Through Their Eyes
Student Ambassadors Reflect on ISHI 2025
Interviews written and collated by Tara Luther, Promega with assistance from AI
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Each year, ISHI selects a small group of emerging scientists to serve as Student Ambassadors: to share their research, attend sessions and workshops, and offer a first-person glimpse into the future of forensic DNA. This year’s cohort brought with them expertise in epigenetics, bioinformatics, predictive modeling, forensic botany, and even cannabis genotyping. But more than that, they brought heart, humility, and a shared commitment to using DNA to serve truth and justice.
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 (ISHI) conference.
Josefina: The Researcher with a Human Rights Mission
For Josefina Castagnola, ISHI wasn’t just a conference—it was the culmination of years of personal and professional work. Originally from Argentina and now pursuing graduate studies in the U.S., she arrived in Florida ready to share her research on DNA methylation for age estimation in teeth, a rapidly developing area of forensic anthropology. But what began as a scientific milestone quickly became something more intimate.
Before her poster session even began, Josefina found herself enveloped by a community that welcomed her curiosity and respected her work. Conversations with fellow ambassadors and established scientists alike pushed her to think more broadly about epigenetic tools—not just in terms of accuracy, but in terms of accessibility. As someone passionate about applying forensic genetics to humanitarian efforts, she saw ISHI as a rare intersection of innovation and empathy.
A highlight for Josefina was engaging with another student ambassador working on similar methylation-based research. The two shared protocols, explored potential collaborations, and discovered that they were asking different questions rooted in the same science—one focusing on teeth, the other on soft tissues. Their exchange highlighted the collaborative spirit that ISHI is known for.
“The experience reinforced my conviction that research must stay connected to real-world challenges to truly support human rights.”
Maria: Data, Diversity, and the Long View
Maria Flores also brought methylation-based research to the table, but through the lens of bioinformatics. Her dissertation work uses non-linear statistical models to improve the accuracy of age prediction based on DNA methylation patterns—particularly across diverse populations. ISHI gave her the chance to present that work to a global audience, but more importantly, it gave her a chance to reconnect with why she started this journey in the first place.
As a first-generation college graduate and Latina PhD candidate, Maria has always understood the stakes of forensic science differently. She spoke of how exoneration cases and wrongful convictions—not just the science itself—inspire her to build tools that are transparent, accountable, and equitable.
At ISHI, Maria realized just how valuable her computational skills were to industry leaders and public-sector agencies alike. One conversation after another revealed new pathways—whether in software development, training, or collaborative research. For the first time, she saw a clear path forward that honored both her technical expertise and her values.
“If my presence helps other first-gen students see what’s possible, then I believe I’ve fulfilled part of my purpose.”
Kiersten: From Lab Bench to Fieldwork—and Back Again
Kiersten Fultz arrived at ISHI with equal parts excitement and nerves. A former pharmacy major who discovered her love of forensic biology through true crime documentaries, Kiersten has since poured herself into research combining high-resolution melt analysis with predictive modeling—tools that can help interpret complex DNA mixtures and anticipate outcomes in biological systems.
At ISHI, she stepped into the spotlight for the first time, presenting her poster and speaking with scientists she had only read about in papers. What surprised her most wasn’t the interest in her work (though there was plenty of that), but how natural the conversations felt once they started. She left her poster session energized, validated, and ready to keep going.
Perhaps the most unexpected moment came during a session on disaster victim identification. The practical and emotional weight of DVI work—especially in mass fatality contexts—sparked something new in Kiersten. She hadn’t considered that path before, but ISHI opened her eyes to how deeply forensic science can intersect with healing.
“Listening to talks about solving cold cases and identifying unknown individuals showed me how forensic science directly impacts lives—and brings closure to families who’ve waited for answers.”
Laila: Where Storytelling Meets Science
Laila Mansour has always lived at the intersection of science and story. A student of both forensic science and English, she has a gift for translating complex research into meaningful, human-centered narratives. That skill was on full display during ISHI, where she presented her research comparing DNA yields from two extraction instruments—work that resonated with professionals from labs around the world.
But Laila’s ISHI experience was also personal. She had long dreamed of working with the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), and at ISHI, that dream got a little closer to reality. She interviewed two longtime OCME scientists, gaining practical insight into their roles, their cases, and the real-world complexities of lab work in a major city. Those conversations left her inspired, focused, and more confident in her next steps.
She also attended the plenary talk by Jeffrey Deskovic, whose story of wrongful conviction and eventual exoneration struck a deep chord.
“What’s always excited me is how similar both the writing process and the scientific process are. Both are precise endeavors with the purpose of revealing truth.”
Rory: Expanding the Boundaries of DNA Analysis
Rory Conn came to ISHI with a research project that raised eyebrows—in the best way. Her work focuses on using genotyping to distinguish between marijuana and hemp in forensic contexts, offering a DNA-based alternative to traditional chemistry methods. Some attendees were surprised to see cannabis casework at a DNA conference, but Rory quickly won them over with clarity, enthusiasm, and technical depth.
Over the course of the week, she found herself immersed in conversations about scalability, sample prep, and Rapid DNA integration. A hands-on workshop gave her the chance to load a chip onto an instrument herself—an unforgettable experience for someone just beginning their professional journey.
More than anything, ISHI helped Rory reframe her future. While she had always imagined working in a crime lab, the conference opened her up to research roles, policy work, and eventually pursuing a PhD in molecular genetics.
“ISHI didn’t just validate my current work—it expanded what I thought was possible.”
Looking Ahead—and Saying Thank You
What united last year’s ambassadors wasn’t just technical skill or academic promise. It was a shared sense of purpose. Each came to ISHI ready to share their science. Each left with something more—a deeper understanding of how forensic DNA changes lives, builds communities, and drives justice forward.
To our 2025 Student Ambassadors: thank you for showing up fully. You reminded all of us what it means to be curious, collaborative, and courageous.
To our ISHI community: thank you for making space for these voices, and for continuing to welcome the next generation with open arms.