, 60 students, 6 teachers, June 29, 2007
  • Discovery Center Forensic Camp, 18 students 3 teachers, June 22, 2007
  • Boise High workshop, teacher Heidi Pluska, 17 students in Forensic Science, May 8, 2007
  • Chris Andersen, High School Intern in Hampikian Lab, 2007
  • North Junior High School, 52 English Students, 3 teachers, “Writing in Science,” Mrs. Veigel’s classes, 4.11.07
  • Christina Ballard, High School Intern, 2007
  • Visit to Fairmont Junior High, 21 students with 9th grade teacher Tammy Burk, 3.13.07
  • Fairmont Junior High visit to Boise State Forensic DNA Laboratory, DNA Forensics workshop for Accelerated Science, 21 students with 9th grade teacher Tammy Burk, 3.08.07
  • Kuna High, lab visit for ornithology students, 14 students and teacher George Carpenter, 3.05.07
  • Highlands Elementary, archeology stories, Miss Linn’s 3rd and 4th combined, 3.01.07
  • Camas County High School, DNA Workshop at BSU, Jeff Rast and 15 Sophomores, 2.2.07
  • Kuna High School, DNA workshop at BSU, George Carpenter and 16 students, Dec. 4, 2006, powerpoint
  • Idaho Science Teachers, annual meeting keynote, 160 teachers, Oct. 6, 2006
  • Treasure Valley Science Teachers Workshop, Vallivue High School near Caldwell, 20 teachers, Oct. 18, 2005,
  • Forensic Science and Evolution in the High School Classroom, October 6 and 7, 2005 at Boise State, Sponsored by a grant from Bio-Rad, 7 teachers
  • “DNA Evidence: Molecules of Truth,” for “Biology Labs Workshop for AP High School Teachers,” 8 teachers, May 20, 2005
  • Highlands Elementary, Gifted program, 20 students, 2 teachers, Oct .17, 2005
  • Keystone Montessori Center, 29 preschoolers ages 4-6, 4 teachers, July 21, 2005
  • Forensic Science Camp with Discovery Center of Idaho, 24 students, 4 teachers, July 18-22, 2005
  • Longfellow Elementary (photos),150 students, 8 teachers, May 27, 2005
  • Eagle Elementary, 90 students, 8 teachers, May 5, 2005
  • Discovery Center of Idaho: 550 students, 12 teachers, 9am-6PM, Forensic Science Club outreach, April 30, 2005
  • Spalding Elementary (photos), 18 GATE students, 1 teacher, April 19, 2005
  • Mary McPherson Elementary, 175 students, 8 teachers, February 11, 2005
  • Treasure Valley Mathematics Science Center (photos), 28 students, 2 teachers, February 9, 2005
  • Borah High: 250 students; 8 teachers, February 2, 2005
  • Caldwell Jefferson Charter (Idaho Statesman article) photos, 30 students, 5 teachers, January 26, 2005
  • ANSER Charter school, Forensic Science Club visits school for latent print mystery, 3-hour program, 35 students, 6 teachers, December 8, 2004
  • ANSER Charter: 40 students; 6 teachers, visit BSU lab for hands-on DNA, December 1, 2004