AAFS 2027

S1 Young Forensic Scientist Forum (YFSF)

Forensic Futures: Your Passport to Discovery

The mission of the YFSF is to provide education, mentorship, and resources to students and champion young forensic scientists in order to promote interest and longevity in the field while encouraging participation and advancement within the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Learning Objective:

By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to identify diverse career pathways available to forensic scientists across government, academia, industry, and emerging interdisciplinary fields, recognize the value of mentorship and professional development in building a successful forensic science career, and apply strategies for expanding professional networks and pursuing career opportunities that support innovation, global collaboration, and the future of forensic science.

Impact Statement:

This presentation will inspire early-career forensic scientists to explore the broad range of opportunities available within the profession while emphasizing the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration. By sharing practical insights into career development and professional growth, attendees will leave with actionable strategies to navigate their own career paths and contribute to the future of forensic science in an increasingly global and collaborative environment.

Program Description:

Exploration has always driven scientific discovery, and the future of forensic science depends on professionals who are willing to explore new ideas, diverse perspectives, and emerging opportunities. While forensic science is often associated with traditional crime laboratory careers, the profession continues to expand into multidisciplinary fields that support research, industry, academia, quality systems, policy, and even the growing role of forensic science in space exploration and other frontier environments. As the field evolves, so too must the next generation of forensic scientists.

This presentation will encourage young forensic scientists to view their careers as a journey of exploration rather than a single destination. Participants will learn how diverse career pathways and interdisciplinary collaborations can lead to unexpected opportunities that advance both individual careers and the forensic science profession. Drawing upon real-world examples, the presentation will demonstrate how skills developed in one area of forensic science can translate across sectors, fostering innovation and strengthening scientific practice on a global scale.

The session will also emphasize that diversity-in backgrounds, experiences, disciplines, and ways of thinking-is essential to scientific progress. By embracing diverse perspectives and building collaborative networks through mentorship, professional organizations, and cross-disciplinary partnerships, early-career professionals can broaden their impact while contributing to more innovative and inclusive solutions for the future of forensic science.

Finally, attendees will be introduced to practical strategies for professional development, including identifying mentors, cultivating leadership skills, expanding professional networks, and seeking opportunities that extend beyond traditional career expectations. Whether pursuing careers in government, academia, industry, or emerging areas such as aerospace and space exploration, participants will leave with a greater appreciation for the many directions a forensic science career can take. This presentation supports the Young Forensic Scientists ForumPs mission by inspiring attendees to embrace curiosity, lifelong learning, and exploration as they chart their own path in the future of forensic science.

Target Audience: All Disciplines
Knowledge Level: Basic