Letter from the Editor

As we celebrate the 35th anniversary of the International Symposium on Human Identification (ISHI), we are reminded of the incredible progress and advancements made in forensic science over the past three and a half decades. This milestone is a testament to the dedication, innovation, and collaboration within our community. In this special issue, we highlight some of the most compelling aspects of ISHI 35 and the extraordinary work of forensic professionals worldwide.

In this issue, we are excited to announce the nominees for the ISHI Superlative Awards! This special campaign celebrates the incredible talents and unique contributions of forensic professionals who have made significant impacts in their field. These awards are a fun and meaningful way to recognize the dedication and ingenuity of our colleagues. Though the campaign officially ended on August 10th, we’ve loved seeing the nominations come in. If you’d like to nominate a colleague, you can do so here and we’ll continue to share on our social media pages.

Looking to the future, Max Houck of the Global Forensic & Justice Center at Florida International University explores the future of AI in forensic science, its potential applications, and the ethical considerations that come with it.

Learn about the innovative work being done by the Snow Molecular Anthropology Lab and Ohkomi Forensics in "Enhancing Identification of Indigenous People and African American Remains." This article showcases the advanced DNA technologies being used to provide better genetic identification services for underserved communities, and the profound impact these efforts have on justice and reconciliation.

Our colleague, Katie Goebel, delves into the history, significance, and enduring appeal of Texas rodeos in "Under the Texan Sky: The Thrill and Tradition of Texas Rodeos," where you will not only learn about the origins of these exciting events but also get a preview of the thrilling rodeo event planned for ISHI attendees during the Knibbe Ranch Dinner Event on Wednesday evening.

Gain valuable perspectives on job satisfaction, retention, and professional development in forensic labs from Ray Wickenheiser, John Collins, Pam Marshall, and Julie Sikorsky, who will be leading the Designing and Building the Forensic Scientist Pipeline: From Academic Instruction and Outreach to Hiring, Onboarding, Training, and Mentorship Workshop on Monday, September 23rd. Here, they offer practical advice and insights that can help improve workplace culture and retain top talent in forensic laboratories.

Discover the impactful work of non-profit organizations in the forensic space. Kaylanie Story highlights how these organizations are making significant strides in forensic science and justice, and how your support can help further their essential missions. Learn more about the organizations mentioned in the exhibit hall at ISHI this September.

Mandi Van Buren of DNA Labs International shares her experiences in "First U.S. Admissibility Hearing using Next Generation Sequencing Leading to the Conviction in a Double Homicide." This fascinating case study explores the practical application of next-generation sequencing technology in forensic analysis and its role in securing a conviction. Mandi will also be presenting on this groundbreaking case during the General Session, offering deeper insights into the process and its implications for the future of forensic science.

We hope these stories inspire you and provide valuable insights that you can take back to your own work.

Thank you for being a part of the ISHI community and for your continued commitment to advancing the field of forensic science. We look forward to seeing you at ISHI 35 and celebrating our collective achievements.

Warmly,

The Editorial Board