| Vanessa Lynch (BA LLB), (Executive Director of the DNA Project): a qualified commercial attorney, gave up her full-time job in 2005, in order to undertake the DNA Project on a full-time basis. Vanessa’s legal background and her acquired skills in drafting and research, together with an innate determination and ability to 'think on her feet', are the ingredients required to fulfill the objectives of the DNA Project.
"I find the use of DNA evidence in criminal intelligence, fascinating, and there is compelling evidence that a comprehensive National DNA database will not only help solve crime in SA, but will also act as a deterrent."
Vanessa says that whilst she is passionate about her work on the DNA Project, the irony of her undertaking is with her everyday, and comes at a great sacrifice – the murder of her father, JohnPatrick Lynch.
“I would like to believe that by making a difference, I can at least ensure that my father’s life was not taken in vain by creating something good out of something so awful. Perhaps the fulfillment of the objectives of the DNA Project will ensure that all those lives in SA that have been violated and taken from us so violently, may too be given the respect that they and their families deserve – it's time the majority took back, from what the small minority in this country have taken away from us."
"I find the use of DNA evidence in criminal intelligence, fascinating, and there is compelling evidence that a comprehensive National DNA database will not only help solve crime in SA, but will also act as a deterrent."
Vanessa says that whilst she is passionate about her work on the DNA Project, the irony of her undertaking is with her everyday, and comes at a great sacrifice – the murder of her father, John Patrick Lynch.
“I would like to believe that by making a difference, I can at least ensure that my father’s life was not taken in vain by creating something good out of something so awful. Perhaps the fulfillment of the objectives of the DNA Project will ensure that all those lives in SA that have been violated and taken from us so violently, may too be given the respect that they and their families deserve – it's time the majority took back, from what the small minority in this country have taken away from us."
Dr Carolyn Hancock (Director) Qualifications:
PhD Science
(Genetics and Science Education)
MSc Agriculture
(Genetics)
BSc Agriculture (cum laude)
(Genetics)
Dr Hancock has extensive knowledge of the fields of general genetics and science education and is proficient in transmission genetics, population genetics, quantitative genetics, conservation genetics, human genetics, biotechnology, plant and animal breeding. Dr Hancock has been involved with numerous research projects in these fields and have considerable experience in curriculum development, research into students’ understanding of concepts in the life sciences and the design and implementation of innovative teaching strategies.
Dr Hancock's fascination with the subject of Genetics has constantly driven her to learn more and to want to impart this knowledge to other people.
Rob Matthews, (Director) has held numerous leadership positions in the South African ICT industry. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant with a Masters degree from Wits University. Rob is the father of Leigh Matthews, whose life was brought to a tragic end at only 21 years of age. The community and the country gave the Matthews family overwhelming support that helped them cope and deal with this tragedy, and motivated them to set up the Leigh Matthews Trust, in memory of their daughter and all victims of violent crime.
Dr Ivan May (Member) , has assisted numerous NPO's to thrive and flourish in his voluntary capacity, while heading up the marketing team for the Nedcor Group. Today he is active in the NPO sector, and is in great demand as a consultant, lecturer and speaker.
Dr Stuart Geldenhuys (Member)
Mr Allan Thomson (Member)
Mrs Susan Lynch (Member) | 
