AAFS 2026

Navigating Invisible Wounds: Mental Health and Well-Being Across the Forensic Spectrum

AAFS President
Joanna L Collins, MFS
LINUS Investigations & Consulting
San Antonio, TX

Plenary Session Chair: 
Marla Carroll, BS
Forensic Audio & Video Associates, Inc.
Plantation, FL

Plenary Session Co-Chair:
Edward Mazuchowski, MD, PhD
HNL Lab Medicine
Allentown, PA

Speakers:
Gregory I. Mack, PhD
New York Police Department, Medical Division
New York, NY

Daniel G. Martin, JD
Judge, Maricopa County Superior Court
Phoenix, AZ

Anjali A. Ranadive, MFS, JD
SciLaw Forensics, Ltd.
Phoenix, AZ

Kathryn C. Seigfried-Spellar, PhD, MA
School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Overview:

Forensic science practitioners routinely operate in environments defined by high stakes decisions, demanding workload, administrative burdens, and repeated exposure to violence and human tragedy. While the impact of this work varies by forensic science discipline and individual, the often-unseen consequences can reshape views, challenge well-being, and influence professional performance.  Despite these challenges, considerations for the mental well-being for the forensic workforce have historically received limited attention. This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the psychological risks and well-being needs of practitioners across the diverse spectrum of forensic disciplines — from scene to laboratory to courtroom. 

Drawing from current research and individual experiences, this session examines how repeated exposure to trauma, high caseloads, organizational pressures, ethical responsibility, and the emotional weights of case outcomes contribute to vicarious trauma, secondary traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, and burnout, to highlight a few. While these stressors manifest uniquely across disciplines — whether through direct scene exposure, laboratory analysis of evidence from violent crimes, or continuous review of disturbing digital media — they create a shared vulnerability that impacts personal well-being, professional performance, and long-term workforce sustainability. 

Each speaker brings different experiences, expertise, and perspectives based upon their role within the criminal justice system and forensic science. By integrating these varied viewpoints, the Plenary Session will explore these perspectives and highlight the pervasive reach of mental health consequents across disciplines, emphasizing the need for systemic awareness, cross-disciplinary support, and trauma-informed organizational practices. As we celebrate the theme of Back to Basics, there is nothing more fundamental to forensic science than the individual practitioners and their ability to perform and practice their discipline. This session underscores that safeguarding the mental health of forensic and justice professionals is essential not only for individual well-being but also for the integrity, accuracy, and humanity of the justice process. 

Program: