AAFS 2025

Pre-Registration Required — $275

8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Chair:
Angela Spessard, MSFS 
Maryland State Police
Pikesville, MD

Co-Chair: 
Jarrah R. Kennedy, MSFS
Kansas City Police Crime Laboratory
Kansas City, MO

Presenters:
Michelle Madrid, MS
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
Los Angeles, CA

Niki Osborne, PhD 
Human Factors Training and Consultancy
Remuera, New Zealand

Melissa Taylor, BA 
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD

Hope Zagaria, MSFS 
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Washington, DC

Program Description: In May 2024, the NIST/ NIJ EWG on Human Factors in Forensic DNA Interpretation published a comprehensive report containing 44 recommendations for how to reduce the likelihood and consequence of errors in forensic DNA interpretation.

In this workshop, we will guide participants through the EWG's process, highlight key findings, discuss controversial topics, and present the final recommendations. The workshop will focus on the following areas:

• Training and Education
• Quality Assurance
• Cognitive Bias and Error Reduction
• Interpretation 
• Reporting and Testimony        
• Management
• Work Environment
• Expressing Evidence Strength
• Research
• Technology
• The "How" and "When" Questions in DNA Analysis

This workshop is relevant to DNA and other forensic science practitioners, laboratory management, researchers, legal practitioners, and anyone interested in improving decision-making in forensic science. Participants will be expected to actively engage with the material and provide feedback on the relevance and feasibility of implementing the recommendations in their practice.

We will use an interactive approach to help participants develop a plan to implement any recommendations that will provide value in their practice. Join us for a comprehensive session that aims to enhance your understanding and application of human factors in forensic DNA interpretation, ultimately contributing to better practices and safer justice outcomes.

Educational Objectives: In this workshop, we will guide participants through the process undertaken by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)/National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Expert Working Group (EWG) on Human Factors in Forensic DNA Interpretation. We will highlight the key findings and controversial topics and present the final recommendations from the report published in May 2024. This workshop will focus on providing examples of how forensic science service providers are already implementing these recommendations in their practice.

Upon completion of this workshop, participants will: 1) be familiar with the published recommendations from the NIST/NIJ EWG on Human Factors in Forensic DNA Interpretation report, 2) understand the implications of these recommendations for their practice, 3) Recognize how these recommendations aim to improve DNA examination practices, 4) Critique the recommendations and discuss their relevance and feasibility in participants' own practices and the wider forensic DNA community, and 5) Have the tools to implement the recommendations in their own practice.

Impact Statement:The study of human factors in forensic science is crucial to understanding the interaction between humans and the systems they use. By addressing human factor issues, we can identify and mitigate the likelihood and consequence of errors and biases, improve laboratory culture, staff morale, and productivity. This workshop encapsulates four years of effort dedicated to understanding human factors in forensic DNA interpretation, providing valuable guidance for DNA analysts, laboratory management, and legal practitioners to enhance practice and achieve safer justice outcomes.

Target Audience: General, Jurisprudence, Pathology/Biology

Knowledge Level: Basic 

CE Hours: 6.5

Pre-Registration Required — $275

8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Chair: 
Michelle D. Miranda, PhD
Farmingdale State College, SUNY
Farmingdale, NY

Co-Chair: 
Claude Roux, PhD
University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
Sydney, Australia 

Presenters:
Patrick Buzzini, PhD 
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX

Yanko G. Kolev, MD, PhD 
Medical University - Pleven / District Hospital MBAL
 Gabrovo, Bulgaria

Antonel Olckers, PhD 
African Academy of Forensic Sciences (AFSA) & DNAbiotec 
Pretoria, South Africa

Patricia M. Speck, DNSc 
Retired
Hoover, AL

Casper Venter, PhD 
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV

Jessica Volz, DNP 
Adventist HealthCare 
Shady Grove Medical Center
Rockville, MD

Program Description: This workshop highlights the multidisciplinary approach to forensic investigations, drawing attention to the factors that connect forensic scientists, regardless of discipline or specialization. After learning fundamentals common to forensic science as a whole, attendees will delve into knowledge specific to disciplines (criminalistics, nursing, pathology, toxicology, and scene investigation). Each discipline will focus on the observation, detection, and interpretation of traces to aid in understanding complex events. With a focus on sexual and gender-based violence, attendees will apply the knowledge gained from this workshop interactively via a case study that requires insight from and collaboration across various disciplines. 

Educational Objectives: This workshop addresses the multidisciplinary approach to forensic investigations, drawing attention to the factors that connect forensic scientists, regardless of discipline or specialization. Specifically, forensic scientists rely on imagination, curiosity, observation, and reasoning in an effort to detect and assign meaning to traces in order to understand events of interest. After attending this workshop, attendees will: (1) understand what connects forensic scientists at our core, notably the scientific approach to problem-solving through observation, reasoning, and the detection and evaluation of traces; (2) consider the types of traces encountered across several disciplines (e.g., AAFS sections, including Criminalistics, Forensic Nursing Science, Pathology/Biology, Toxicology, General, and others); (3) apply what they have learned by considering traces in context and comparing and contrasting discipline-specific approaches to assign meaning to traces of significance; and (4) understand that the Sydney Declaration was developed with the goal of promoting a shared understanding of traces across forensic science.

Impact Statement: This presentation will impact the forensic science community by fostering the understanding that scientific problem-solving in forensic science extends beyond one's specific-area discipline and should be the foundation on which forensic science endeavors are built.

Target Audience: Criminalistics, Forensic Nursing Science, General, Pathology/Biology, Toxicology

Knowledge Level: Intermediate

CE Hours: 7.25 

Pre-Registration Required — $275

8:30 am – 5:30 pm

Chair: 
Tim Kalafut, PhD 
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX

Co-Chair: 
Sheila Willis, DSc 
Leverhulme Research for Forensic Science
Dublin, Ireland

Presenter:
Simone Gittelson, PhD
DC Department of Forensic Sciences and 
The George Washington University
Washington, DC

Program Description: It is clear that the court is interested in "how-the-DNA-got-there" questions. However, answering hypothetical activity-level questions with "it's possible" is not a scientifically justifiable, useful, nor recommended practice. The refusal answer of "I can't answer questions related to how DNA got there" is perhaps even more problematic. This workshop will engage participants in how to prepare and answer activity-level questions with answers that: (1) are not misleading, and therefore minimize the risk of a wrongful conviction; (2) are based on a sound, logical framework; and (3) follow international guidelines. A combination of lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on group activities will be used to show how DNA results may be evaluated with regard to activity-level propositions as well as how to communicate this information. This workshop will cover Case Assessment and Interpretation, existing guidelines, probabilities, likelihood ratios, likelihood ratio equations given activity level propositions, Bayesian networks and sensitivity analyses. In addition, this workshop will focus on how to assign probabilities and likelihood ratios using scientific, peer-reviewed publications. Since case-relevant publications do not always exist, we will also explore how to assign probabilities and likelihood ratios in the presence of limited information. This workshop will cover challenges in answering commonly phrased questions at court and communicating the value of the evidence. Finally, strategies to help with implementation via a series of achievable goals will be presented to equip and empower experts to give answers to these questions of importance to the court. 

Educational Objectives: After attending this workshop, attendees will have a better appreciation of how to evaluate DNA results given activity level propositions. They will practice how to correctly formulate activity-level propositions, assign likelihood ratios for biological results given activity-level propositions, apply the Case Assessment and Interpretation (CAI) framework, and see how to use a probabilistic model (e.g., a Bayesian network). With this knowledge, attendees will be able to start to better address hypothetical questions commonly asked in court by recognizing poorly worded questions and providing scientifically correct answers to these questions.

Impact Statement: This presentation will impact the forensic science community by providing guidance on how to answer activity-level questions on biological results in a way that is useful to the court based on a sound logical framework and following international guidelines.

Target Audience: Criminalistics, General, Jurisprudence

Knowledge Level: Intermediate

CE Hours: 7.25

Pre-Registration Required — $275

8:30 am – 4:45 pm

Chair: 
Gina Londino-Smolar, EdD 
IU Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN

Co-Chair: 
Kelly M. Elkins, PhD 
Towson University
Towson, MD

Presenters:
Theresa M. DeAngelo, MSFS 
Maryland State Police 
Forensic Sciences Division
Pikesville, MD

Amber L. Fortney, MS 
University of Central Oklahoma
Perry, OK

Meagan Raddatz, MS 
University of Central Oklahoma
Perry, OK

Claire E. Shepard, MS 
LA Delta Community College
Monroe, LA

Ying Zhang, MS 
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL

Program Description: This workshop offers a comprehensive exploration of AI's role in forensic education. It begins with an introduction to the ethical considerations of AI use in academia, highlighting the intersection of AI and plagiarism. The session then delves into the application of AI systems in higher education, including an overview of the HiPerGator supercomputer. Attendees will learn how students can leverage AI for exam preparation, utilizing AI-powered platforms, chatbots, virtual tutors, and flashcard apps. The workshop also addresses the application of AI in solving complex societal issues, specifically the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women crisis. Ethical considerations of AI use within forensic education are discussed, with a focus on privacy, bias, transparency, and academic integrity. The workshop concludes with a hands-on session on mastering AI prompt generation, equipping attendees with the skills to create engaging, adaptive, and industry-relevant learning experiences for forensic science students. This workshop promises a deep dive into the transformative potential of AI in forensic education.  

Educational Objectives: This presentation aims to examine and apply the use of AI in forensic science education, create learning opportunities for students using AI tools, and evaluate the ethics and challenges of using of AI in education.

Impact Statement: This workshop will have a profound impact on the forensic science community by highlighting the transformative potential of AI in education. The workshop targets all people in the forensic science community, especially educators, as the use of AI enters our disciplines. It will provide insights into the ethical implications of AI, explore the application of supercomputers, demonstrate how students can leverage AI for efficient exam preparation, and address complex issues of victimization. The workshop will delve into the ethical considerations of AI use within forensic education, discussing concerns such as privacy, bias, transparency, and academic integrity. The workshop will equip attendees with the skills to craft precise, context-rich prompts for AI-powered tools, facilitating the creation of engaging, adaptive, and industry-relevant learning experiences for forensic science students. This workshop promises to be a game-changer in harnessing the power of AI for the advancement of forensic education.

Target Audience: All Sections

Knowledge Level: Basic

CE Hours: 6.25

Pre-Registration Required — $275

8:30 am – 6:00 pm

Chair: 
Lara Newell, MA 
Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Richmond, VA

Co-Chair: 
Katharine C. Pope, MA 
RTI International
Fruitland, MD

Presenters:
Hannah Barcus, MS 
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Washington, DC

Mark A. Bush, BAS 
Loudoun County Sheriff's Office
Leesburg, VA

Bryan T. Johnson, MSFS 
FBI
Quantico, VA

Jennifer Randolph, MSc 
DNA Doe Project
Hanover, DE

Nancy Rissi, BS
Riverside County Sheriff's Department
Riverside, CA

Carol Schweitzer, MA 
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Alexandria, VA

Program Description: This workshop was designed to assist investigators from law enforcement agencies and medical examiners/coroners in investigating their long-term unidentified human remains cases as well as long-term missing persons cases. Representatives from the Center for Forensic Science Advancement and Application at RTI International, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), the DNA Doe Project, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and a cold case detective from Virginia will discuss how their agencies can assist and provide support to those investigating unidentified human remains and long-term missing persons cases.

A presentation on forensic intelligence databases will outline the utility of remote, multidisciplinary investigations across jurisdictions. The Program Manager for the Forensic Services Unit at NCMEC will share resources and case examples on how NCMEC can assist and support juvenile investigations for both unidentified human remains and missing persons investigations. The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) will discuss federal resources and grant opportunities for those investigating missing and unidentified persons cases.

The second block includes presentations that are more hands-on. The executive director from the DNA Doe Project will discuss Forensic Investigation Genetic Genealogy and the resources that the DNA Doe Project can provide. The FBI's Major Incident Program Manager will give an overview on the Latent Print Unit in the FBI and their support services, as well as a chemical demo on how to retrieve fingerprints on degraded human remains. The last presentation is from a local cold case detective who will present their case of an unidentified human remains case from start to finish.

The workshop will conclude with a discussion panel of the above speakers and discussion and assessment of attendees' current investigations, if applicable.

Educational Objectives: During this presentation, attendees will receive information and training on various resources used to investigate long-term unidentified human remains cases, as well as long-term missing persons cases. Attendees will learn how juvenile cases differ from adult unidentified human remains and missing persons cases. Information will be shared on best practices for investigation and will cover a case from start to finish.

After attending the workshop, attendees will: (1) have a better understanding of how to investigate unidentified human remains and long-term missing persons cases; (2) know how to start an unidentified human remains and/or long-term missing persons investigation; (3) understand the resources and support agencies available; (4) be able to determine the best resources that can be utilized for their own cold cases; (5) be able to discuss their own cases and investigations and receive real-time support from the speakers on how best to move their investigations forward.

Impact Statement: The workshop will impact the forensic science community by providing a toolkit for investigators to use during unidentified human remains and missing persons investigations. While there are some agencies who have a dedicated cold-case unit who is responsible for long-term unidentified human remains cases and long-term missing persons cases, the reality is that most agencies across the nation are too small, do not have the budget, and/or do not have the manpower to have a dedicated unit. This workshop will provide attendees with information how to begin a cold unidentified human remains case or missing persons case, and how to keep the cases active. It will also provide attendees with a knowledge base on investigations and a point of contact for resources on cold cases nationwide.

Target Audience: Criminalistics, General

Knowledge Level: Basic

CE Hours: 7.5 

Pre-Registration Required — $275

8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Chair: 
Lorenzo Gitto, MD 
Cook County Medical Examiner's Office
Chicago, IL

Co-Chair: 
Ponni Arunkumar, MBBS 
Cook County Medical Examiner's Office
Chicago, IL

Presenters:
Jared Ahrendsen, MD, PhD 
Northwestern University
Chicago, IL

Anfisa Baiandurova, MD 
West Tennessee Regional Forensic Center
Memphis, TN

Rudolph J. Castellani, MD 
Northwestern University 
Feinberg School of Medicine
Chicago, IL

Samantha N. Champion, MD 
Cook County Medical Examiner
Chicago, IL

Michelle A. Jorden, MD 
Santa Clara County 
Medical Examiner/Coroner
San Jose, CA

Program Description: Assessing Central Nervous System (CNS) trauma is critical in neuropathology and forensic pathology and encompasses closed- or open-head injuries, multiple types of forms of parenchymal brain injury, and secondary complications such as edema and increased intracranial pressure. Establishing a link between trauma and death is crucial for determining the cause and manner of death.

Child abuse, particularly abusive head trauma, is a complex and vital focus in forensic neuropathology. A comprehensive workup is essential to document the findings and determine their relevance in terms of evidentiary significance and to rule out potential confounders to pediatric head trauma and child abuse.

CNS disorders such as epilepsy may present significant challenges when associated with sudden and unexplained death (Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy [SUDEP]), as they often lack morphological indicators. Other natural disease processes, such as undiagnosed brain tumors, aneurysms, infections, neurodegenerative diseases, and cerebrovascular accidents, can further complicate forensic assessments and may have public health implications.

Different brain pathologies necessitate varied approaches, including detailed external examinations, precise sampling for microscopic analysis, and specialized dissection techniques tailored to highlight specific findings.

This workshop will explore fundamental and advanced aspects of brain pathology in forensic autopsies, including but not limited to CNS anatomy, head trauma, neurovascular diseases, infections, specialized autopsy dissection techniques, and microscopic examination of rare or uncommon conditions. Attendees will participate in didactic sessions, case studies, step-by-step dissection guides, and evidence-based discussions led by forensic and neuropathologists, facilitating interactive learning and skill enhancement. 

Educational objectives: After attending this workshop, participants will have an enhanced knowledge base of neuropathology as seen in a busy forensic pathology office. Emphasis will be placed on natural diseases, trauma, microscopic sampling and examination, and pediatric non-accidental head trauma. Attendees will develop skills necessary for comprehensive brain assessments at autopsy and techniques to address both common and unusual pathologies. They will be exposed to various specimens and techniques through didactic presentations, and case-based discussions.

Impact Statement: This workshop will emphasize the multifaceted nature of brain pathology in the context of forensic autopsy. Didactic lectures and practical instruction using detailed anatomical images will be provided to enhance autopsy performance and competency, with an additional focus on the workup and evaluation of pediatric non-accidental head injury.

Target Audience: General, Jurisprudence, Pathology/Biology

Knowledge Level: Basic

CE Hours: 7.0 

Pre-Registration Required — $150

8:30 am – 12:30 pm

Chair: 
Agnes D. Winokur, PhD 
Drug Enforcement Administration
Washington, DC

Co-Chair: 
Kimberly Westberry, PhD 
USACIL
Forest Park, GA

Presenters:
Sandra Ferreira, MSc
Canada Border Service Agency
Ottowa, Ontario, Canada

Scott R. Oulton, BS
Drug Enforcement Administration
Arlington, VA

Henry Swofford, PhD 
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD

Melissa Taylor, BA
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD

Program Description: Federal agencies around the world are embracing the new frontier of machine learning and advanced technology and considering how to AI within the current systems. This workshop will provide insight into various examples of how federal agencies are applying machine learning capabilities and other technological advances to forensic science and drug analysis. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) researchers will be discussing their efforts in creating a catalog of AI-enabled tools currently being used by forensic science service providers and researchers for forensic science applications, to include available or near-market tools. Other examples include Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA's) implementation of state-of-the-art automation for sample preparation related to screening and quantitative analysis. Using advanced robotics, samples are prepared for general screening of controlled substances and quantitative analysis. The Canada Border Services Agency will present on the transformative capabilities of existing software in conjunction with the portable mass spectrometers for narcotics detection at the Canadian Border. Participants will gain insights into the sophisticated software algorithm, which significantly enhances confidence in direct inject Mass Spectrometry (MS) spectral matching, providing rapid and precise results.

In addition, attendees will participate in an interactive exercise in which they will identify areas in seized drug processes where AI-enabled tools have the potential to be transformative (e.g., evidence analysis, quality control, reducing the likelihood and consequence of error and cognitive bias, and research activities. The workshop will finish with information on the progress toward establishing a road map for the responsible development, testing, evaluation, and adoption of trustworthy machine-learning and AI systems in forensic science. 

Educational Objectives: After attending this workshop, attendees will: (1) be able to better understand how federal agencies in the United States and internationally are using machine learning tools and other technological advances in seized drug analysis; (2) be able to evaluate the challenges with robotics and algorithms to improve laboratory analytical capabilities and seized drug workflow strategies; and (3) be able to explain how federal agencies are addressing the new frontier of machine-learning and artificial intelligence in support of forensic science investigations.

Impact Statement: This workshop will benefit the forensic science community by highlighting how federal agencies are considering the benefits, risks, and limitations that machine learning capabilities and technological advances have brought to forensic science seized drug analysis, such as collaborations on investigations, epidemiology, drug intelligence, and canine training, and operations. It will also highlight how embracing these opportunities can strengthen the efficiency of laboratory operations, utility of the results, and timeliness of testing.

Target Audience: Criminalistics, General

Knowledge Level: Basic

CE Hours: 3.25 

Pre-Registration Required — $150

8:30 am – 12:30 pm

Chair: 
Anjali Ranadive, JD 
SciLawForensics, Ltd
Phoenix, AZ

Co-Chair: 
Tiffany A. Roy, MSFS 
ForensicAid, LLC
West Palm Beach, FL

Program Description: The program will highlight the challenges faced by legal professionals who may lack the scientific background needed to assess forensic evidence accurately. It emphasizes the critical role that defense experts play in preventing wrongful convictions by scrutinizing evidence, reports, testimony, and the actions of forensic analysts. 

Anjali Ranadive and Tiffany Roy, both attorneys and forensic scientists with significant experience, aim to shed light on systemic issues within the legal system through real case examples. They will provide insights into various problems such as evidence mishandling, credibility of testing procedures, misleading language in reports, and biases in case theories. By bringing attention to these issues, they will emphasize the importance of having competent experts for the defense to challenge flawed evidence, interpretations, and statistical analyses that could sway court decisions unjustly. 

The workshop underscores the notion that without the input of knowledge of experts on the defense side, there is a risk of overlooking crucial opportunities to question the validity of evidence presented by the prosecution. This can ultimately impact the fairness of legal outcomes and the dispensation of justice. By advocating for a more balanced and informed approach to evaluate forensic evidence in court, the speakers aim to promote a greater sense of integrity and equity within the criminal justice system 

Educational Objectives: 

1. Understanding the adversarial nature of the legal system and its implications for forensic evidence.
2. Recognizing the challenges faced by attorneys and judges in evaluating scientific evidence without a background in science.
3. Exploring the impact of prestigious institutions or agencies on perceptions of evidence credibility.
4. Analyzing the role of language in forensic reports and testimony, including potential inaccuracies and biases.
5. Enhancing skills in scrutinizing evidence collection, chain-of-custody procedures, and testing methodologies.
6. Developing awareness of confirmation bias and the dangers of tunnel vision in legal proceedings.
7. Recognizing the importance of competent expert testimony in challenging misleading evidence presentations.
8. Examining real-life cases to illustrate systemic issues in handling evidence and presenting cases in court.
9. Enhancing critical thinking skills in evaluating laboratory procedures, interpretation methods, and statistical analyses.
10. Promoting ethical practices in legal and forensic professions to ensure the pursuit of justice.

Impact Statement: The training program aims to empower legal professionals working in the criminal justice field with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of forensic evidence. By shedding light on systemic issues, promoting critical thinking, and advocating for ethical practices in evidence presentation, this program seeks to enhance the pursuit of justice in the legal system. Participants will be equipped to challenge misleading evidence, recognize biases in language, and ultimately contribute to a fairer and more transparent judicial process. Through real-case examples and expert guidance, this program strives to make a lasting impact on how forensic evidence is handled, ensuring that the quest for truth and justice remains paramount in legal proceedings.

Target Audience: All Sections

Knowledge Level: Intermediate

CE Hours: 3.5 

Pre-Registration Required — $150

8:30 am – 12:00 pm

Chair: 
Linton Mohammed, PhD
Forensic Science Consultants, Inc.
Poway, CA

Co-Chair: 
Zain Bhaloo, MSc 
Canada Border Services Agency 
Ottowa, Ontario, Canada

Presenter:
Jonathan Heckeroth, MSc 
Zurich Forensic Science Institute
Zurich, Switzerland

Program Description: This workshop will introduce FDEs to new types of machine-generated signatures. There will be a significant hands-on session where attendees will examine and compare original handwritten signatures and original machine-generated signatures. There will be information given as to how the signatures were produced. Discriminating features of the signature types will be discussed by the attendees. 

Educational Objectives: This workshop will introduce attendees to new methods of creating machine-generated signatures. Features of these types of signatures in comparison with handwritten signatures will be discussed and demonstrated.

Impact Statement: This workshop will provide Forensic Document Examiners (FDEs) with information on how to deal with the examinations of signatures that are possibly machine-generated. The examiners' knowledge should enhance the quality and reliability of opinions given as to signature authenticity.

Target Audience: Criminalistics, Engineering & Applied Sciences, General, Jurisprudence, Questioned Documents

Knowledge Level: Intermediate

CE Hours: 3.0 

Pre-Registration Required — $150

8:30 am – 12:00 pm

Chair: 
Laura C Fulginiti, PhD 
MCOME
Phoenix, AZ

Co-Chair: 
Daniel W. Martin, JD 
State of Arizona
Phoenix, AZ

Presenters:
Katelyn L. Bolhofner, PhD 
Arizona State University
Phoenix, AZ

Betty Layne DesPortes, JD 
Benjamin & DesPortes PC
Richmond, VA

Kristen Hartnett-McCann, PhD
CT Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Farmington, CT

Gary C. McDonald, Jr., JD 
Dallas County Criminal District Attorney's Office
Dallas, TX

Andrew C. Seidel, PhD 
King County Medical Examiner's Office
Seattle, WA

Program Description: Forensic scientists are trained in the techniques, theory, history, and standards associated with their particular discipline. Often lacking, however, is training in the application of those skills to the courtroom setting and, in particular, the presentation of expert testimony. A forensic expert's ability to effectively communicate in a courtroom setting is vital if that expert is going to make meaningful contributions to the justice system. This workshop seeks to improve courtroom communication skills by providing a combination of lectures and hands-on learning that will introduce the basic foundations of the United States court system, the roles of the participants, the types of pre-trial and trial processes that occur, and the opportunity for attendees to practice testifying in a true-to-life courtroom environment with case-based scenarios.

Educational Objectives: After attending this workshop, attendees will be well-versed in the decorum, procedures, expectations, and environment of a modern United States courtroom through active participation in courtroom proceedings.

Impact Statement: This presentation will impact the forensic science community by offering real-world experience in expert testimony in an environment conducive to productive learning without the stress of an actual trial.

Target Audience: All Sections

Knowledge Level: Basic

CE Hours: 3.75 

Pre-Registration Required — $150

8:30 am – 12:00 pm

Chair: 
Elisa N. Shoff, MS 
Miami-Dade Medical Examiner Department
Miami, FL

Co-Chair: 
Mary E. Zaney, BSc 
Miami-Dade Medical Examiner
Miami, FL

Presenters:
Kayla N. Ellefsen, PhD 
Travis County Medical Examiner
Austin, TX

David Fintan Garavan, PhD, FRCPath, MD
District 10 ME Office
Winter Haven, FL

Alex J. Krotulski, PhD 
Center for Forensic Science Research and Education
Horsham, PA

Joshua Z. Seither, PhD 
Armed Forces Medical Examiner System
Division of Forensic Toxicology
Dover, DE

Chip Walls, BS  
Tox Lab
Miami, FL

Erin Worrell, BSc 
Franklin County Center of Forensic Science 
Office of the Coroner
Columbus, OH

Program Description: This half-day workshop is a collaboration between the AAFS ad-hoc Opioid and Emerging Drugs Committee and the Society of Forensic Toxicologists (SOFT) NPS Committee. From the scene of a suspected overdose to the final determination of cause and manner of death, this workshop will demonstrate how information from a range of forensic scientists can be applied to a death investigation and subsequently further the understanding of NPS for both forensic practitioners and the public. 

There are hundreds of NPS on the market today with a wide range of psychoactive effects; however, most of these substances have unknown pharmacological properties (e.g., potency, metabolism, toxicity), complicating the interpretation of their impact on public health and safety. In addition, keeping up with the drug market becomes a challenge, and forensic practitioners and researchers are left chasing information on NPS that quickly becomes outdated due to the volatility of the drug supply. Whether it is crime scene investigation, pathological findings, pharmacological and toxicological interpretations, or chemical analysis, when trying to understand NPS, the work of one forensic discipline is regularly influenced by that of another. By working together, forensic scientists can increase their chances of providing timely information that can aid in drug-related death investigation, updating drug trends, and maintaining public policy and drug prevention outreach in the community.

Educational Objectives: Upon completion of this workshop, the participant should be able to: (1) interpret key differences between the Novel Psychoactive Substance (NPS) classes and how they impact cause and manner of death; (2) discuss the difficulties encountered in investigating NPS in the context of forensic toxicology, seized drug analysis, death scene investigation, toxicological interpretation, and accurate certification of cause and manner of death and; (3) appreciate the importance of disseminating timely information regarding emerging NPS trends and the impact on public health and harm reduction.

Impact Statement: These presentations will impact the forensic science community by emphasizing the importance of collaboration and dissemination of relevant and accurate information across forensic science disciplines regarding the identification and interpretation of NPS. Additionally, these presentations will increase understanding of the different classes of NPS, how they are marketed and often mislabeled, types of products to look for on the scene, and the role these drugs play in death investigation and certification.

Target Audience: Pathology/Biology, Toxicology

Knowledge Level: Intermediate

CE Hours: 3.25 

Pre-Registration Required — $150

1:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Chair: 
Katelyn L. Bolhofner, PhD 
Arizona State University
Phoenix, AZ

Co-Chair: 
Laura C Fulginiti, PhD 
MCOME
Phoenix, AZ

Presenters:
Jane E. Buikstra, PhD 
Arizona State University
Phoenix, AZ

Kevin A. Gary, PhD 
Arizona State University
Phoenix, AZ

Jacob A. Harris, PhD
Arizona State University
Phoenix, AZ

Program Description: Increasing rates of elder abuse in the United States over the past few decades have produced an urgent need for improved diagnostic criteria to better design intervention procedures, to implement recognition criteria, and to achieve justice for victims. Physical abuse of elders represents the most severe manifestation of this trend. Yet physical abuse is difficult to prove and may be masked by attribution of injury to medication or accident. In this workshop, attendees will learn how aging impacts skeletal trauma incidence and patterning. The presenters will provide an overview of differences in the skeletal patterns of injury between accidental falls and cases of abuse/neglect uncovered in our NIJ-funded research, as well as the impact of bone density loss on these patterns. Attendees will be introduced to the first complete iteration of the Skeletal Atlas of Elder Abuse — A Digital Tool for Diagnosis and Education. The presenters will discuss the development of the online platform, its aims and future direction, and will request attendee feedback through the beta testing of the site. Participants will have the opportunity to hear from the developers of the machine learning and AI models driving the diagnostics of the site as well as from the software development team responsible for the creation of the atlas and its many interactive features. This workshop probes the opportunities (and challenges) associated with the development of such a tool, asking attendees for participation, suggestions, direct interaction, and user experience measures.

Educational Objectives: After attending this workshop, attendees should be able to: (1) describe methods used to characterize/assess skeletal fracture patterns in elderly individuals and the ways in which aging affects fracture and recovery; (2) understand there are different patterns of trauma associated with abuse/neglect and with accidental falls, (3) understand how to navigate the presented digital atlas of elder abuse, both for educational and diagnostic purposes; and (4) participate in beta testing the atlas and contribute usability data toward its final construction.

Impact Statement: Ten percent of adults aged 65+ will experience some form of abuse annually. Physical abuse and caregiver neglect account for most cases, yet they remain difficult to prove. Skeletal expressions of abuse offer key indications of inflicted and untreated injuries but are masked by assignation to accidental falls. Funded by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), our research aims to produce a standard for the diagnosis of elder abuse in the skeletal system. This presentation will impact the forensic science community by offering the first iteration of a digital tool for diagnosis and education and for collaboration and learning so that we may improve our understanding of fractures and their contexts in elderly individuals.

Target Audience: Anthropology, Criminalistics, Digital & Multimedia Sciences, Forensic Nursing Science, General, Pathology/Biology

Knowledge Level: Basic

CE Hours: 4 

Pre-Registration Required — $150

1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Chair: 
Charlotte Word, PhD
Consultant
North Chesterfield, VA

Co-Chair: 
Virginia Barron, JD
Hennepin County Public Defender 
Birkholz Law
Westbrook, MN

Presenter:
Tabitha Bandy, MS 
BODE Technology
Old Hickory, KY

Program Description: Incidents of contamination of controls and evidence in laboratories conducting Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) -based Short Tandem Repeat (STR) testing have been increasingly detected as the sensitivity of the assays has improved over the past decade through improved technological advances and with the implementation of elimination databases to detect the DNA profiles of laboratory staff and other individuals involved in the collection and handling of evidence, along with the use of advanced software for evaluating data. Positive control failure may occur when the DNA is not added correctly or may be due to a technology failure.

Historically, when these events occurred, re-testing was conducted on a portion of the remaining evidence, and the new test results were reported. However, when the evidence and DNA extract have been consumed, re-testing is not an option. It is also not always prudent to consume more evidence with re-testing. Situations where this may be relevant and how this pertains to the requirements in the Standard for Interpreting, Comparing, and Reporting DNA Test Results Associated with Failed Controls and Contamination Events will be discussed. This Standard has recently been published as an ANSI/ASB Standard but has been listed as a Proposed Standard on the OSAC Registry (OSAC 2020-S-00040) and has been available for implementation in DNA testing laboratories for several years.

This workshop may be beneficial to DNA analysts/technical leaders/supervisors, QA/QC managers, trainers, and laboratory directors overseeing any type of testing where controls may fail or contamination can occur and to attorneys and judges encountering DNA tests results from these situations.

Educational Objectives: Attendees at this workshop will learn about each of the requirements in the newly published Standard in relationship to requirements in other standards (e.g., Federal Bureau of Investigation Quality Assurance Standards (FBI QAS), International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 17025, American National Standards Institute/Academy Standards Board (ANSI/ASB) published, Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) Registry) while gaining insights for their implementation. Approaches to consider for evaluating, decision-making, and reporting data without re-testing will be presented along with hands-on problems and through interactive discussions. In addition, the attendees will learn about the legal necessity for implementing this standard when the DNA results are exculpatory to avoid contributing to a Brady violation.

Impact Statement: This presentation will impact the forensic science community by providing laboratory personnel, attorneys, and judges critical information regarding the responsibility of evaluating DNA data when a control has failed or a contamination event has been detected, especially when the DNA results may be exculpatory for an individual. The specific requirements in this Standard for: (1) the laboratory protocols for evaluating, interpreting and comparing data associated with failed controls and contamination events; (2) assessment of the risks of re-testing vs. not re-testing; (3) documentation; and (4) the reporting of the event, and the associated data and conclusions will be discussed along with considerations for successful implementation in the laboratory. Additional discussions will include the effective communication of the data, conclusions, and events in the criminal justice system through conversations, trainings, and testimony.

Target Audience: Criminalistics, Jurisprudence

Knowledge Level: Basic

CE Hours: 3.5

Pre-Registration Required — $150

1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Chair: 
Andrew Sulner, JD 
Forensic Document Examinations
LLC/Sulner Law Offices
New York, NY

Co-Chair: 
Linton Mohammed, PhD 
Forensic Science Consultants, Inc.
Poway, CA

Presenters:
Roderick T. Kennedy, (ret.), JD 
New Mexico Court of Appeals 
Los Ranchos, NM

Michael Risinger, JD 
Seton Hall University
Kearny, NJ

Program Description: A distinguished faculty comprising two highly credentialed forensic document examiners, one of the nation's leading evidence scholars, and a recently retired appellate court judge will provide attendees with a clear understanding of the problems facing document examiners who violate acknowledged industry standards or binding laboratory policies and the reliability concerns associated with handwriting opinions expressed with a low level of certitude. Attendees will be provided with actual case histories illustrating how handwriting opinions expressed as "indications" or "probable" are challenged and discredited. Attendees will also learn about the reliability issues gatekeepers must address when deciding whether or not to admit handwriting opinions expressed with a low level of certitude.

Educational Objectives: After attending this workshop, the attendees will have a better understanding of how lawyers can discredit an expert witness who failed to adhere to an acknowledged industry standard or binding laboratory policy. Attendees will also learn why handwriting opinions expressed with low levels of certitude such as "indications" or "probable" can easily be impeached and discredited and why it would be better if such opinions were excluded by gatekeepers.

Impact Statement: This presentation will impact the forensic science community by providing document examiners and forensic scientists in various forensic pattern-matching disciplines with a clear understanding of the basic unreliability of expert opinions expressed with a low level of certitude.

Target Audience: Criminalistics, General, Jurisprudence, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Questioned Documents

Knowledge Level: Basic

CE Hours: 3.5

Pre-Registration Required — $150

1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Chair:
Alicia L. Carriquiry, PhD
Iowa State University
Ames, IA

Co-Chair: 
Michael J. Salyards, PhD
CSAFE
Tucson, AZ

Presenters:
Heike Hofmann, PhD 
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE

Steven Lund, PhD
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD

Program Description: Forensic practice changes at a pace that varies by discipline. Sophisticated instrumentation and computational tools have been used by forensic DNA examiners for decades, but introduction of new methods has been slower in pattern comparison disciplines, probably because comparing images is complex. Yet, examiners in these disciplines are facing frequent challenges when relying on expert opinion alone. Research groups, including CSAFE, have, in the past decade, tried to address the lack of data-based methods for the forensic analysis of patterns. These groups have demonstrated that it is possible to quantify similarity between two images, even when one is degraded. While several new methods have been proposed in the scholarly literature, the gap between research and practice has not been breached, except by a few private companies that develop proprietary tools. To encourage adoption of new methodology, CSAFE researchers have created tools that enable forensic practitioners to implement quantitative methods for the evaluation of firearm, footwear, and handwriting evidence. During the workshop, participants will learn about and use three applications that are (or soon will be) ready for testing on real case work. These applications are all in the public domain and can be used at no cost. Participants will be asked to bring their own laptop and will get access to software and example data before the meeting. In addition to hands-on learning, the workshop will include lecture-style presentations to ensure that users of the applications have a reasonable understanding of the science and data that underpin the apps.

Educational Objectives: Individuals who participate in the workshop will learn about new computational tools developed by the Center for Statistics and Applications in Forensic Evidence (CSAFE) researchers in collaboration with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) scientists. The tools are designed to answer forensic questions of interest in several pattern comparison disciplines and enable practitioners to provide a probabilistic assessment of the evidence. At least in the near future, the new resources are meant to be used alongside traditional examination methods and serve to either confirm categorical conclusions or call attention to potential issues with those conclusions.

Impact Statement: Imaging, computational, and other tools are already used by forensic practitioners to analyze some types of evidence (e.g., DNA), but their introduction has been slower in the pattern comparison disciplines. Once they are more extensively tested and validated, the tools developed by CSAFE will empower practitioners to carry out quantitative analysis and interpretation of evidence and reinforce reporting and testimony with data-based results. The tools we will introduce at the workshop are free and placed in the public domain to maximize access and transparency.

Target Audience: Criminalistics, Engineering & Applied Sciences, General, Jurisprudence, Questioned Documents

Knowledge Level: Intermediate

CE Hours: 3.75

 

Pre-Registration Required — $150

1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Chair: 
Michelle Patch, PhD 
Johns Hopkins University 
School of Nursing
Reisterstown, MD

Co-Chair: 
Joyce P. Williams, PhD
Stevenson University
Randallstown, MD

Presenters:
Victor G. Petreca, PhD, DNP 
Boston College/ MA DMH
Chester Hill, MA

Tamar Rodney, PhD 
Johns Hopkins University 
School of Nursing
Baltimore, MD

Program Description: Explore the critical intersection of cognitive bias and forensic technology in this engaging and interactive presentation. We'll start by illustrating cognitive biases through everyday life examples, helping you recognize these common mental shortcuts and their impact on our daily decisions.

Cognitive biases, while often beneficial for quick decision-making, can introduce significant errors, especially in high-stakes environments like forensic science. We'll review a range of biases — such as the halo effect, confirmation bias, and anchoring bias — and examine their effects on various stakeholders, including forensic professionals, law enforcement, jurors, and the public.

Next, we'll dive into the world of forensic technology, specifically exploring the fundamentals of AI and machine learning. We'll clarify what these technologies are, how they have evolved in recent decades, address misconceptions about their capabilities, and discuss challenges associated with their misuse.

Interactive segments will include case studies from past high-profile forensic cases, where we'll identify and analyze biases at play. This hands-on approach will help you see how biases can influence forensic outcomes and public perception.

Experts will present strategies to counteract cognitive biases related to forensic technology, offering practical insights into improving accuracy and fairness. We'll conclude with a Q&A session using live polls to engage with audience thoughts on the implications of AI in forensic science and beyond.

Join us to gain a deeper understanding of how cognitive biases interact with forensic technology and discover actionable strategies to enhance justice and accuracy in forensic practices.

Educational Objectives: After attending this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Describe Cognitive Biases: Participants will be able to recognize various cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias and anchoring bias, and understand how these biases influence decision-making processes within forensic science and related fields.
• Analyze the Impact of Technology on Biases: Participants will gain insights into how forensic technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning interact with and potentially exacerbate cognitive biases. They will learn to evaluate the strengths and limitations of these technologies in mitigating or amplifying biases in forensic investigations.
• Explain Strategies to Mitigate Bias: Participants will acquire practical strategies and best practices for addressing and reducing cognitive biases in forensic settings. This includes applying lessons learned from case studies and expert presentations to improve decision-making accuracy and fairness in forensic technology applications.

Impact Statement: This workshop will enable participants to effectively navigate cognitive biases within forensic technologies, offering strategies to enhance the accuracy and fairness of technological applications. By understanding the interplay between human biases and tech innovations, attendees will be better equipped to leverage technology while mitigating its potential pitfalls.

Target Audience: Criminalistics, Digital & Multimedia Sciences, Engineering & Applied Sciences, Forensic Nursing Sciences, General, Jurisprudence, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Questioned Documents

Knowledge Level: Basic

CE Hours: 3.25