Joseph A. DiZinno, DDS

Associate

Joseph A. DiZinno, DDS received a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree from the University of Notre Dame and a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree from Ohio State University. After practicing dentistry for approximately six years, Dr. DiZinno entered onto duty with the FBI in 1986. After being trained as an FBI Special Agent, Dr. DiZinno was assigned to the FBI Washington Field Office where he investigated cases mainly dealing with bank robberies, kidnappings and extortions. In 1989, Dr. DiZinno was assigned to the FBI Laboratory where he was qualified as a Forensic Examiner. Dr. DiZinno examined forensic evidence and testified to the results of his examinations for approximately two years before he was reassigned in 1992 to the FBI Laboratory Forensic Science Research and Training Center at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia where he participated in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) research. After two years of mtDNA research and two additional years of mtDNA validation, Dr. DiZinno returned to the FBI Laboratory where mtDNA was first applied to forensic casework in 1996.  Dr. DiZinno was then selected as the Unit Chief of DNA Analysis Unit II of the FBI Laboratory where forensic mtDNA examinations are performed on forensic evidence consisting of hairs, bones and teeth. After serving as the Unit Chief of DNA Unit II, in 1999 Dr. DiZinno was selected as the Section Chief of the Scientific Analysis Section of the FBI Laboratory. As Section Chief of the Scientific Analysis Section, Dr. DiZinno supervised personnel from the Chemistry, DNA, Explosives, Chem-Bio Sciences, Forensic Science Research and Forensic Science Systems Units. In March 2000, Dr. DiZinno was selected as the Deputy Assistant Director of the FBI Laboratory where he supervised approximately 350 personnel from the Chemistry, Combined DNA Indexing System (CODIS), DNA, Trace Evidence, Latent Print, Firearms-Toolmarks, Cryptanalysis and Racketeering Records Analysis, Questioned Documents, Quality Assurance and Training and Evidence Control Units.  

In May 2006, Dr. DiZinno was selected as the FBI Assistant Director in charge of the entire FBI Laboratory. Dr. DiZinno led all FBI Laboratory case working, forensic response and administrative personnel for approximately two years before retiring from the FBI on February 1, 2008 and accepting a position in the private sector.  Dr. DiZinno continues to work in the forensic and biometric communities where he assists government and private agencies. In addition, since 2012, Dr. DiZinno has been employed as an Assistant Professor at George Mason University in the College of Science, Forensic Science Program where he continues to teach undergraduate and graduate level forensic science courses.