ISHI 31 Workshops

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Pre and post-conference workshops have been announced for the 31st International Symposium on Human Identification. Topics covered include Rapid DNA, genetic genealogy, leadership, validation, cold cases, and more.

Registration is limited, so claim your spot early!

Shortened descriptions, dates, and costs are included below. For more information on any of the workshops, including speakers, visit our website.

Sunday, September 13

9:00 - 12:00

AABB Meeting

This workshop will address AABB accreditation related topics, including the accreditation process, Relationship Testing Standards, proficiency testing, validations, and calculations.

Cost

There is no charge for this workshop, but pre-registration is requested.

1:00 - 4:00

Arguing the Case for DNA Evidence Based on Probabilistic Genotyping

This interactive workshop is designed to empower the DNA expert in delivering cogent arguments for DNA evidence based on probabilistic genotyping. With few exceptions, U.S. courts have delivered a number of favorable decisions supporting the admissibility of probabilistic genotyping – though not without potent challenges.

Rather than focusing on ‘how to succeed as an expert witness’, we concentrate on how to draw upon data, logic, case decisions, and scientific literature to present and defend DNA evidence based on probabilistic genotyping. Through interactive strategies, presenters in this workshop will engage participants to outline their own arguments from the information presented.

Cost

$100

1:00 - 4:00

Embody Forensic Excellence

To embody excellence is not simply to be able to bounce back after facing a challenge but to become masters of how day to day moments are perceived and cultivating a natural ability to express the best version of yourself, especially when making critical decisions. Being able to face challenges in forensics is nothing new, this industry will continue to have big moments and times of contemplation. Embodying excellence is what allows someone to move through these times with more ease, become stronger, clearer, and masterful of actions.

Cost

$100

1:00 - 5:00

HITA Workshop

Description to be announced.

Cost

There is no charge for this workshop, but pre-registration is requested.

Monday, September 14

8:30 - 5:00

The International Frontier in Forensic DNA Sequencing

This workshop will present the future of forensic DNA analysis that is made possible with massively parallel sequencing. Starting with STR markers and moving to mitogenomes, SNPs, genetic genealogy, and epigenetics, a range of MPS workflows will be presented by international experts in forensic genetics. The workshop will be divided into four informational sessions that progress by technology readiness level, from fully validated and implemented methods to applications that are just now coming on the horizon. Audience members will be quizzed using an interactive app that can be accessed on a hand-held mobile.

Cost

Early Registration - $250

Standard Registration - $275

Student - $200

8:30 - 5:00

Implementation of Rapid DNA

This workshop will cover the implementation of Rapid DNA in the United States. Participants will hear lessons learned from contributing states in the FBI’s Arrestee Rapid DNA Booking Station Pilot Program as well as an overview of the FBI’s Booking Station Standards and National Booking Station Procedures. Updates from SWGDAM’s Rapid DNA Working Group and the FBI’s Rapid DNA Task Force will enhance discussions in the afternoon regarding technology advancement needs of Rapid DNA instrumentation for possible future crime scene database use.

Cost

Early Registration - $250

Standard Registration - $275

8:30 - 5:00

You Deserve a Cookie! Navigating The Challenging World of Leadership in Forensic Biology

Managers in forensic science are often ill-prepared for the demands of their job, as most originated from positions as autonomous analysts. Managing in a forensic DNA laboratory has its own unique complications. This interactive workshop is designed for individuals in these leader positions, offering them management and leadership tools that they can implement in their operations. The workshop will also offer attendees an opportunity to bring their own challenges and questions to their peer group for advice or solution. Instructional material includes: DiSC assessment, PowerPoints, resource lists, post-it-notes, and cookies.

Cost

Early Registration - $250

Standard Registration - $275

8:30 - 5:00

Unusual Collaboration and Techniques to Solve a Cold Case Homicide

Presentation of the challenges and obstacles faced in solving a 47 year old cold case kidnapping, sexual assault and homicide of an eleven year old girl. Unusual collaboration between numerous law enforcement agencies, medical examiner offices, forensic anthropologist, public and private forensic/DNA laboratories, unique investigative techniques and Genetic Genealogy were used to solve this case. Several generations of DNA technologies, CODIS, familial searching, genetic genealogy and human remains exhumation were utilized over sixteen years. Participants will benefit from lessons learned, new forensic approaches to solve cold cases as well as the requirements for successful prosecution of these cases.

Cost

Early Registration - $250

Standard Registration - $275

9:00 - 5:00

Grupo Cientifico Latino-Americano de Trabajo Sobre Identificacion Humana

This workshop will be presented entirely in Spanish. Agenda to follow.

Cost

$100

Thursday, September 17

1:00 - 4:00

Validation Principles, Practices, Parameters, Performance Evaluations, and Protocols

This workshop will discuss validation principles (the why), practices (the how), parameters (the what), performance evaluations (the when), and protocols (the so what) important to establishing the degree of reliability involved in aspects of forensic DNA mixture interpretation. Topics to be covered include a review of currently available guidance documents on validation and suggestions on how to perform, describe, and utilize validation data from all parts of the DNA interpretation pipeline including probabilistic genotyping software. Published literature on validation experiments with probabilistic genotyping software will be reviewed.

Cost

Early Registration - $190

Standard Registration - $210

1:00 - 4:00

Forensic Genealogy and its Application in Solving Cold Cases

This workshop will explore how scientists, law enforcement, and forensic genealogists work together to solve crime using investigative DNA methods and techniques. We will examine the need for forensic genealogy, current DNA methodologies and technologies applied to sample types ranging from samples recently recovered to over 100 years old. Attendees will get an in-depth view of current case studies and strategies to apply this technique to solve cold cases.

Cost

Early Registration - $190

Standard Registration - $210

1:00 - 4:00

Technical Leaders Meeting

Description to be announced.

Cost

Early Registration - $190

Standard Registration - $210