2025-26 General Section Award Recipients

On February 11, 2026, during the General Section Business Meeting, awards were presented to worthy recipients. 

John R. Hunt Award 

The John R. Hunt Award is intended to recognize sustained superior contributions to the General Section, the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, and the forensic science community. 

Gina Londino-Smolar, EdD

Gina is someone whose recognition in this area is long overdue. She has tirelessly provided exceptional service and leadership to our section and contributed to the broader forensic sciences community through peer-reviewed journal articles. Gina has served as a Fellow since 2019 and has had just about every section job there is and sometimes had to serve for much longer than she originally signed on for when we needed her to step in. She is a Forensic Sciences Foundation Trustee in her second term, where she is the chair of two committees. The committee could not think of anyone more deserving of this year's Hunt Award. Please congratulate Gina Londino-Smolar. 

Paul W. Kehres Meritorious Service Award

This award is intended to recognize a General Section Trainee Affiliate, Student Affiliate, Associate Member, Member, or Fellow for exceptional service to the General Section. 

Erin Koester, MFS 

Erin is currently Chair of the General Section Outreach Retention and Recruitment Committee, the AAFS International Affairs Committee, and Chair of the AAFS Deep Dive Sessions. She has served on many committees while a member of the General Section, including the thankless task of being a Program Co-Chair and Chair. Erin has also stepped in at the last minute when another Program Chair had a family emergency, and she is just ready and able to help. She helped the Awards committee judge when we needed extra hands-on deck. Erin is always supportive of our receptions and mentor/mentee events and truly embodies the criteria outlined in the Kehres award, going above and beyond any expectations to provide exceptional service to our section. Please join me in honoring Eric Koester, the 2016 Kehres Award recipient! 

Robert "Bob" Thibault Award 

The Robert "Bob" Thibault Award exemplifies the qualities of its namesake as being selfless, committed, dedicated, service-oriented, and a leader. 

Claire E. Shepard, MS 

Claire has been an active and engaged member of the AAFS for decades, becoming a Fellow in 2012 and maintaining consistent annual conference attendance since 1999. Her longevity in the Academy is matched only by the breadth and depth of her service. 

Within the General Section, Claire's leadership trajectory reflects both sustained commitment and progressive responsibility. She has served as Executive Director (General Section) and previously as the Chair and Secretary of the General Section. Claire has also served as a member of the Awards Committee and on the Policy and Procedure Ad-Hoc Committee, contributing to governance refinement and operational clarity.

Claire's impact extends through nearly every level of Section leadership. She has served as:

• Awards Committee Chair (2020–present) guiding the recognition of excellence within the Section and ensuring thoughtful stewardship of its honors 
• Program Chair and Program Co-Chair, shaping the scientific content and direction of annual conferences 
• Disciplines Committee Chair, helping define and organize the scientific scope of the Section 
• Long-Term Planning Committee Member, contributing to strategic vision and future-focused development 
• Student Academy Representative (2011–2018), serving as a critical liaison and advocate for student engagement and professional growth 

Her leadership in student and early-career development is particularly noteworthy. Claire's service as Student Academy Representative, along with her years supporting the Student Affiliate Scholarship Committee and related initiatives, demonstrates her deep commitment to cultivating the next generation of forensic scientists. She has consistently championed mentorship, accessibility, and professional advancement — values that align directly with the mission of the General Section.

Beyond the General Section, Claire has served on the AAFS Board of Directors (2022–2026) and as a Trustee and Board member of the Forensic Science Foundation, including service in an executive leadership role. Her governance work reflects not only dedication to the Section, but to the Academy as a whole. 

Claire has also contributed to the scientific and educational mission of the Academy through numerous presentations and moderation roles within both the General Section and the Young Forensic Scientists Forum. From scientific case studies to professional development sessions, she has consistently shared knowledge, experience, and guidance with her colleagues.

Importantly, Claire's service has not been episodic — it has been continuous, evolving, and increasingly impactful over time. Whether stepping into interim leadership roles, chairing critical committees, refining policy, advancing programming, or mentoring students, she has repeatedly answered the call to serve.

The Thibault Award honors individuals who work diligently — often behind the scenes — to strengthen the Section through integrity, reliability, and vision. Claire's career within the AAFS reflects exactly that: sustained leadership, institutional knowledge, and a selfless commitment to advancing forensic science and supporting her colleagues.

For her exceptional dedication, her strategic and compassionate leadership, and her lasting contributions to the General Science Section and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, we are honored to recognize Claire E. Shepard as the recipient of the Robert "Bob" Thibault Award.

Her service embodies the legacy of this award, and her impact will continue to shape the Academy for years to come. 

Robert Gaffney Achievement Award 

The Robert C. Gaffney Achievement Award is given to promote continual professional growth in the forensic sciences and technologies and to encourage new forensic science professionals in their occupational specialties.

Carlos Gutierrez, PhD 

Dr Gutiérrez Ayala received this honor for his case research and oral presentation, "Forensic Reconstruction and Forensic Taphonomy: An Experiment for a High-Profile Case Conducted for the First Time in Chile."