Dr. Melisa Beddow obtained a Bachelor of Science in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology degree from the University of California at Santa Cruz, a Master of Science in Forensic Science degree from the University of California at Davis, and her Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology degree with an Emphasis in Cognition and Instruction from Grand Canyon University. Dr. Beddow's Masters research project, "Recovering Trace DNA From Knives, A Comparison of Two Collection Techniques", was presented at the California Association of Criminalists Spring Seminar in 2002. Her doctoral dissertation focused on the impact of the CSI Effect within the television series "Bones". Dr. Beddow has over 7 years of analytical laboratory experience working in various laboratories from human diagnostic testing to biotechnology and forensic serology and DNA analysis. She was also a Research Assistant in the Recombinant Expression group at Santa Cruz Biotechnology. At Diagnostic Pathology Medical Group, Dr. Beddow was a Laboratory Assistant who specialized in testing cervical samples for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhea and Human Papillomavirus DNA. As a DNA Scientist VII at Chromosomal Laboratories, Dr. Beddow performed human identification testing on various samples to assist in cases across the country, including identifying remains of immigrants. She has had the pleasure of testifying as a DNA Analysis expert in over 20 criminal trials for both the prosecution and the defense. What Dr. Beddow loves most about teaching is interacting with students, the energy they bring to the classroom, and creating a fun learning environment. She also believes that laughing creates memories, and these memories are what help students learn and retain material. Furthermore, positive memories are created when people truly enjoy what they are doing. In Dr. Beddow’s spare time, she enjoys crocheting and various crafts, camping, and spending time with friends and family.