🔍 Unlock Your Future in Forensic Science with the ISHI Student Ambassador Program!

Are you a passionate student pursuing a degree in forensic science, eager to dive into the world of cutting-edge research and groundbreaking advancements? Look no further! The ISHI Student Ambassador Program is your exclusive gateway to unparalleled opportunities at the International Symposium on Human Identification.

🌐CONNECTION

Immerse yourself in an atmosphere buzzing with intellectual curiosity and expertise. As an ISHI Student Ambassador, we will showcase you and your research on our website and social channels, introducing you to other attendees and jumpstarting the networking process. At ISHI, you’ll be granted VIP access to an extensive network of professionals, scientists, and industry leaders in forensic science. Forge connections that extend beyond the conference, opening doors to mentorship, collaborative research, and potential career opportunities. You’ll also have access to all networking functions, including the dedicated Young Scientists’ Showcase, Welcome Reception and Wednesday night off-site dinner event. Seize the chance to interact with those at the forefront of forensic science, expanding your network and fostering relationships that last a lifetime.

Kayli Carrillo

Sam Houston State University

“ISHI was the largest DNA-specific conference I have ever attended, and attendees were not only from across the country but from all corners of the world. Witnessing professionals and enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds showed the strength of the international forensic community and their passion for advancing the field.”

🚀OPPORTUNITY

Picture yourself at the forefront of innovation, surrounded by experts who share your passion. The ISHI Student Ambassador Program offers more than just a conference; it’s a launchpad for your future in forensic science. Gain insights into the latest technologies, methodologies, and breakthroughs that are shaping the industry. Receive complimentary registration to participate in pre and post-conference workshops, panel discussions, and hands-on sessions that will elevate your understanding and skill set. Uncover internships, research opportunities, and potential collaborations that can set you on a trajectory towards success.

Cassandra Skrant

Towson University

“At first, I was shocked by how many people were in attendance. My graduate program is rather small, so I never thought about how many people are interested in human identification throughout the world. As the conference went on, I saw how collaborative and friendly the environment was, even when discussing certain controversial issues within forensic science and human identification. Every individual, no matter how well educated and accomplished, was so kind and open to having a discussion. It really made me so hopeful for the future of forensic science and how it will continue to improve because of conferences like ISHI.”

💡INSPIRATION

Witness the power of inspiration as you attend captivating keynotes and presentations from trailblazers in forensic science. The ISHI conference is a melting pot of ideas, sparking creativity and motivation that will drive your academic and professional pursuits. Be inspired by real-world success stories, innovative research, and the impact forensic science has on society. The ISHI Student Ambassador Program is not just about attending a conference; it’s about leaving with a renewed sense of purpose and passion for your chosen field. Present your scientific poster to an in-person audience, including mentors you’ll be able to take selfies with later. We’ll also record a video interview of your poster presentation to be shared on our social channels later, leading to further connections.

Beighley Ayers

Towson University

“One of the things I took away from ISHI is that all the people I follow on LinkedIn or know of in the forensic community are people too. Sometimes we look up to people and feel intimated or have this perception they are different than normal people, but at the conference, everyone was incredibly nice and approachable. It made me feel more comfortable knowing everyone around me were “normal” people too. That helped me gain confidence that I can have a successful career and reach my goals just like all the impressive people I was fortunate enough to be around all week at ISHI.”

🎓THE NEXT STEPS

Interested in applying? Here’s what you need to do.

Draft a written essay answering the following questions using between 500 to 750 words total.

  • Forensic science can be a demanding career. The work may be exacting and tedious without a lot of recognition for a job well done. How did you decide that forensic science was the career for you? What aspirations do you have for your career after graduation and what is your scientific area of focus?

  • If you are selected to attend this year’s ISHI, what do you hope to gain from your participation? What impact might participation in ISHI have on your personal and career growth?

  • If you are awarded free conference registration, you will be asked to present a scientific poster. Briefly describe what your scientific poster will be about.

Prepare a video recording between 30 seconds and 2 minutes long.

The video should explain why you would like to participate in this year’s conference. It can elaborate on any aspects of the conference that especially appeal to you (i.e., meeting a certain speaker, attending a specific workshop, participation in networking events, etc.). Don’t be afraid to let your personality show through. The committee is looking for candidates who can communicate their excitement for forensic science to fellow students.

Julia Wang

Sam Houston State University

“My favorite part of the conference was attending the workshops and meeting people from labs across the globe. Hearing these diverse perspectives helped me greatly to understand the relevance of my current research projects and to brainstorm on future needs.”

Four winners will be selected by a group of reviewers from the ISHI Committee. Selected students will receive waived registration for ISHI 35 and any additional workshops held at ISHI (*Travel and hotel accommodations are the responsibility of the student.)

The students awarded free registration will be asked to co-coordinate the Young Scientists’ Showcase offering 10-minute presentations to fellow students and those newly graduated. Ambassadors will also be asked to provide the ISHI committee with (but not limited to) the following materials to be shared on social media by ISHI show management:

  • A headshot or photo of the student.
  • A "day in the life' series to be shared on our Instagram stories.
  • Two interview style blog posts before the ISHI symposium to get to know you better and to preview your poster research
  • Photos to be shared on the student's social media channels of you preparing for the conference.
  • A scientific poster presentation at ISHI (abstract due July 7, 2024).
  • Social media posts each day of the ISHI conference.
  • Onsite interviews at the symposium with the ISHI media team including (but not limited to) sharing of the student’s scientific poster, and a sit-down interview
  • A handful of photos taken at the event.
  • An interview style blog post after ISHI about what you took away from the conference.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS & CONTEST RULES

  • This contest is open to students currently enrolled in a forensic science (or a similarly named program) at the undergraduate or graduate levels.

  • Applicant must have a public Facebook and Instagram page to allow for sharing of content.

  • All videos and essays must be submitted by the submission deadline of May 5, 2024.

  • All submissions must be original and not previously published elsewhere.

  • By submitting an entry and video clip to the contest, each entrant gives ISHI all rights, including copyright, to the entry and express permission to edit and publish the entry in all media listed above without limitation and without any other notice.

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY MAY 5, 2024

Learn More and Apply