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American Academy of Forensic SciencesYoung Forensic Scientists Forum


Young Forensic Scientists Forum Newsletter - November 1998

Looking Ahead: YFSF in Orlando - 1999
by Carrie M. Weiler, BA, YFSF Secretary

At the 1998 AAFS Annual Meeting in San Francisco, the Young Forensic Scientists Forum (YFSF) entered a new stage in its development. The first YFSF Special Session was hosted and aimed at providing information about education and career opportunities in the various fields of forensic science. This was no small task since the AAFS is comprised of ten different sections and the YFSF had to reach students and new scientists from all of them. As discussed in the July 1998 YFSF Newsletter, the YFSF was overwhelmed with the attendance (over 65 in case you missed the article) and success of this attempt.

The results from the session evaluations reflect high marks were earned in content, delivery and overall quality. In addition, all of the attendees who turned in an evaluation felt that the subject material presented met or exceeded their expectations and appreciated the variety of information presented. The YFSF is elated by this positive feedback and are grateful to all of the speakers, as well as to everyone who contributed their time to organize the special session. Most of all, the YFSF is thankful to the attendees and their comments.

In light of this positive response and the apparent need for this type of program, the YFSF has organized another special session, entitled Building a Career in Forensic Science: Education, Employment and Expert Testimony, for the 1999 AAFS Annual Meeting in Orlando, FL. This is not just a carbon copy of the 1998 YFSF Special Session; however, the goals remain the same. First, the YFSF wants to present information that is important to AAFS Student, Trainee Affiliate and Provisional Members regarding education, training, career options and expert testimony. Second, the interaction of experienced professionals with new forensic scientists will be encouraged. It is felt that the 1999 YFSF Special Session will accomplish this while targeting all sections of the AAFS.

The 1999 YFSF Special Session will be a full day event. An impressive group of speakers will present on a variety of topics. The panel of speakers is listed below:

  • Mary Fran Ernst, BLS
    The Medicolegal Death Investigator, A Real Career Choice
  • Barry A.J. Fisher, MS, MBA
    How to Land that First Crime Lab Job
  • Robert E. Gaensslen, PhD
    Formal Education in Forensic Sciences
  • Carol Henderson, JD
    The Expert Witness
  • Jay A. Siegel, PhD
    The Importance of Internships and Field Experience
  • Craig J. Trocino, JD
    Testimony Demonstration
  • Brent E. Turvey, BS, MS
    Careers and Training in Forensic Sciences

In addition to the lecture presentations, there will be a mock court proceeding by Craig J. Trocino and Carol Henderson. The YFSF is very excited about this portion of the session since it will offer a real life example of the responsibilities of the expert witness.

As before, everything possible has been done to keep the cost of the session within reason in hopes that anyone who is new in their forensic careers will find it worthwhile to attend.

The 1999 YFSF Annual Breakfast Meeting will also be held in Orlando. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet with other new forensic scientists in your field and to voice concerns, opinions and any other thoughts that present themselves regarding the YFSF. The YFSF thrives on input from its participants and encourage attendance at this meeting despite the early hour. Was it mentioned that breakfast is free? There are many issues up for discussion at this breakfast meeting. First, the development of criteria and bylaws for the YFSF. As the YFSF's role grows as a resource of the AAFS, it is felt that it is in the best interest to give the YFSF membership more definition. The development of the YFSF web site will also be reviewed and soliciting suggestions and comments regarding what you would like to see. And, as always, any other issues that are of concern to the YFSF participants will be addressed.

More specific information regarding both the special session and the breakfast meeting will be forthcoming from the AAFS. We look forward to seeing you in Orlando!

 

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