AAFS 2026

Pre-Registration Required — $300

8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Chair:
Kathleen Diebold Hargrave, MA
Office of the Regional Medical Examiner
St. Charles, MO

Co-Chair:
Erin Worrell, BSc
Franklin County Forensic Science Center
Columbus, OH

Presenters:
Kelly Allmeyer, BA
Regional Medical Examiner 
Franklin, Jefferson, and St. Charles Counties 
Defiance, MO

Lisa A. Potteiger-Visconti, BS
Medicolegal Death Investigator (Retired)
Harrisburg, PA

Tara Rick, BA
Saint Louis City Medical Examiner's Office
St. Louis, MO

Michelle Rippy, EdD
California State University East Bay
Hayward, CA

Alisha M. Simpson, MS
Dauphin County Coroner Office
Paxinos, PA

Program Description:  This workshop is designed for both new and experienced medicolegal death investigators. It offers practical, scenario-based training on core responsibilities such as Next-of-Kin notification, scene photography, and report writing. The workshop covers specialized topics like child deaths, drug fatalities, unidentified remains, and mass fatality response, featuring real-world case studies and firsthand insights from high-profile events like the 2013 San Francisco plane crash.

Attendees will explore investigative strategies, new tools such as Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG), and national standards like SUIDI protocols and ABMDI certification. The event includes interactive case reviews, peer discussions, and a closing panel addressing issues like workforce burnout and ethical response. Participants will also receive digital resources to support continued professional development. The workshop aims to boost confidence, improve investigative skills, and enhance service to the community.

Learning Objectives:  By the end of this workshop, attendees will be able to identify the basic and core responsibilities of medicolegal death investigators, including next-of-kin notifications, scene documentation, and report writing. Attendees will analyze investigative strategies for child deaths, drug-related fatalities, cold case management, and mass fatality response using current national standards. They will demonstrate understanding of interdisciplinary collaboration and apply lessons learned from real case examples to improve investigative accuracy and scene outcomes.

Impact Statement:  This workshop provides foundational training in medicolegal death investigation, covering next-of-kin notification, scene photography, infant and drug deaths, cold cases, report writing, and mass fatality response. Attendees will learn to apply investigative advancements and national standards, improving documentation, scene outcomes, and multidisciplinary collaboration in complex cases.

Target Audience: Anthropology, Forensic Nursing Science, General, Pathology/Biology

Knowledge Level: Basic

Pre-Registration Required — $300

8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Chair:
Jan M. Gorniak, DO
World Peace Forensic Consulting, LLC
Tallahassee, FL

Co-Chair: 
Andrea Zaferes, MFS
Dutchess County Medical Examiner's Office/FACT
Shokan, NY

Presenters:
Micaela A. Ascolese, MS
RTI International
Durham, NC

Kristen E.L. Edwards-Bova, BS
Larimer County Coroner's Office
Fort Collins, CO

Joni E. Johnston, PsyD
Del Mar, CA

Kelsey McKay, JD
Law Firm of Kelsey McKay
Austin, TX

Kiersten Reif, BA
Bannockburn Police Department
Bannockburn, IL

James K. Roberts, APM
Bingham County Coroner's Office
Blackfoot, ID

Kenneth Rosgen
Polk County Medical Examiner's Office
Dallas, OR

Paul S. Uribe, MD
Fort Bend County Medical Examiner Office
Richmond, TX

Program Description: This presentation addresses the frequent misdiagnosis of Intimate Partner Homicides (IPHs) and calls on professionals — from patrol officers to forensic pathologists — to return to investigative fundamentals while integrating emerging knowledge. It highlights how IPHs are often overlooked due to bias, premature conclusions, and overreliance on autopsy findings without full consideration of contextual, behavioral, and historical evidence.

Key topics include:

• Offender staging tactics, coercive control, and lethality risk indicators.
• The limitations of relying solely on physical injuries (e.g., ligature marks, blunt force trauma), especially in cases of strangulation, which can be externally undetectable — particularly in victims with darker skin tones.
• The importance of scene assessment and understanding that cause of death (e.g., drowning, overdose) often requires contextual analysis, not just autopsy results.
• The dangers of cognitive and confirmation bias in death investigations.
• The use of validated tools like the Danger Assessment, Joanna's Law Criteria, and the Monckton Smith IPV Homicide Timeline to guide decision-making and early intervention.

The session encourages multidisciplinary collaboration and the use of specialized resources (e.g., ligature analysis experts, IPV advocates), aiming to improve the accuracy of death classifications and promote justice for victims through evidence-informed and unbiased investigations.

Learning Objectives: This workshop addresses Intimate Partner Staged Homicides (IPHs) and teaches participants how to recognize, document, investigate, and prosecute IPHs by reinforcing foundational investigative practices and incorporating "new basics" consisting of validated investigation tools. Through case scenarios and subject matter experts, participants will demonstrate the ability to recognize IPH indicators and implement at least three response strategies and four tools that can help triage cases for the need for search warrants, scene processing, autopsies, etc. Attendees will be able to explain at least three types of bias that have contributed to cases being missed and misdiagnosed by all levels of practitioners. Each stage of the process will emphasize the need for a multidisciplinary approach from medicolegal death investigators, forensic pathologists, law enforcement, and prosecutors.

Impact Statement:  Globally, more than 50% of femicides are committed by current or ex-IPs.(1) In some of these cases, offenders will conceal homicides by disguising them as non-suspicious deaths (i.e., natural, accident, or suicide) or missing person cases, causing misdirection, and impacting case resolution and prosecution. In response to these IPHs, and as many agencies are overwhelmed with cases and underfunded, there is a greater need for validated decision-making and investigation tools. This workshop will: (1) provide crucial background information and training on what IPHs are and how to identify them; (2) when and how to respond to them; and (3) ultimately support more accurate determinations of cause and manner of death, leading to improved justice outcomes for victims and their families.

Target Audience: General, Jurisprudence, Pathology/Biology, Psychiatry & Behavioral Science

Knowledge Level: Intermediate

Pre-Registration Required — $165

8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Chair: 
Melissa M. Blessing, DO
Johnson County Medical Examiner and 
University of Iowa Health Care
Iowa City, IA

Co-Chair: 
Jolee Suddock, DO
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Oklahoma City, OK

Presenters:
Jared T. Ahrendsen, MD, PhD
Northwestern University
Feinberg School of Medicine
Chicago, IL

Rebecca D. Folkerth, MD
MooseHenge Medical Consulting
High Falls, NY

Michael Harrell, MD
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Oklahoma City, OK

Heather S. Jarrell, MD
Office of the Medical Investigator
University of New Mexico School of Medicine
Albuquerque, NM

Lorraina J. Robinson, DO
University of Oklahoma 
Oklahoma City, OK

Program Description: This half-day workshop offers a practical introduction to pediatric and perinatal forensic neuropathology, tailored for forensic pathologists of all experience levels. It focuses on building core skills such as:

• Recognizing normal vs. abnormal brain development
• Proper tissue selection, dissection, and fixation techniques
• Differentiating age-appropriate structures from anomalies
• Evaluating conditions like epilepsy and pediatric trauma (inflicted and accidental)

Participants will learn when to preserve the brain for deferred exams and how to document findings effectively to support clear, defensible cause-of-death determinations, including in SUID/SUDC cases. The workshop features case-based learning, histologic/gross images, and practical handouts, providing a systematic, confidence-building approach to pediatric neuropathology in forensic autopsies.

Learning Objectives: Through collaborative insights from multiple experts in the field, attendees will gain practical knowledge and diagnostic strategies related to perinatal and pediatric neuropathology, applicable to forensic autopsy examination in all age groups. Learning objectives included in this talk include the following: (1) understand and describe developmental and acquired neuropathology resulting in immediate or delayed death; (2) describe neuropathologic evaluation in seizure disorders, trauma, and the utility of ancillary stains for microscopic examination; and (3) summarize the role of advanced diagnostic tools, including molecular testing and postmortem imaging, and assess their practical utility and limitations in the forensic evaluation of pediatric and perinatal deaths.

Impact Statement: This knowledge will impact the forensic science community by enhancing the understanding of developmental neuropathology, sample collection, diagnostic criteria, and interpretation of common neuropathologic findings in perinatal and pediatric autopsies that can also be implicated as a cause of death in later age groups. By fostering a comprehensive and systematic approach, the session aims to advance the field of forensic neuropathology and support multidisciplinary collaboration.

Target Audience: Pathology/Biology

Knowledge Level: Basic

Pre-Registration Required — $165

8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Chair: 
Bart B. Kemper, PE
Kemper Engineering Services
Baton Rouge, LA

Co-Chair: 
Paul Messner, JD
FBI
Dry Ridge, KY

Presenters:
William Sayin, BSME
Booz Allen and Hamilton
Baton Rouge, LA

Krista Wohlfeil
Kemper Engineering Services
Baton Rouge, LA

Program Description: This introductory-level workshop explores the medical and engineering principles of blast events, covering a wide range of explosion types — including accidental, industrial, criminal, military, and terroristic incidents. It emphasizes that blasts are not limited to military or terrorist contexts and highlights real-world data: over 770 explosions, 320 bombings, and 18,000+ explosive-related incidents were reported in 2023 alone.

Key topics include:

• The anatomy of a blast wave
• Differences between high- and low-explosives
• Hazards from fragments, projectiles, and explosive environments (e.g., gas leaks, medical gases)
• Forensic methods and tools, including blast modeling programs

Participants will apply their knowledge during a hands-on "petting zoo" session, examining real-world blast fragments, case summaries, and protective armor failures in small groups. The workshop focuses on hazard recognition, scene investigation, and prevention, without covering how to construct explosive devices. It aims to enhance forensic professionals' ability to identify, investigate, and respond to explosive-related incidents effectively.

Learning Objectives: Attendees of this workshop will learn about different types of blast, the type of damage and injuries blast can cause ("blast effects"), and how to apply the information as key elements of investigating a blast event.

Impact Statement: This workshop will impact the forensic science community's practice by introducing foundational concepts regarding blast and blast effects in order to provide a framework for a better understanding of forensic investigations involving blast and blast effects.

Target Audience: Criminalistics, Engineering & Applied Sciences, Forensic Nursing Science, Pathology/Biology

Knowledge Level: Basic

Pre-Registration Required — $300

8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Chair: 
Sandra E. Rodriguez-Cruz, PhD
DEA Special Testing and Research Laboratory
Dulles, VA

Co-Chair: 
Matthew R. Wood, PhD
Ocean County Sheriffs Office
Toms River, NJ

Program Description: This workshop, part of the "Back to Mass Spectrometry Basics" series, offers a foundational and practical overview of mass spectrometry as it applies to forensic drug analysis and toxicology, with a focus on identifying Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS).

Key topics include:

• Core principles of mass spectrometry: how ions are generated, separated by mass-to-charge ratio (m/z), and detected
• Use of Electron Ionization/Mass Spectrometry (EI/MS) for structure elucidation
• Interpretation of mass spectra, including molecular ions, base peaks, isotopic distributions, and the nitrogen rule
• Understanding fragmentation mechanisms (e.g., sigma/alpha cleavages, neutral losses)
• Differences in odd- vs. even-electron ion behavior

The afternoon features interactive exercises using real-world NPS cases to reinforce learning. The session concludes with a review of spectral libraries, interpretation tools, and complementary techniques like ESI-MS and DART-MS, providing participants with a practical toolkit for forensic compound identification.

Learning Objectives: During this workshop, attendees will learn the fundamental principles of mass spectrometry and spectral interpretation. This will include an understanding of the main components of the mass spectrometer, ionization, separation, and detection. The attendees will learn techniques for small molecule structure elucidation such as identification of the molecular ion, elemental composition, and the analysis of basic fragmentation patterns.

Impact Statement: This workshop will impact the forensic science community by providing an educational opportunity for new forensic scientists to expand their understanding of mass spectrometry and offer a refresher course for more seasoned chemists. The goals of this workshop are to increase the attendees' working knowledge of the mass spectrometer while improving their ability to recognize and interpret mass spectra, thereby increasing their confidence in compound identification.

Target Audience: Criminalistics, General, Toxicology

Knowledge Level: Basic

Pre-Registration Required — $165

8:30 am – 12:00 pm

Chair: 
Corina Freitas, MD
Freitas and Associates LLC
Alexandria, VA

Co-Chair: 
Nicholas B. Tiscione, MS
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office
West Palm Beach, FL

Presenters:
Rebecca L. Hartman, PhD
Monroe County Office of the Medical Examiner
Rochester, NY

Svante Vikingsson, PhD
RTI International
Research Triangle Park, NC

Samuel Wilkinson, MD
Yale School of Medicine 
Yale Depression Research Program
New Haven, CT

Edward X. Zumaeta, MS
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office
West Palm Beach, FL

Program Description: This SOFT/AAFS-sponsored workshop offers a comprehensive overview of ketamine, tracing its evolution from a general anesthetic since the 1960s to its modern clinical applications in treating depression, pain, and addiction at low doses. The session explores ketamine's pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and emerging recreational misuse — highlighting a threefold increase in U.S. drug possession cases and mixtures like "pink cocaine" (ketamine + MDMA).

Participants will gain an objective understanding of ketamine's benefits, risks, and safety implications, particularly in relation to traffic and public safety, supported by real case studies. Taught by the Medical Director of the Yale Depression Research Program, this session blends foundational science with current forensic and clinical relevance.

Learning Objectives: Attendees will gain an understanding of the reason for the recent surge of interest in ketamine for promising new clinical applications and potential for misuse. Participants will: (1) become familiar with the increased research and prevalence of ketamine in the United States; (2) understand the basic pharmacology of ketamine; (3) gain insight into the most recent clinical research, appropriate use, and potential risks of ketamine; (4) appreciate the implications of side effects to human performance; and (5) recognize the presentation of impairment of normal faculties in subjects consistent with ketamine use and the impact to traffic safety.

Impact Statement: An impact to the forensic science community will be accomplished by increasing attendees' understanding of the clinical applications and potential adverse effects of ketamine. As the use of ketamine has increased significantly in the past ten years, practitioners will be better prepared to recognize both the beneficial effects and adverse events that it may produce.

Target Audience: Criminalistics, General, Jurisprudence, Pathology/Biology, Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, Toxicology

Knowledge Level: Basic

Pre-Registration Required — $165

8:30 am – 12:00 pm

Chair: 
Kate Butler, BS
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Pensacola, FL

Co-Chair: 
Mark T. Goff, BA
Michigan State Police
Lansing, MI

Program Description: This session explores challenges in standardized testing for Forensic Document Examiners (FDEs), particularly the use of a 5-point conclusion scale in research exams where the ground truth is known. While these tests aid in mass evaluation, they often don't reflect how FDEs form conclusions in real casework.

A key issue arises when FDEs are asked to compare questioned writing to multiple known writers. If one writer is correctly identified, the others are often marked as eliminated in the test — even though, based solely on their samples, an elimination may not be justifiable. This highlights a disconnect between test design and real-world practice, where opinions must be based strictly on available evidence, not on known outcomes.

Learning Objectives: Attendees will learn in-depth background information on historical and current Forensic Document Examiner (FDE) proficiency testing and research testing, FDE standards, and accreditation considerations. Participation in the hands-on portion of the workshop will give the attendee opportunities to engage in critical thinking about how conclusions are expressed and how to explain the differences between consensus, ground truth, and evidence-supported results.

Impact Statement: This workshop will impact the FDE community by illustrating difficult examinations and beginning a conversation on when the ground truth result for an exam may not be the correct result based upon the sufficiency of the evidence provided.

Target Audience: Questioned Documents

Knowledge Level: Intermediate

Pre-Registration Required — $300

8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Chair: 
Jennifer C. Love, PhD
DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Department of Forensic Sciences
Washington, DC

Co-Chair: 
Micayla Spiros, PhD
DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Department of Forensic Sciences
Washington, DC

Presenters:
Sara Achrati, MD
DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Department of Forensic Sciences
Washington, DC

Mike Cariola, MFS
Bode Technology
Lorton, VA

Francisco C. Diaz, MD
DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Department of Forensic Sciences
Washington, DC

Julie Ferragut, BS
DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Department of Forensic Sciences
Washington, DC

Krystyna Hopkinson, MScFS
DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Department of Forensic Sciences
Washington, DC

Katherine Hyun Kim, MS
DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Department of Forensic Sciences
Washington, DC

Lalynn G. Kurash, MS
DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Department of Forensic Sciences
Washington, DC

Daniel Morgan, MFS
National Transportation Safety Board
Washington, DC

Program Description: This workshop provides an in-depth review of the multi-agency response to the January 29, 2025 mid-air collision between an American Airlines commercial flight and a U.S. Army helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, which resulted in 67 fatalities. The crash created a complex recovery environment across both water and land.

The workshop is structured into three main components, each led by experts directly involved in the disaster response:

1. Facilitating External Operations
   • Focuses on leadership, incident command, media/family communication, and interagency coordination.
   • Includes insights from the DC Chief Medical Examiner, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and medicolegal investigators.
2. Maintaining Mortuary Operations
   • Details how the DC OCME scaled up to handle the mass fatality event while managing daily caseloads.
   • Covers integration of DMORT, FBI, and forensic anthropologists for identification and fragment reassociation.
3. The Role of DNA
   • Highlights the combined use of Rapid and traditional DNA analysis to identify victims.
   • Includes presentations from the DC Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) and BODE laboratory on contract setup, analysis workflows, and innovative reporting methods that enabled sample processing within 48 hours.

The workshop also features two expert panels and emphasizes interdisciplinary coordination, rapid response, and best practices in mass fatality management.

Learning Objectives: Through lectures and panel discussions, workshop attendees will learn detailed information about the multiagency successful response to and processing of the January 2025 mid-air collision at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The involvement of a military helicopter and commercial airline as well as the incident location in the Potomac River triggered a multi-jurisdictional response involving local, state, federal and non-governmental agencies. Attendees will learn from incident responders the challenges faced, and strategic solutions implemented to recover, examine, identify, and return victims to their loved ones in a timely and dignified manner.

Impact Statement: The information provided during this workshop will impact the forensic science community by highlighting the challenges faced during a multi-jurisdictional response to a mass disaster. The content will include quickly devised response plans allowing operations to ramp up while maintaining daily workloads as well as innovative solutions taken to identify and reassociate victim remains.

Target Audience: Anthropology, General, Pathology/Biology

Knowledge Level: Basic

Pre-Registration Required — $165

8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Chair: 
Sharon K. Moses, PhD
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ

Co-Chair: 
Jalika Waugh, PhD
Pinellas County Schools
Largo, FL

Presenters:
Maylynn Burns
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Prescott, AZ

Edwin S. Cochran, MA
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Prescott, AZ

Kelly Crockett, MSFS
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Prescott, AZ

Program Description: This workshop explores how academic institutions can support unsolved case investigations through the creation of cold case programs. Aimed at educators, law enforcement, and forensic professionals, it offers a step-by-step guide for launching and sustaining initiatives that combine student involvement, faculty oversight, and agency collaboration.

Key topics include:

• Integrating forensic science fundamentals (e.g., evidence-based reasoning, chain of custody, scene integrity) into student-led work
• Teaching objectivity, critical thinking, and the scientific method in real-world contexts
• Utilizing open-source tools like public records, social media, and research databases
• Managing confidentiality, case selection, funding, and alignment with academic goals

The session includes interactive case studies and provides a resource toolkit (syllabi, planning guides, checklists, and templates) for immediate implementation. The workshop highlights how these programs benefit both students — by enhancing forensic and investigative skills — and law enforcement — by providing meaningful support for long-dormant investigations.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to design and implement a sustainable cold case program within a higher education institution. They will identify at least three open-source or intelligence-based investigative tools available in academic settings and demonstrate how to apply them in collaboration with law enforcement. Attendees will also be able to articulate the measurable benefits of student-law enforcement partnerships on both case outcomes and student competency development.

Impact Statement: This presentation will enhance the forensic science community's competence by equipping educators and students with practical frameworks to implement cold case programs in higher education, leveraging academic resources and investigative training. It will improve performance by fostering collaborative partnerships between colleges and law enforcement, enabling students to apply investigative techniques and open-source intelligence tools to real cases. Ultimately, these efforts can lead to meaningful stakeholder outcomes by supporting case resolution, delivering justice, and advancing public trust in forensic practices.

Target Audience: Engineering & Applied Sciences, General, Jurisprudence, Psychiatry & Behavioral Science

Knowledge Level: Basic

Pre-Registration Required — $300

8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Chair: 
Katharine Pope, MA
SNA International (supporting the DPAA mission)
Fruitland, MD

Co-Chair: 
Kathryn Seigfried-Spellar, PhD
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Presenters:
Sarah Avedschmidt, MD
Sacramento, CA

Zain Bhaloo, MSc
Canada Border Services Agency
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada

Carole E. Chaski, PhD
Institute for Linguistic Evidence
Georgetown, DD

Justin Z. Goldstein, PhD
NYC Office of Chief Medical Examiner
New York City, NY

Krystal R. Hans, PhD
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN

Liam Johnson, MA
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV

John P. Kenney, DDS, MS, DDS
Davidson County 
TN Medical Examiner's Office
Nashville, TN

Pamela Marshall, PhD
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA

Kenneth E. Melson, JD
U.S. Department of Justice (Retired)
Kinsale, VA

Mariah E. Moe, PhD
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX

Jessica L. Morel, DO
Integrity Psychiatric Services PLLC
Fayetteville, NC

Lara Newell, MA
Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Richmond, VA

Joseph D. Remy, JD
National White Collar Crime Center
Barrington, NJ

Peter Stout, PhD
Houston Forensic Science Center
Houston, TX

Joe C. Trevino, III, DFS
New York Police Department
Sunnyside, NY

Allysha P. Winburn, PhD
University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL

Program Description: This workshop addresses the often-overlooked issue of work-related stress in forensic science, highlighting its serious emotional, physical, and psychological impacts — including burnout, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and hypervigilance. While stress among law enforcement has been widely studied, the forensic sciences community remains underrepresented in this research despite facing similar exposure to trauma.

Key topics include:

• How stress affects forensic professionals across all career stages and personal circumstances
• The ripple effect of trauma on colleagues, families, and students in academic programs
• Strategies to recognize trauma, build resilience, and reduce mental health stigma

The session combines research insights, personal stories, and open discussion, and features a diverse panel representing different sectors of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. The goal is to foster a healthier, more supportive professional environment and promote help-seeking behaviors within the field.

Learning Objectives: This workshop is designed to help the forensic sciences community understand the serious implications of work-related stress. In the forensic sciences, work-related stress can lead to emotional burnout, physical illness (high blood pressure), and psychological effects like PTSD, depression, anxiety, and hypervigilance. These emotional and physical reactions may surface after one difficult case or after decades on the job. This workshop will include recommendations based on the academic literature, anecdotal stories, and open discussion on how to recognize the impact of trauma, build resiliency, and reduce mental health stigmas and barriers to help-seeking within the forensic science community.

Impact Statement: This workshop will impact the forensic sciences community by addressing mental health and well-being by discussing work-related stress, vicarious trauma, healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms, and ways in which we can build resiliency and reduce mental health stigmas within our community. 

Target Audience: All Sections

Knowledge Level: Basic

Pre-Registration Required — $300

8:30 am – 5:30 pm

Chair:
Lavinia Iancu, PhD
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND

Co-Chair:
Jeffrey D. Wells, PhD
Florida International University
Miami, FL

Presenters: 
Christine M. Bogan, JD
Professional Consultant
Rensselaer, IN

Neal H. Haskell, PhD
Forensic Entomology Investigations
Rensselaer, IN

Leon G. Higley, PhD
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE

Olivia Minello, BS
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
CSI
Las Vegas, NV

Amanda Roe, PhD 
College of Saint Mary
Omaha, NE

Program Description: This workshop focuses on the enduring value of forensic entomology in death investigations, especially for estimating the PMI. Designed for forensic professionals, attorneys, investigators, and students, the session combines scientific principles, legal considerations, and practical skills.

Key topics include:

• Insect development, succession patterns, and the effect of temperature
• Proper collection, analysis, and preservation of insect evidence
• How entomological findings are presented and challenged in court, with emphasis on precise language and defensible conclusions

The workshop includes interactive lectures, real case studies, and a hands-on session for practical experience, plus a panel discussion on current challenges and the future of the field. It emphasizes standardized, proven methods and their critical role in both investigative and legal outcomes.

Learning Objectives: Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the application of forensic entomology in medicolegal death investigations. They will learn to differentiate between Postmortem Interval (PMI), minimum Postmortem Interval (PMImin), and maximum Postmortem Interval (PMImax), understand insect succession and development, and apply this knowledge to real-world casework. Hands-on demonstrations will reinforce proper collection and preservation techniques.

Impact Statement: This workshop will enhance the competence of forensic professionals by deepening their understanding of entomological evidence and its interpretation. It will improve performance in the field and laboratory by reinforcing best practices in evidence collection and analysis. Ultimately, it will contribute to more accurate PMI estimations and stronger courtroom testimony, benefiting stakeholders in the justice system.

Target Audience: Anthropology, Criminalistics, General, Jurisprudence, Pathology/Biology

Knowledge Level: Basic

Pre-Registration Required — $300

8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Chair:
Katherine Brown, PhD
Tarleton State University
RELLIS Academic Alliance
College Station, TX

Co-Chair:
Kelsie Bryand, MS
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX

Presenters:
Patrick J. Zirpoli
Sherry Black Foundation
Milanville, PA

Erin Ryan, BA
Sherry Black Foundation
Sandy, UT

Klaus C. Neudecker, MD
Praxis für Begutachtungen
Landshut, Bayern
Germany

Program Description: This workshop introduces behavioral assessment as an investigative tool to analyze crime scenes through the lens of criminological structures and offender behavior. It focuses on identifying pathological behavior patterns and sub-types across the criminal spectrum to better understand motives, methods, and opportunities behind crimes.

Key concepts include:

• Using the crime continuum to decode recurring elements in criminal behavior
• Interpreting physical evidence (or its absence) to reveal power dynamics, emotional drivers, and offender idiosyncrasies
• Recognizing how offenders unintentionally leave behavioral clues during the commission of crimes

Participants will engage in interactive case-based exercises, offering their own insights to develop behavioral profiles based on real-world crime scenes.

The goal is to equip attendees with practical techniques for applying behavioral assessment to investigative work, enhancing their ability to interpret crime scenes and offender behavior.

Learning Objectives: Upon completion of the course, the attendee will be able to: (1) cite the difference between Crime Assessment, an evidence-based process, versus Criminal Profiling, a psychological based process; (2) utilize the learned skill set to properly collect the information to decide the level of victim risk and offender risk; (3) compare the dynamics of a crime scene, homicidal pattern, and offender behavior characteristics, and select the proper sub-type and crime motivation; (4) assess the paralogical reasoning system and identify the level of victim and offender emotion; (5) recognize the difference between a crime driven by fantasy and one that contains no fantasy issues; (6) judge a criminal act and conclude whether the crime scene and offender are organized, disorganized, or both; (7) understand the behavior patterns of a Sexual Sadist, and how to identify and interact with them; and (8) understand the behavior pattern of Armin Meiwes, the Rotenburg Cannibal.

Impact Statement: Behavioral Assessment has had a profound impact on the field of forensic science, serving as a bridge between psychological analysis and physical evidence. By systematically analyzing behavioral patterns, motives, and methods of offenders, Behavioral Assessment aids investigators in narrowing down suspect pools and understanding criminal minds. This integration of psychological insight enhances the interpretation of forensic evidence and often directs the focus of investigations, making forensic methodologies more targeted and effective. As a result, Behavioral Assessment not only contributes to more efficient crime-solving but also advances forensic science by promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and refining investigative strategies.

Target Audience: Criminalistics, General, Psychiatry & Behavioral Science

Knowledge Level: Basic

Pre-Registration Required — $165

8:30 am – 12:00 pm

Chair:
John M. Butler, PhD
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD

Co-Chair:
Jarrah R. Kennedy, MS
Kansas City Police Crime Laboratory
Kansas City, MO

Presenters:
Niki Osborne, PhD
Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science
Auckland, Auckland
New Zealand

Melissa Taylor, BA
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD

Program Description: This half-day workshop addresses the complex challenge of interpreting and applying trace and DNA Transfer, Persistence, Prevalence, and Recovery (TPPR) evidence in forensic casework. It focuses on when — and how — it is appropriate for experts to offer opinions on TPPR.

Key elements include:

• Insights from the NIST DNA Foundation Review and Human Factors report
• Discussion of scientific, cognitive, legal, and interpretive challenges in TPPR
• Review of current knowledge gaps and controversies
• Introduction to a NIST-developed taxonomy and efforts toward a searchable TPPR database

The interactive session includes collaborative activities and explores how AI tools can enhance the organization and application of TPPR literature. Designed for forensic practitioners, researchers, and legal professionals, the workshop aims to strengthen the scientific and interpretive foundation behind TPPR-related expert testimony and case analysis.

Learning Objectives: The goals of this presentation are to: (1) summarize key findings and recommendations from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) DNA Foundation Review and Human Factors reports as they relate to TPPR in forensic science; (2) identify common sources of uncertainty, controversy, and interpretive complexity when forming opinions on trace and DNA TPPR in specific case contexts; (3) critically evaluate when it is appropriate to offer expert opinion on TPPR and describe what type of data and reasoning should underpin such opinions; and (4) contribute to a structured taxonomy to categorize TPPR-related literature and scenarios during a collaborative classification exercise, contributing to the refinement of a searchable TPPR database.

Impact Statement: This workshop will advance the forensic science community's ability to engage with one of the field's most complex interpretive challenges: understanding and explaining trace and DNA TPPR in the context of a specific case. By promoting critical reflection on the scientific and cognitive underpinnings of TPPR opinions, introducing a taxonomy for structuring the TPPR literature, and piloting AI-supported approaches to literature synthesis, the workshop will contribute to more transparent, consistent, and scientifically grounded expert testimony.

Target Audience: Criminalistics, Jurisprudence, Pathology/Biology

Knowledge Level: Basic 

Pre-Registration Required — $165

1:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Chair:
Alex J. Krotulski, PhD
Center for Forensic Science Research & Education
Horsham, PA

Co-Chair:
Agnes D. Winokur, PhD
Department of Justice
Drug Enforcement Administration
Dulles, VA

Presenters:
David B. Guthrie, PhD
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
Dulles, VA

Holly E. Pierzynski, MASc
Cayman Chemical
Ann Arbor, MI

Program Description: Co-sponsored by the AAFS Opioids and Emerging Drugs Committee and the SOFT NPS Committee, this full-day workshop focuses on the identification and structural elucidation of Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) — a growing challenge in forensic science as the global drug supply continues to diversify.

Key topics include:

• Overview of 1,302+ NPS identified worldwide (as of March 2025), with synthetic opioids emerging rapidly
• Strategies for recognizing and pursuing unknown substances in forensic drug samples
• In-depth training on structural elucidation using mass spectrometry (MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and other advanced techniques like IRMS and ICPMS

Highlights:

• Case studies on identifying unknown NPS, adulterants, and novel compounds like BTMPS and tetramethylfentanyl analogs
• Exploration of how drug traffickers alter synthesis routes to evade regulation, creating structurally novel substances with limited or no reference profiles
• Collaborative strategies between forensic toxicologists and drug chemists
• Introduction to how AI and Machine Learning are being used to streamline and improve the structural elucidation process

The workshop provides practical tools and workflows for forensic professionals tackling emerging synthetic drugs, emphasizing analytical rigor, innovation, and inter-disciplinary collaboration.

Learning Objectives: During this workshop, attendees will learn the fundamental principles of complex chemical analysis and structure elucidation, to include systematic approaches to analytical testing and spectral interpretation, using Mass Spectrometry (MS), Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Attendees will learn how to evaluate fragmentation patterns, identify functional groups, and understand carbon and hydrogen connectivity patterns. In addition, the attendees will learn innovative techniques used by forensic laboratories to assist in identifying unknown substances encountered in illicit drug samples.

Impact Statement: This presentation will impact the forensic science community by demonstrating the utility and importance of comprehensive chemical testing to aid investigations across forensic science disciplines. This workshop will specifically focus on the identification and interpretation of emerging drug threats and novel psychoactive substances (NPS). Additionally, the presentations will increase understanding of MS, IR, and NMR analysis and data interpretation.

Target Audience: Criminalistics

Knowledge Level: Basic 

Pre-Registration Required — $165

1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Chair:
Nicole S. Jones, MS
RTI International
Oakton, VA

Co-Chair:
Melissa Taylor, BA
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD

Presenters:
Henry Swofford, PhD
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD

Steven Lund, PhD
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD

Program Description: This 4-hour workshop focuses on the importance of method validation in forensic science, ensuring that analytical techniques are reliable, reproducible, and appropriate before being used in casework. Participants will learn to design and carry out validation studies for both human-interpreted and instrument-based methods.

Key topics include:

• Principles of forensic method validation
• Design and execution of validation studies
• Interactive exercises using real-world examples
• Overview of NIST resources, including guidance documents, reference materials, and data
• Hands-on training with the NIST Validation Assessment Tool (VAST) to support structured, transparent validation

The goal is to equip forensic practitioners with the skills and tools needed to support scientifically rigorous validation within their laboratories.

Learning Objectives: By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to: (1) define method validation and explain its importance in forensic science; (2) identify key components of a validation study and how to design them appropriately; (3) apply principles of validation to both subjective (human interpretation) and objective (instrumental) forensic methods; (4) access and utilize National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) -provided resources and reference materials for validation efforts; and (5) use the NIST Validation Assessment Tool (VAST) to support data analysis and reporting.

Impact Statement: This workshop equips forensic practitioners with the scientific foundation, practical tools, and regulatory insight required to design and execute validation studies that withstand courtroom scrutiny and satisfy modern accreditation demands. The workshop delivers measurable improvements in laboratory competence, courtroom credibility, and overall quality assurance, positioning participants to champion evidence-based practices across the forensic science community.

Target Audience: Criminalistics, Digital & Multimedia Sciences, General, Jurisprudence, Questioned Documents, Toxicology

Knowledge Level: Basic

Pre-Registration Required — $165

1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Chair:
Angela Soler, PhD
NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
New York, NY

Co-Chair:
Erin B. Waxenbaum, PhD 
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

Presenters:
Heather M. Garvin, PhD
Des Moines University
West Des Moines, IA

Kristen Hartnett-McCann, PhD
Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Farmington, CT

Melissa A. Pasquale-Styles, MD
Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Farmington, CT

Christopher W. Rainwater, PhD
Tarrant County Medical Examiner
Fort Worth, TX

Program Description: This workshop, developed by the American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA) Outreach Committee, highlights the critical role of board-certified forensic anthropologists (D-ABFAs) in analyzing skeletal and cartilaginous trauma during medicolegal death investigations.

Key focus areas include:

• Expertise in cases involving neck compression, pediatric trauma, and dismemberment
• Identifying cause and manner of death, past trauma, and possible tools or weapons used
• Use of visual aids (diagrams, photos, casts, 3D models) for court presentations and jury comprehension
• The importance of using ABFA-certified experts who meet strict standards of training, ethics, and continuing education

The session emphasizes how D-ABFAs provide quality assurance, legal readiness, and scientific rigor in complex trauma cases, underscoring their value as expert witnesses and investigative partners.

Learning Objectives: After attending this workshop, attendees will: (1) understand how forensic anthropologists contribute to the analysis of cartilaginous and skeletal trauma in cases of suspected neck compression, pediatric trauma, and dismemberment; (2) recognize the forensic anthropologist's expertise in cartilaginous and skeletal trauma, even in cases where the decedent is not skeletonized; and (3) understand the importance of using a qualified, vetted, board-certified forensic anthropologist with experience in the examination and interpretation of skeletal and cartilaginous trauma.

Impact Statement: This workshop is relevant to medical examiners, coroners, medicolegal death investigators, law enforcement, and legal professionals interested in learning about how forensic anthropological analyses of skeletal and cartilaginous trauma contribute to the death investigation. The field of forensic anthropology has grown in recent years, with more practitioners embedded within medical examiner and coroner offices. As forensic anthropologists have become more integral to the death investigation, they have expanded outside of the more traditional analysis of skeletonized remains and have developed expertise in skeletal and cartilaginous trauma interpretation that contributes to cases of fresh, decomposed, burned, and skeletonized remains.

Target Audience: General, Jurisprudence, Pathology/Biology

Knowledge Level: Intermediate

Pre-Registration Required — $165

1:00 pm – 5:30 pm

Chair:
Colleen M. Fitzpatrick, PhD
Identifinders International LLC
Fountain Valley, CA

Co-Chair:
Ray A. Wickenheiser, DPS
SupreMEtric
Youngsville, LA

Presenters:
Claire L. Glynn, PhD
University of New Haven and 
Henry C Lee Institute of Forensic Science
West Haven, CT

Wendy Mclean, BS
UNT Center for Human Identification
Fort Worth, TX

Program Description: This workshop explores how to bridge the gap between the structured forensic science community and the emerging, largely unregulated field of genetic genealogy, specifically within Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG).

Key themes include:

• The mismatch between limited employment opportunities in FIGG and the high volume of unsolved cases
• The need for standardized policies, procedures, and training to make FIGG practitioners credible within the legal system
• Current training and certification programs, which provide foundational knowledge but lack pathways to practical experience and job readiness

Workshop topics:

1. Development of FIGG as a professional career
2. NTVIC recommendations for aligning IGG practices with forensic standards
3. Operating within an ISO 17025-accredited lab
4. Strategies to expand FIGG job opportunities
5. Panel discussion with experts on integrating FIGG into forensic frameworks

The goal is to support the integration of independent FIGG practitioners into mainstream forensic investigations by promoting compliance, credibility, and career development.

Learning Objectives: Upon attending this presentation, attendees will learn how genetic genealogists, law enforcement personnel, and forensic scientists can develop careers in Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) through an understanding of the professional, ethical, legal, and accreditation-related standards they must meet to be compliant with the requirements of the judicial system.

Impact Statement: This workshop will impact the forensic and genealogical communities by demonstrating the need for a responsible and ethical development of an accreditation for independent FIGG practitioners that can bridge the gap with forensic policies, procedures, and standards, along with the legal system they comprise.

Target Audience: General, Jurisprudence

Knowledge Level: Basic