JUSTICE FOR ALL

Monday, February 19 | 8:30 am - 5:00 pm | $225

In this workshop, we will walk participants through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)/National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Expert Working Group on Human Factors in Forensic DNA Interpretation Working Group process and highlight key findings, discuss some of the more controversial topics, and present implementation steps for the recommendations contained within the report.

Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be familiar with the recommendations in the NIST/NIJ Expert Working Group on Human Factors in Forensic DNA Interpretation report. They will know the implications of these recommendations for their own practice and how the recommendations serve to improve the practice of DNA examination. 

Target Audience: Criminalistics, Jurisprudence
Knowledge Level Required: Basic

Chair:
Lynn Garcia, JD 
General Counsel
Forensic Science Commission
Austin, TX

Co-Chair:
Angela Spessard, MFS 
Forensic Scientist III
Maryland State Police
Pikesville, MD

Presenters:
Tiffany Roy, JD, MSFS 
Forensic DNA Expert
ForensicAid, LLC
West Palm Beach, FL

Melissa Taylor
Senior Forensic Science Research Manager
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD

Mikalaa M. Martin, BS 
Forensic Scientist
RTI International
Greenville, SC

Britton Morin, MFSF
Laboratory Director
Union County Prosecutor's Office 
Forensic Laboratory
Westfield, NJ

Nikola Osborne, PhD
Forensic Research Scientist
National Institute of Standards and Technology (Contractor)
Auckland, New Zealand

Hope Zagaria, MSFS
Research Forensic Social Scientist
RTI International
Alexandria, VA

Monday, February 19 | 8:30 am - 5:00 pm | $225

Attendees of this workshop will receive information and training on major revisions to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) E1618. Presenters will discuss why the revisions are needed, explain the new specifications for the ignitable liquid classification system, provide an overview of the performance-driven instrumental analysis requirements, and facilitate implementation of the new interpretation and reporting requirements through practical exercises. Intended as an introductory workshop, attendees will gain experience using these new specifications for classification of ignitable liquids and a practical understanding of how the updated requirements can reduce misattribution or misidentification of ignitable liquids in complex matrix samples.

Target Audience: Criminalistics, Jurisprudence
Knowledge Level Required: Basic

Chair:
Brenda B. Christy, MS
Forensic Scientist Supervisor
Virginia Department of Forensic Science
Norfolk, VA

Co-Chair:
Laura J. Hernandez, BS
Director, Verity Labs Inc.
Las Cruces, NM

Presenter:
Kimberly S. Kunkler, PhD
Assistant Professor
Marshall University
Huntington, WV

Monday, February 19 | 8:30 am - 5:00 pm | $225

Discover SpectrApp (https://www.spectrapp.unito.it), an innovative open-source tool developed by the esteemed Department of Chemistry at the University of Turin. Join us for an immersive workshop that showcases SpectrApp's cutting-edge capabilities in forensic spectroscopic data analysis. This user-friendly tool combines advanced machine learning techniques with a seamless interface, catering to both experts and non-experts in the field. Participants will delve into the power of SpectrApp's multivariate data analysis and chemometric strategies, facilitated by the R Shiny environment. Explore a vast array of graphical approaches, including univariate, bivariate, and multivariate visualizations, uncovering intricate patterns within complex datasets. Learn about SpectrApp's support for cluster analysis, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and other advanced methodologies, such as PLS-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) and PLS-Regression (PLS-R). Witness how SpectrApp enables the prediction of new samples, empowering forensic analysis like never before. Don't miss this enlightening workshop that showcases the potential of SpectrApp to revolutionize the future of forensic science through machine learning and data analysis.

Target Audience: Digital & Multimedia Sciences; General
Knowledge Level Required: Basic

Chair:
Eugenio Alladio, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Chemistry
University of Torino
Torino, Piemonte, ITALY

Co-Chair:
Paolo Garofano, MD, PhD
COO
Centro Regionale Antidoping "A. Bertinaria"
Lazio, Rome, ITALY

Monday, February 19 | 8:30 am - 5:00 pm | $225

This workshop is an update on current practices in forensic postmortem radiology and medicolegal death investigations. National and international forensic pathology and radiology practitioners will provide an introduction to and update on best practices in the field. 

After attending this workshop, attendees will: (1) be informed of the different modalities for postmortem radiology, (2) understand the strengths and weaknesses of the different current modalities, (3) learn about the interpretation of the postmortem radiology scans and levels of forensic evidence, and (4) be aware of current advances, collaboration, and potential resources available to interested practitioners.

Target Audience: Anthropology, General, Pathology
Knowledge Level Required: Basic

Chair:
Summer J. Decker, PhD
Professor, Director of 3D Clinical Applications & Vice Chair of Radiology
Department of Radiology
University of South Florida, Tampa, FL

Co-Chair:
Edward Mazuchowski, MD, PhD
Forensic Pathologist
Forensic Pathology Associates
Division of HNL Lab Medicine
Allentown, PA

Presenters:
Natalie L. Adolphi, PhD
Associate Professor
New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator
Albuquerque, NM

Fabrice Dedouit, MD, PhD
Forensic Pathologist
Hopital Rangueil
Toulouse, Midi-Pyrenees, FRANCE

Lars Ebert, PhD
Department Co-Head
3D Center
Institute for Forensic Medicine
University of Zürich
Zürich SWITZERLAND

Jamie Elifritz, MD
Forensic Radiologist
Office of the Medical Investigator, Affiliate
Albuquerque, NM

Michael J. Thali, MD
Professor and Chair 
Institute of Forensic Medicine
University of Zurich
Zürich, SWITZERLAND

Jonathan M. Ford, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Radiology
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL 

Monday, February 19 | 8:00 am - 12:00 pm | $125

During this presentation, representatives from universities and the Forensic Science Education Programs Commission (FEPAC) will present on ways they have incorporated standards into their university programs, examples of specific courses where students' knowledge has been enhanced by such standards, and how to overcome obstacles of changing curriculum to include private sector standards. Representatives from forensic laboratories will present on how hiring practitioners with a knowledge of standards affects their practices, as well as how they are implementing standards into lab training and standard operating procedures. The latter portion of the workshop will be comprised of a panel including educators, lab managers, young forensic professionals, and recent university graduates, to discuss how forensic standards are changing, and will continue to change, the landscape of forensic education and training.

Target Audience: All Disciplines
Knowledge Level Required: Basic

Chair:
Heidi Eldridge, PhD 
Professor
George Washington University
Washington, DC

Co-Chair:
Julie A. Howe, MBA 
Associate Professor
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, MO

Presenters:
Teresa L. Ambrosius, BA
Secretariat
AAFS Standards Board
Colorado Springs, CO

Sarah Seashols Williams, PhD
Associate Professor
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA

Jennifer Limoges, MS
Associate Director of Forensic Science/Toxicology
New York State Police
Forensic Investigation Center
Albany, NY

A. Karl Larsen, Jr.,PhD
Clinical Professor of Forensic Science
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, IL

McKenzie Weyh, BS 
Forensic Document Examiner
Michigan State Police
Lansing, MI

Arely J. Parra López, BS 
Graduate Student Researcher
The George Washington University
Eaton, CO

Britni Skillman, PhD 
Assistant Professor
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX;

Peter Stout, PhD 
President and CEO
Houston Forensic Science Center
Houston, TX

Monday, February 19 | 8:00 am - 12:00 pm | $125

This workshop will address the growing semi-synthetic cannabinoid market from both a toxicological and a seized drug chemistry perspective. It will provide an overview of the legislation and scheduling of THC-related compounds in the United States, discuss drug trends in semi-synthetic cannabinoids in both Europe and the United States, and review analytical methods for the separation of THC isomers in seized drug material. This workshop will also focus on the known pharmacological activity and potency of currently available semi-synthetic cannabinoids, provide reviews of cross-reactivity of the cannabinoid isomers and analogs on the commercially available immunoassay platform, and describe analytical methods for isomer separation in toxicological samples. Finally, delta-8-THC blood concentrations and trends in the Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID) cohort will be presented.

Target Audience: Criminalistics, General, Toxicology
Knowledge Level Required: Basic

Chair:
Ayako Chan-Hosokawa, MS
Toxicology Team Manager
NMS Labs, Horsham, PA

Co-Chair:
Sarah A. Shuda, MS
Senior Scientist
CFSRE
Willow Grove, PA

Presenters:
Barry K. Logan, PhD
Executive Director
CFSRE
Horsham, PA

Nicole Lattanzio, MS
Forensic Chemistry Technical Director
NMS Labs
Willow Grove, PA

Joanna De Morais 
Scientific Analyst
European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA)
Lisbon, Lisboa, PORTUGAL

Erin Karschner, PhD
Forensic Toxicologist
Armed Forces Medical Examiner System
Dover AFB, DE

Monday, February 19 | 8:00 am - 12:00 pm | $125

 "He only choked me…" Anoxic brain injury can occur in minutes. Nonfatal strangulation and its associated effects are not well understood by responding providers. This 4-hour workshop provides a background in research and enhances skills in evaluating nonfatal strangulation. This potential lethal act is present in more cases than one thinks. The workshop presenters plan discussions around how the current evidence impacts the investigation, documentation, care, and prosecution of strangulation cases. Long-term effects such as traumatic brain injury are now being studied with current information to be discussed. Key concepts will be illustrated through the use of case studies and group discussion.

Target Audience: Criminalistics, Forensic Nursing Science, General, Jurisprudence, Pathology/Biology, Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, Toxicology
Knowledge Level Required: Intermediate

Chair:
Stacey A. Mitchell, DNP
Clinical Professor and Director
Texas A&M University 
School of Nursing
Magnolia, TX

Co-Chair:
Kathy Bell, MS
Adjunct Faculty
Oklahoma State University 
Center for Health Sciences 
Tulsa, OK

Presenters:
Jessica Volz, DNP 
Clinical Director of Forensics
Adventist HealthCare 
Shady Grove Medical Center
Rockville, MD

Patricia M. Speck, DNSc
Professor/Coordinator of Advanced Forensic Nursing
University of Alabama at Birmingham 
School of Nursing
Hoover, AL

Diana A. Faugno, MSN 
Forensic Nurse 
AFN
Escondido Ca., GA

Sean P. Dugan, MD 
Director of Forensic Services
Shasta Community Forensic Care Team
Shasta Community Health Center
Redding, CA

Monday, February 19 | 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm | $125

Several studies conducted over the past 20 years have demonstrated the inconsistent use of the interpretation and comparison protocols within some DNA testing laboratories as well as variability in the reporting of results and conclusions, especially when complex DNA profiles were evaluated that fell outside of the types of profiles routinely evaluated during mandatory proficiency testing. A standard, drafted by the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) and developed by the Academy Standards Board (ASB), provides for the continued monitoring of the efficacy and consistent use of the laboratory's protocol. This workshop will focus on the specific requirements of Standard 123 and provide effective mechanisms for implementation of the standard, including the evaluation of the resulting data to ensure quality interpretation and comparison of DNA data. DNA analysts and attorneys will provide insights regarding the importance of and value added through the implementation of this standard.

Target Audience: Criminalistics; Jurisprudence
Knowledge Level Required: Basic

Chair:
Charlotte Word, PhD 
Consultant
Charlotte Word
Richmond, VA

Co-Chair:
Virginia Barron, JD 
Attorney, Law Office
Westbrook, MN

Presenters:
Terri Rosenblatt, JD 
Chief, Post Conviction Justice Unit
New York County District Attorney's Office
New York, NY

Brian Higgins, MSFS 
Supervisory Biologst
USACIL
Forest Park, GA

Ashley Luther, MS 
Forensic Biology Supervisor
Indiana State Police Laboratory
Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 

Monday, February 19 | 8:30 am - 12:00 pm | $125

Challenges with the analysis of seized drugs have necessitated research into alternative approaches and technologies to assist forensic laboratories with the identification and quantification of unknown seized drugs. These challenges include the rapidly evolving nature of the seized drug landscape, with the continued emergence of Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS), the identification of closely related chemical substances, the detection of minor components in mixtures, the differentiation of hemp and marijuana, screening of multiple subunits, and growing backlogs. However, there is a considerable divide between the research community developing these alternative approaches and technologies and actual implementation by practicing forensic laboratories. The Evolving Approaches and Technologies for Seized Drug Analysis subcommittee was established to specifically address this divide by the Forensic Laboratory Needs Technology Working Group (FLN-TWG), which is housed at the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and supported by the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) through a cooperative agreement with RTI International.

This workshop provides a summary of the subcommittee's developed technical notes and overarching white paper designed to help address the divide between the research community and practicing forensic laboratories. 

Target Audience: Criminalistics; General
Knowledge Level Required: Basic

Chair:
J. Tyler Davidson, PhD 
Assistant Professor
Sam Houston State University
Conroe, TX

Co-Chair:
Edward Sisco, PhD 
Research Chemist
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD

Presenters:
Ira Lurie, PhD 
Adjunct Professor/Research Professor 
The George Washington University
Washington, DC

Frances Scott, PhD 
Program Manager
National Institute of Justice
Washington, DC

Amber K. Burns, MS 
Forensic Chemistry Manager
Maryland State Police 
Forensic Sciences Divison
Pikesville, MD

Sherri L. Tupik, BS 
Senior Forensic Chemist
Drug Enforcement Administration
Dulles, VA

Monday, February 19 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | $125

This presentation will provide an overview of the of circumstances that led up to the wounding of New York police officers and the challenges that they faced and still endure. We will engage in an interactive discussion with these officers and learn how they faced aspects of their physical and psychological recovery and the role other factors played in their seeking help such as individual characteristics, the availability of peer support, stigma, family, and social support, gratitude, resilience, and satisfaction with life. Special focus will be given to a traumatic brain injury caused by firearm. This workshop will discuss topics requiring basic knowledge pertaining to brain anatomy, brain function and cognitive and psychological effects of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

Target Audience: General; Psychiatry & Behavioral Science
Knowledge Level Required: Basic

Chair:
Gregory I. Mack, PhD
Deputy Director
Psychological Evaluation Section, Medical Division 
New York City Police Department
Shrub Oak, NY

Co-Chair:
Daniel A. Martell, PhD
Clinical Faculty
UCLA School of Medicine
Irvine, CA

Presenters:
Learie C. Johnston, BA
Board of Directors/Detective (retired)
Westchester B.L.U.E. Foundation/Mount Vernon Police Department
Mount Vernon, NY

Matthew Frank
Chairman/Co-Founder
Westchester B.L.U.E. Foundation
Port Chester, NY

Paul Puccini
Trustee, Board of Directors
Westchester B.L.U.E. Foundation
New Rochelle, NY

Jamie M. Elifritz, MD
Partner/Medical Director
Forensic Radiology Group/Department of Radiology
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 

Monday, February 19 | 8:30 am - 1:00 pm | $125

This workshop will provide an overview of the Framework for Accreditation of Forensic Units developed as part of cooperative agreement 70NANB21H098 with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that can be used by forensic service providers through the accreditation process. 

The workshop will review the benefits, and the drawbacks, to accreditation for an organization, particularly with respect to Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) and latent print units. It will also discuss why accreditation of Forensic Science Service Providers (FSSPs) is important to the criminal justice system using practical examples in forensics as well as other industries. Attendees will learn what a forensic accreditation program consists of and the structure of the International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC) 17020 and ISO/IEC 17025 standards used to build a framework, along with the similarities and differences between the two. Attendees will learn how to approach building a quality management system and the overall accreditation process as well as tips for reading and interpreting standards. 

Case studies about CSI units and small labs, some with only one or two employees, obtaining accreditation will be presented and discussed. Resources and ideas to help the attendee design and build their quality management systems to become accredited will be shared. Chances are their organization currently meets many of the requirements and they may just need to document them. Participants should leave with a better understanding of quality management and accreditation in forensic science and their importance and feel more confident in the possibility of incorporating both into operations in their units and labs. 

Target Audience: Criminalistics; Digital & Multimedia Sciences; General
Knowledge Level Required: Basic

Chair:
Nicole S. Jones, MS
Director
RTI International
Research Triangle Park, NC

Co-Chair:
Erin P. Forry, MS 
Research Forensic Scientist
RTI International
Research Triangle Park, NC

Presenters:
Allison Getz, BS 
Physical Scientist
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Monrovia, MD

John H. Grassel, MS
Senior Manager 
RTI International
Apex, NC