Written by Tara Luther, Promega

"There is so much amazing research coming out of schools and programs that are excellent tools for all kinds of forensic work…but making sure that gets to the labs and departments where it can be implemented isn't always a smooth process," she explains. "This is where I think ISHI is so vital and can help to integrate more of the research and application worlds."

As a longtime advocate of next-generation sequencing, Meradeth sees its potential to become faster, cheaper, and more accessible. "The process for implementing FIGG isn't all that different, and I really look forward to seeing that more, because we are already seeing the impact it can make, and widespread use (if done ethically) can really do some awesome things."

What has shaped her career most isn't a single case—it's her students. "I have been so lucky to have some of the most amazing undergraduate and especially graduate students, who have gone on to do amazing things on their own, and I've been so happy to be part of their journey," she says. "While I love the work I'm so privileged to do, it's working with the future scientists that has been my foundation."

For Meradeth, ISHI is where she gets to talk with "my people"—researchers and practitioners who might not be weirded out discussing a wild case over lunch. Her goal on the Advisory Committee is to add to that aspect, creating even more space for meaningful connection and collaboration.

"I was on the witness stand for 1.5 hours and at the end of my testimony I realized how important my role as a forensic DNA analyst was in the criminal justice system," she recalls. "The DNA results that I testify to not only provide justice for victims, but the results can also be used to take away an individual's freedom if they are found guilty. After that first testimony, I was very aware of the responsibility I have to perform my job duties with precision, integrity, and professionalism to best serve the citizens of my state."

Over two decades, she's watched the field transform. When she started in 2006, labs did the best they could with available information when interpreting profiles and entering them into CODIS. Now, increased regulation has standardized the field—and she sees that same evolution extending to rapid DNA, AI, and technologies yet to be invented.

The challenge she sees most urgently is the DNA backlog. As instruments become more sensitive, law enforcement submits more evidence—including samples that couldn't previously be tested. "This increase in case and evidence submission has led to seemingly insurmountable DNA backlogs, which has created frustrated law enforcement agencies and prosecutors and delays in justice," she says. ISHI, with its capacity to bring together people from all criminal investigative backgrounds, could showcase efficiency systems that help agencies tackle the issue.

When it comes to AI, Shena sees potential not as a replacement for expertise, but as a tool for managing overwhelming data. "We generate so much data in the laboratory, and I think that AI could be an invaluable tool to help collate that information into an easily accessible and understandable format for case files."

As she joins the Advisory Committee, her priorities are shaped by years in the lab and courtroom: "I hope to be able to tap into current technologies, trends, concerns, and successes in the forensic DNA community, and bring those topics to scientists to generate discussion."

Over two decades at Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office, she's witnessed the field shift from large-volume samples to low-template touch DNA, from manual mixture interpretation to probabilistic genotyping. But technology alone isn't the answer. "The forensic community faces a critical 'resource gap' that jeopardizes the timely delivery of justice," she says. While testing demands surge, infrastructure and funding stagnate. Unfunded mandates force labs to do more with less.

Still, Dawn sees extraordinary potential ahead—particularly in the convergence of probabilistic genotyping and artificial intelligence. "We are moving toward deep-learning algorithms capable of deconvoluting high-order mixtures with an unprecedented number of contributors," she explains. "This transition will empower analysts to move away from manual data entry and focus their expertise on high-level scientific oversight and complex interpretation."

One case reshaped her perspective entirely: the Golden State Killer. For years, her lab worked the case under Chief Paul Holes, testing countless samples, often fearing the trail had gone cold. "The announcement that the suspect was identified through Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) was a watershed moment for me." That revelation led her to pursue specialized training—and now she's leading the effort to bring IGG online in her laboratory.

"I intimately understand the hurdles we face—from resource constraints and backlogs to staff burnout—all while navigating the pressure to implement new technology," she says. "My goal is to bridge the gap between emerging innovation and laboratory reality."