Community Connections Committee Members

Committee Members

Garrett Aderman is a Forensic Scientist with the Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency, where he specializes in the analysis of seized drugs. He previously served as an Assistant Supervisor in the agency's Crime Scene Unit, where he led Crime Scene Specialists in the documentation and processing of complex scenes. Throughout his career, Garrett has been driven to foster connections and create supportive spaces that welcome Forensic Scientists at all levels and stages of their professional journeys.

Garrett is deeply engaged in strengthening professional networks within the forensic science community. Through his role on the Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists (MAFS) Inclusion and Outreach Committee, he has supported efforts to enhance member engagement, improve communication, and encourage participation across all levels of experience. His work focuses on building a stronger sense of community and fostering opportunities for collaboration and connection throughout the organization. 

As a member of the AAFS Community Connections Committee, Garrett continues these efforts on a global scale working to promote professional involvement, increase visibility across disciplines, and support the next generation of Forensic Scientists.

Laura Friederich, B.S., D-ABFT-FT is a postmortem forensic toxicologist with the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Raleigh, NC where she has worked since 2011. She is currently the laboratory's novel psychoactive substances specialist. Previous to that she worked at Wolfe Drug Testing in Asheville, NC after receiving a bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Asheville. When she is not busy working to help bring closure to the families of the dead, Laura enjoys helping out with harm reduction and drug checking efforts, DJ-ing, dancing, reading, hiking, riding her bike and weightlifting. She currently lives in Durham, NC with her partner Oona and a dear community of friends."

Dr. Uzoma Okafor is a distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Forensic Science and the Director of the Forensic Science program at Albany State University. With a robust background in teaching, mentoring, and research, Dr. Okafor has fostered extensive international collaborations with researchers in Nigeria, India, and across the United States. These partnerships have culminated in his authorship of over 50 peer-reviewed publications. His research spans both experimental and conceptual realms, focusing on molecular biology, drug metabolism, and toxicology as applied to criminal justice systems.

Driven by a profound interest in collaborative research, Dr. Okafor has been awarded significant grants, including a National Institute of Justice grant for "Surveying the Total Microbiome as Trace Evidence for Forensic Identification" and a National Science Foundation grant for "SSTEM." His exceptional contributions to academia have been recognized with prestigious accolades, such as the Chancellor Learning Scholar title (2018-2020) from the University System of Georgia and the Faculty Excellence Scholar Award (2021) from Albany State University's Faculty Center of Excellence.

Dr. Okafor is a dedicated mentor, guiding numerous graduate and undergraduate students in both their research and academic pursuits, many of whom have gone on to receive various fellowships and awards. His commitment to advancing his field is further demonstrated by his active involvement in prominent professional organizations, including the American Academy of Forensic Science, American Chemical Society, and American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Dr. Khlea M. Sumani, D.M.D., is a dental and forensic expert from Las Vegas, Nevada. She currently co-commands the Ohio Mortuary Operational Response Team (OMORT) and maintains a dental practice in Ohio. Dr. Sumani earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Case Western Reserve School of Dental Medicine and completed a General Practice Residency at Miami Valley Hospital. She furthered her education with a Forensic Dentistry Fellowship at Lincoln Memorial University. Dr. Sumani's professional trajectory encompasses significant roles in both clinical and forensic settings. Her forensic expertise is further exemplified by her roles as a Forensic Dental Consultant at the Franklin County Forensic Science Center. 

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Sumani is actively engaged in emergency management, having completed numerous certifications through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Center for Domestic Preparedness. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and the Ohio Identification Officers Association, where she has also served in leadership roles. Dr. Sumani's contributions include presentations at prominent conferences, meetings, and publications in esteemed journals like the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. She is committed to excellence in dentistry, forensic science, and emergency management. Her passion lies in returning all missing and unidentified remains to their families.

Sylvia Perez is the Clinical Manager of Forensic Nursing Services for the Memorial Hermann Health System located in Houston, TX. Sylvia proudly leads her team of specialized nurses who provide trauma informed compassionate care to survivors of sexual assault.

Dr. Russell "Rusty" Rooms, DNP, APRN, FNP‑BC, is a pioneering nurse practitioner and human rights advocate dedicated to advancing equitable healthcare and justice for LGBTQ+ communities. With over 30 years of experience in nursing and two decades as a family nurse practitioner, Dr. Rooms has become a leading voice in the fight to end healthcare disparities and human rights violations affecting LGBTQ+ individuals — especially in conservative and underserved regions like Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Motivated by the widespread discrimination LGBTQ+ people often face in healthcare settings, Dr. Rooms founded Diversity Family Health, a network of clinics offering affirming, trauma-informed, and culturally competent care. What began in a single exam room in Oklahoma City's LGBTQ+ district has grown into a vital resource for thousands of patients across multiple states. His clinics specialize in gender-affirming hormone therapy, HIV prevention and care, and the treatment of HPV-related conditions in gay and bisexual men — services that are often unavailable or stigmatized in the areas he serves.

Beyond clinical care, Dr. Rooms is a tireless advocate for LGBTQ+ human rights. He works to dismantle systemic barriers through education, legislative advocacy, and community engagement. As a member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, International Anal Neoplasia Society, International Association of Forensic Nurses, and faculty with the South Central AIDS Education & Training Center, and Oklahoma City University Community and Public Health Nursing program, he trains healthcare professionals in inclusive, evidence-based care that affirms LGBTQ+ dignity and autonomy. His activism extends to speaking at national conferences, mentoring emerging queer healthcare professionals, and fighting against policies that endanger LGBTQ+ lives.

Dr. Rooms' work is grounded in a core belief: that healthcare is a human right, and every person — regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or background — deserves to be seen, respected, and cared for without fear or judgment.

Dr. Paul Yount, DFS, is a Forensic Scientist III within the DNA section at the Phoenix Police Department Crime Laboratory. He is also a Faculty Associate Professor at Arizona State University's School of Interdisciplinary Forensics. His undergraduate research analyzed the accuracy of bloodstain pattern analysis using hemodynamic factors and his graduate research focused on DNA preservation and recovery in unidentified human remains (UHR) investigations. Paul's doctoral capstone research was composed of research on the importance of inclusion and belonging in the professional and academic realms of forensic science. 

When he began working for the City of Phoenix in 2021, Paul quickly became involved with the Phoenix LGBTQ Employees and Allies — an employee resource group (ERG) that fosters inclusion and support for City workers. In 2023, he became one of the youngest ERG Presidents at the City! Paul is also a member of the AAFS Young Forensic Scientist Forum (YFSF), in which he has acted as an advisor and resource for the next generation of forensic scientists. 

Whether at work or as a member of the Community Connections Committee, Paul uses his lived experience as a proud gay man to promote inclusion and belonging within AAFS and forensic science professional organizations. 

Thomas Delgado is a queer and Latine scholar whose research highlights the multi-disciplinary nature of (forensic) anthropology both scientifically and culturally. They are a graduate from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and California State University, Chico and currently pursuing their Ph.D. at the University of Utah. 

They have served in a variety of research and field positions including as a research specialist for UTK's Forensic Anthropology Center where they oversaw research on the effects of toxicological and pathological loading on the decay process, a technician at CSU, Chico's Stable Isotope Preparation Lab where they prepared human tissue samples for isotopic analysis for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, and as a field director for a large archaeological excavation project in downtown Sacramento, CA. Their thesis explored the utility of multiple artificial intelligence methodologies to classify water (H and O) isotope ratios into geographically distinct regions of Latin America to assist in the identification of deceased migrants and their current research is focused on estimating lived histories from the isotopic composition of human tissues and developing new interpretive toolkits for isotopic data. Outside of isotopes, their research also includes ethics within forensic anthropology, necroviolence and human rights, advocacy and activism, and methods development for gender-inclusive forensic sex estimation.

Sue Lim is a forensic document examiner and PhD candidate at Universiti Sains Malaysia, specializing in handwriting analysis using statistical approach. As a Malaysian Chinese scientist, the research brings critical cultural and linguistic perspectives to forensic science, advocating for more inclusive practices in Questioned Document Examination.

Since joining AAFS in 2022, Sue Lim has been an active member of the Questioned Document section, presenting at the 2024 conference on Chinese Handwriting that highlighted systemic gaps in Asian script expertise. The work demonstrated how limited forensic professionals could read Chinese, despite its global prevalence, underscoring the urgent need for diversity in document examination.

As a member of the Community Connections Committee, Sue Lim with technical expertise including IADE proficiency certified, CSAFE statistical training and ACFE fraud investigation credentials - informs practical solutions to these challenges. 

Sue Lim holds an MSc in Forensic Science (Dean's List, 3.98 CGPA) and is currently researching AI-assisted tools to help non-native examiners analyze Asian documents. Sue actively bridges Western and Asean forensic practices through work with the Forensic Science Society of Malaysia as member.

Shivani Sanger (BSc, MSc, MSc) is a forensic anthropology PhD researcher, educator, and the founder of Shivani STEM Scholars, a tutoring and academic support company focused on inclusive education in science.

Shivani is passionate about accessibility and neurodiversity in STEM, with a strong focus on supporting students with dyslexia, ADHD, and dyspraxia. She has lectured at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and has presented her research at several national and international forensic conferences.

Coming from a working-class background, Shivani is committed to helping students from similar circumstances access high-quality, affordable and accessible support. Through her tutoring company and upcoming educational resources, she aims to reduce barriers to learning and provide practical, inclusive tools for students who may not have access to traditional academic support.

As a member of the AAFS Community Connections Committee, Shivani actively promotes equity, representation, and inclusive practice within forensic science. Her lived experience as a British Indian Punjabi woman with dyslexia in academia informs her dedication to uplifting underrepresented voices and ensuring that forensic anthropology, and science more broadly, is genuinely accessible to all.