Department of Biological Sciences

Dr. Penelope Miniati - Letter from a UToledo Alum

Dear UToledo Students, Faculty and Alumni,

It is a great honor and privilege to address you all. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share my experiences not only as a University of Toledo undergraduate and graduate student but also as an international student and later as a professional.

Growing up in Athens, Greece, I always “dreamt” to study Biology and if possible in the States. Since I didn’t have any relatives in the U.S.A., as most Greeks do, this was just next to impossible. Through my persistence to my goal though I managed to persuade my parents to support my “dream”.

An exciting journey of discovering the “secrets of life” started for me in a country that was in many ways so different than Europe. In September of 1982, I arrived in Toledo.

Even though the beginning was very difficult and very lonely, I never thought that failure was an option. I had defined “my personal failure” as to return to Greece without at least my Bachelor’s degree. My strong belief that I could achieve anything I’d set my mind to was my driving force. The support of my family was invaluable even if they were thousands of miles away!

The language barrier was also important to overcome. I studied English in the Continuous Education Center and in January of 1983 I started my studies in Biology. I concluded my B.S. studies within 4 years and in this long journey I was extremely fortunate to be guided by professors who were not only highly respected scientists but also dedicated teachers - dedicated to support their students, to care for them. A TEACHER is a great title attributed to a scientist reflecting valuable qualities. I’ve met many scientists in my later professional life ... but definitely fewer TEACHERS!

Most of my Professors/Teachers were very understanding about the language difficulties that I faced in the beginning of my studies though without expecting less from me. That made me stronger and more dedicated to my goal.

Dr. DuBrul, my advisor, I still remember sometimes standing outside his office door, having so many questions to ask, a bit “lost”, shy and shaky to approach him. And then after our conversation, in a miraculous way I was back “on track” again. Dr. Black, Dr. Creutz and so many, many others also helped me.

Then I was awarded a teaching assistantship for my graduate studies. Dr. Patricia Komuniecki opened her Lab to me and I’m still and always so grateful for that. Through her continuous guidance and support, I concluded my graduate studies and spent another year working in the Biochemistry Labs of the Medical College of Ohio. Then I had to return to Greece in order to keep the promise I’d given to my parents.

Since leaving UToledo, my path has taken me to an exciting professional journey.

In 1992, I joined the Hellenic Police as a scientific staff member, and later I became a founding member and Head of the first forensic DNA Laboratory in Greece. I never expected that my Biology studies would lead me to work for the Police! Forensic DNA analysis was almost an unknown term at that time. However, it proved to be an extremely important scientific achievement that has changed the course of Forensics in general and played a pivotal role in the administration of Justice.

I’m very proud that our team (an incredible group of excellent scientists and good people that I was blessed to inspire and at the same time was inspired by them) developed the DNA analysis method in Greece which contributed in solving many cases --- homicides, rapes, terrorist attacks, etc. - many of the DNA findings made the headlines. Most importantly, Forensic DNA analysis played many times a crucial role in the exoneration of people who were considered guilty based on circumstantial evidence, or even worse who were imprisoned for a crime that they had never committed. I think these results were even more important, more rewarding!

Another application of Forensic DNA analysis that was always very close to my heart, and I was very actively involved in, is that of the identification of deceased, such as in incidents of Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) or in the identification of migrants, etc. This is an ongoing issue due to migration in the Mediterranean, which our country has been called upon to address since Greece is situated in the borders of Europe and in the crossroads of three continents. The Lab actually played a crucial role in the establishment of the first DVI Team in Greece. It was a vision and an obligation to highlight the significant humanitarian aspect of returning the remains of the deceased to their relatives as quickly as possible and in the most scientifically validated way.

During all this time though, my pursuit for knowledge continued. In 2002, I was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in the fields of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology by the Medical School of the University of Crete, Greece.

From 2016 to March 2022, I held the position of the Director of the Directorate of Forensic Sciences (F.S.D.), the National Forensic Service of the country, which serves the forensic needs including all fields of forensics such as fingerprints, toxicology and digital forensics. We served not only the Hellenic Police but also all Public Agencies and many Independent Authorities as well. I was responsible for all Forensic Laboratory facilities in the country and for the 64 Forensic Sections/Offices in Greece. An administrative position through the eyes of a scientist!

I was the first scientist to hold this position in Greece and the first woman in the Directorate’s more than 100 years operation. At the same time I was awarded the rank of Major General. I never thought, when I was studying Biology in our beloved UToledo, that my professional life would have this development - that it would take me to such an unknown, wonderful, challenging and rewarding path. It is the path I loved and I never got bored since every forensic case is different.

In May 2021, I assumed the Chair of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI), after my election for a two-year term as Chair Designate of the said Association - great honor for a forensic scientist as the recognition of her peers at such a high level. ENFSI with its 17 working subgroups covers the entire range of forensic fields, and its two Standing Committees for Research & Development, and Quality & Competence are the main advisory body of the European Committee on Forensic issues. ENFSI represents 73 Forensic Services / Institutes from 39 member countries of the Council of Europe. It was the first time that a Greek and the second time that a woman assumed the Chair of ENFSI.

From 2003 and onwards, either as a Professor in Police Academy or as a Lecturer in University Institutions of the country, I have developed thematic topics in the subjects of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Sciences/Applied Criminology – education is in my DNA!

As I reflect on my journey since graduating from the University of Toledo, I am filled with gratitude for the education, support and opportunities that UToledo has provided me. My time there not only equipped me with valuable knowledge but also instilled in me the importance of critical thinking, perseverance and the pursuit of excellence. The foundation for my professional development was laid there, and I am deeply grateful to the dedicated professors and mentors who guided me along the way.

Last, but not least, I want to express my sincere appreciation to my dear friends and fellow students whose support throughout our studies was invaluable. They were, and still are, like family to me. UToledo gave me the opportunity to meet wonderful people from all over the world. That is precious!

From Athens, Greece, I wish you all and your loved ones continued success, health and happiness.

With my warmest regards,

Dr. Penelope Miniati
Geneticist – Molecular Biologist