ASE 2025 Annual Conference

My name is Dr Mandy Hartley. I worked in science for 15 years using DNA to help conserve stocks of fish in the North Sea, diagnose patients with inherited genetic diseases and helping identify and reunite families using DNA. I also set up the forensic laboratories for the Norfolk Constabulary and worked on high profile criminal cases.Now I am a science educator and author. I run workshops to teach children as young as 4 years old about DNA. I also perform stories to teach children about complicated concepts such as natural selection, evolution and Inheritance.I have written three books (the first won the ASE Book Award) "The DNA Detectives - To Catch A thief", "The DNA Detectives - The Smuggler's Daughter" and "The DNA Detectives - The Stone Age Mystery". They are the first fiction books for 7 - 14 year olds where the characters in the book use DNA to solve a crime. They were written to facilitate cross-curricular teaching for science and literacy and history. By reading my books I hoped that children could understand what DNA is. This really helps with finding out what causes variation and hence, what drives evolution. I have purposely kept the chapters short and they always end on a cliff-hanger. I hope this will encourage even the most reluctant of readers and inspire children with a love of science and reading.Pop along to exhibition stand T12 for a chat and find out more.For further information, email TLSTC@outlook.com