Meet The 2024 ISHI Student Ambassadors

Tara Luther, Promega

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We know that it takes a special kind of person to choose forensic science as a career, and this year, we’d like to recognize a few of the students who are making a difference in the field. We’re excited to introduce this year's ISHI Ambassadors! These students are all pursuing degrees in the field of forensics. They will be participating in this year’s 35th International Symposium on Human Identification in San Antonio, Texas. Follow Charlotte, Ashley, Ahana, Martin, and Kierra on social media as they share highlights from the ISHI workshops, presentations, and poster sessions. We’ll also hear about the fun moments in between the scientific sessions including the networking events. We look forward to seeing the meeting through their eyes, and learning more about their research and career aspirations.

My path into forensic science, or more precisely into forensic genetics, is quite a cliché. I have always loved television crime series, and when I entered university the first voluntary elective course I took was a forensic toxicology analysis course. I did not understand much about the chemical basics at the time, but I also got a short introduction into other fields in forensic science, most prominently forensic genetics. Then I learned that forensic genetics is even more fascinating in real life than on television. Ever since then I knew I wanted to do research in this field, and in this field only. Fortunately, my hometown has an excellent forensic genetics institute and I was fortunate enough to do both my bachelors and masters thesis there. After finishing my studies, I started a PhD position in Switzerland, where I am currently focusing on DNA methylation analysis for forensic applications. In particular, I am focusing on age estimation from stain donor in different tissues and scenarios and whole methylome analysis of sudden unexplained death cases. Never having worked in any other biomedical field for a mentionable amount of time, I really hope to continue an academic career in forensic genetics after my graduation.

What made this field so much more appealing to me than any other biomedical field, is the direct impact that scientific research has on real-life applications. In my short time as a PhD, I have seen how research I have done on methylation-based age estimation has affected decisions made for real casework samples. This direct applicability of my research onto the “real world” is something I find rather unique to our field and extremely fascinating and rewarding!

If I wasn't a forensic geneticist, I would likely be a musician.

Connect with Charlotte

My path to forensic science started on a Take Your Daughter to Work day. My father brought me along to his lab, let me wear a long, white lab coat that draped to my feet, along with goggles and gloves that were much too big. I felt like a real scientist and after that experience I knew I wanted to be in that environment in the future. Flashing forward to high school, I took a biology class with an instructor, Mr. Kenney. He taught a genetics unit and mentioned the application of genetics in the forensic field which interested me greatly. As I looked toward university, I decided to pursue forensic science and biology at Marian University of Wisconsin largely because of his influence. During my time at Marian, I learned the importance of the intersection between science and the criminal justice system, and I wanted to build on that knowledge with further education. This led me to begin my Master of Forensic Biology with Thomas Jefferson University, where I am currently in my second semester.

I recognized Jefferson as an environment where I could develop and evolve into a scientist capable of enduring the challenges and demands of a forensic science career, primarily due to their collaboration with the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE), a non-profit dedicated to research, education, and outreach in the forensic sciences. It was my program director, Dr. Mirna Ghemrawi, that encouraged me to apply to be an ISHI student ambassador as she was among the first ambassadors. Throughout my time with the CFSRE, I have processed mock cases, as well as assisted with ongoing forensic biology projects. These experiences have prepared me for a career in the field and have sparked a further interest in research.

I played soccer at Marian University, and I still play in a co-ed league because I love the sport so much!

Connect with Ashley

In 2017, my introduction to the Innocence Project during a recombinant DNA technology class in my undergraduate Biotechnology program sparked an interest in forensic science. The realization of how a simple DNA profile had the potential to rectify wrongful convictions deeply resonated with me, given my background in the life sciences. This interest led me to leave my home country to pursue a master’s degree in forensic science at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 2021. Upon entering the field, I recognized that forensic science transcended the glamorous depictions often portrayed in mainstream media. It became evident to me that the discipline not only held immense potential but also faced significant financial constraints, whether due to the extremely expensive DNA analysis kits or the equipment in-use.

Armed with this understanding, I embarked on my master's journey with a determination to address this issue. In 2022, I began my research project in forensic biology, where we successfully developed and validated a multiplex STR amplification kit tailored for students in the field. This endeavor not only enhanced accessibility but also significantly reduced costs, making forensic education more attainable for academic institutions operating within limited budgets. By lowering the price of the kit to a mere $0.74 per reaction, we bridged a critical gap, enabling students to engage in forensic laboratory work despite financial constraints. During the first year of my master's program, my passion for the field only intensified, driving me to pursue doctoral studies to further expand my knowledge, conduct impactful research, and learn from global experts. Hence, upon completing my master's degree in 2023, I transferred to Sam Houston State University (SHSU) for my Ph.D. in Forensic Science. As I dive deep into my doctoral studies, my commitment to solving cost related issues in the field remains constant.

Last week, I made history by becoming the first Grand Champion in the 3 Minutes Thesis competition from SHSU's forensic department, achieving this in my first year. Outside academics, I've been experimenting with Indianizing recipes, with my current favorite being Indianized Lasagna—a fusion of Italian and Indian flavors that's both innovative and delicious. Here's to breaking boundaries, whether in academia or the kitchen!

Connect with Ahana

My aspirational path for a career in forensic science is fairly non-traditional, as it began with a summer camp while I was in middle school. What started as an enrichment camp learning the basics of matching footwear impressions has now become a pursuit for a master’s degree in forensic science ten years later. Ever since that summer class, I have had an innate feeling that forensic science is my calling. Having participated in multiple research projects at this point in my academic career, I am well aware of the demands a career in science entails. Personally, the goal has never been to achieve recognition; it has been to get the job done correctly and thoroughly. I think this mentality has been recognized by my supervisors and the Principal Investigators I’ve worked for, as I’ve earned a reputation of being a “workhorse” when a task for a project needs to be completed. I think this determination and drive pairs nicely with a career in forensic science, as it is rare that experiments work out for you on a first attempt. Therefore, having a strong work ethic, coupled with a positive attitude, makes me feel a career in forensic science is for me.

My scientific focal area is forensic biology. Currently, I am working on a project that aims to use mitochondrial DNA from 19th century juvenile bones to provide the biogeographic ancestry for these individuals. These remains are presumed to be from enslaved individuals whose graves were robbed for anatomical demonstrations at a medical college. The discovery and removal of these remains were improperly handled, resulting in a massive commingling of bones. This research would offer dignity to these individuals, who had been denied such in life and death. This current project has taught me a plethora of invaluable laboratory skills that I want to carry with me to my future career post-graduation. I aspire to work in a forensic laboratory, either public or private, and someday be a full forensic DNA analyst. The scientific area of focus I have chosen, both in the classroom and in the laboratory, have given me the knowledge and skills to achieve my aspirations.

I have hiked the Maryland portion of the Appalachian Trail!

Connect with Martin

Excepteur sint cupidatat non proident

My first introduction to forensic science was when I was twelve years old. I had recently taken an interest in the DC and Marvel comics and a new show called “The Flash” had just come out. The main character, Barry Allen, is a forensic scientist. After researching the field, I knew this was the path for me. Not only would I be able to work in biology, a subject I had always enjoyed in school, but I would also get to play a part in serving justice. Now, ten years later, I have maintained my love for forensic science, earning a bachelor’s degree in forensic chemistry with a concentration in DNA analysis. I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in forensic science at Towson University, and again concentrating in DNA analysis. After graduating next spring, I would love to immediately start working in the forensics field as a DNA analyst. As I progress in my career, a goal of mine would be to aid in forensic investigative genetic genealogy cases. There are so many unsolved crimes containing DNA evidence that have not been able to be matched to a suspect. Forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG) has shown to be a successful tool in aiding in the process of identifying the individuals responsible for these crimes. If implemented into forensic laboratories, FIGG could greatly reduce the time it takes to identify suspects in cases where DNA was left behind. I aspire to work in this discipline to seek justice for victims who thought they may never get it, and to ensure current and future victims do not have to wait decades for an answer.

I was one of 5 students from my high school graduating class to receive the International Baccalaureate Diploma.