AAFS 2026

S2: Interdisciplinary Symposium
Sustaining the Science and the Scientist: Foundations for the Future

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 | 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Program Description: The 2026 AAFS Annual Scientific Conference's Interdisciplinary Symposium (IDS) highlights the theme "Back to Basics" through a dynamic program including a keynote address, five presentations focused on "Building the Practice," and five presentations focused on "Building the Practitioner," with dedicated time for discussion. IDS keynote speakers are Krystal Hans from Purdue University and Ryan Backman from Project Cold Case. Their presentations will address the importance and benefits of an interdisciplinary approach to the investigation of cold cases. The first IDS panel, moderated by Katharine Pope, delves into "Building the Practice" and features insights from Jalika Waugh, Garry Bombard, Raymond Thompson, Dustin Nolen, David Annas, and Laura Gaydosh Combs. This session explores strategies to strengthen forensic science as a discipline. Topics include promoting STEM education, understanding Daubert standards, maintaining competency for testimony, and learning from failures in casework. The second IDS panel, moderated by Laura Labay, focuses on "Building the Practitioner" and features insights from Sherri Kacinko, Joe Trevino, Jan Gorniak, Stacy Chepren, and Theresa White. This session addresses personal and professional challenges faced by forensic practitioners. Topics include creating welcoming workplaces and preventing burnout, managing stress, promoting inclusion among practitioners, understanding and mitigating imposter syndrome in courtroom settings, and delivering difficult communications, such as death notifications. Together, these sessions will explore the interplay between advancing rigorous practices and cultivating resilient practitioners, reinforcing the collective responsibility to ensure that all AAFS sections of forensic sciences remain credible, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of justice.

Learning Objectives: This session features presentations and professional discussions across AAFS sections that address the multifaceted challenges forensic scientists encounter throughout their careers. Beyond technical expertise, sustaining excellence in forensic science requires deliberate attention to ethics, education, communication, and well-being. Speakers will examine strategies to uphold professional standards, protect personal well-being, and maintain public confidence in forensic science. Psychological factors, including the infallibility complex and imposter syndrome, will be explored alongside approaches for strengthening community support and fostering workplace well-being. The session will also address long-term career sustainability through mentorship and continuous quality improvement. By integrating multiple perspectives, the program seeks to cultivate a more resilient, ethically grounded, and sustainable forensic science workforce.

Impact on the Forensic Science Community: Attendees will acquire critical perspectives on the professional and personal challenges that influence the trajectory and longevity of careers in forensic science, as well as strategies for sustaining both. The session is structured around two interrelated themes: the development of the practitioner and the advancement of the practice, with particular attention to long-term sustainability. Presenters will underscore the importance of well-being in both occupational and personal domains, emphasizing its direct impact on the integrity and effectiveness of forensic science from analytical testing and data interpretation to the delivery of expert testimony in judicial settings. Topics will also include learning from system failures, fostering STEM education, and strategies for maintaining competency throughout a career. Finally, the session aims to promote interdisciplinary dialogue on how practitioners can support one another, ensuring the continued evolution of forensic science while enabling AAFS members to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the field.