The special session “Building a Career in Forensic Science,” was successful once again with over 50 participants from a variety of backgrounds. The distinguished speakers included Robert Gaensslen, who spoke on formal education in the forensic sciences, Jay Seigel, who spoke on internships and field experience and Barry Fisher, who spoke on landing that first crime lab job. In a segment designed to highlight a specific career path, Mary Fran Ernst spoke on the field of medicolegal death investigation. In another segment designed to give a “young forensic scientist” an opportunity to relate some of his/her experiences, Brent Turvey spoke on careers in forensic science. The afternoon session was highlighted by the return of Carol Henderson with a talk on expert testimony. A wonderful new addition to the session was a testimony demonstration by Craig Trocino and Teri Stockham. The presentations and information were interesting and of great value for all involved.                 

The YFSF Annual Breakfast Meeting, held on Thursday morning, had a turnout of over 50 people. The 1998 accomplishments as well as the new directions, programs and goals for 1999 were discussed. The YFSF emphasized its position as a resource for information on jobs, internships, education, scholarships, grants and awards for the young forensic science community. During this meeting, Ken Field requested that the YFSF be in charge of the AAFS time capsule project. This challenging project was gladly accepted by the YFSF and has become one of the main projects for 1999. A report on the Mentorship Program delivered by Paul Kish confirmed that the program is firmly established as a viable resource for the young forensic science community.                     

The first meeting of the YFSF Steering Committee was also held in Orlando. Although communication has been very successful via e-mail for the past two years, an in-person meeting was much needed. During this meeting the loosely organized Steering Committee established a preliminary organizational structure of the YFSF, programs and projects to focus on in the coming years and the committees that would organize the projects. The establishment of a formal structure will hopefully ensure the continued growth and success of the YFSF in the AAFS, as well as create many more challenges!                     

The success of the YFSF activities in Orlando show how the organization has grown over the past four years. Thank you to all those individuals who have contributed their time, energy, advice and elbow grease to make this organization the success that it is. Thanks are also extended to all of the new volunteers — Get ready to work! I look forward to bringing you more reports of the YFSF activities through out 1999 and the years to come.

Copyright © 1999 Young Forensic Scientists Forum / American Academy of Forensic Sciences