Written by Tara Luther, Promega with the assistance of AI

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Each year, the ISHI Student Ambassador program offers a glimpse into the future of forensic science by introducing us to those who will shape it. These students are more than emerging professionals—they are storytellers, advocates, researchers, and global thinkers, united by a shared purpose: to use science in service of justice.

This year’s cohort of Ambassadors brings an impressive range of experience and curiosity to the table. From forensic epigenetics and disaster victim identification (DVI) to machine learning, mixture interpretation, and environmental crime prevention, their work reflects both the complexity and humanity of modern forensic DNA. And what better venue to celebrate their contributions than the International Symposium on Human Identification?

Kiersten Fultz: Redefining Precision in DNA Mixture Interpretation

“I began to realize that something was missing—the excitement and passion I had expected were absent, and I slowly came to the realization that I would need to alter the path I was traveling in order to find my true interest.”

That moment of clarity led Kiersten to forensic science. “I did not realize I could combine my love for science with my interest in true crime and mysteries to help serve justice to my community, but my future suddenly became crystal clear.”

Now a master’s student in forensic biology, Kiersten is evaluating High-Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis paired with machine learning to improve contributor status predictions in DNA samples. “This assay has shown promising results regarding the accuracy of predicting whether a DNA sample is from a single source or is a mixture of two or more contributors.”

She sees ISHI as more than a platform—it’s a pivot point. “I hope I can share my findings and outlooks with other forensic enthusiasts at ISHI before I graduate in December. I look forward to attending ISHI this year, and aspire to maximize my experience at the conference as a student ambassador, where I can teach, learn, share, and explore the boundaries of forensic DNA analysis and beyond.”

One of my favorite activities is hiking- I have a goal to one day visit every national park!

Connect with Kiersten

Maria Josefina Castagnola: From Oncology to Identity and Justice

“Since I was very young, I’ve felt a strong sense of identity and justice. As I grew older, the people I admired most were scientists, and at the same time, I was fascinated by detectives and shows like CSI and Bones.”

Her path eventually led from hospital labs in Argentina to forensic epigenetics. “While other career paths might have brought me more recognition, that was never what drove me. Working in the lab is something I genuinely enjoy—it grounds me, like meditation.”

Now pursuing her PhD at NJIT under Dr. Sara Zapico, Maria focuses on age estimation using DNA methylation markers in skeletal remains. “This work is especially relevant to forensic anthropology, where adapting techniques to degraded samples is crucial.”

Attending ISHI is personal and professional: “Coming from Argentina, where access to events like ISHI is limited, attending would be an inspiring milestone. I still remember the first ISHI video I watched years ago—Mirna Ghemrawi’s work showed me new possibilities.”

Fun fact: She's passionate about fencing, specializing in sabre, and serves as an assistant coach at the university.

Connect with Maria Josefina

Maria Flores: Advancing Equitable Forensic Science Through Methylation

“I vividly remember the day we extracted DNA from a strawberry… I was captivated by the idea that something so invisible could hold the genetic blueprint of life.”

As a PhD candidate at UCLA, Maria is developing a forensic age estimation model using DNA methylation in whole blood. “Our preliminary results demonstrate a mean absolute error (MAE) of 3.69 years… and stronger predictive accuracy compared to previous models.”

Maria’s work is grounded in equity. Her earlier research demonstrated how genetic diversity affects mixture analysis outcomes: “Our findings could inform best practices and promote more equitable forensic outcomes.”

Reflecting on ISHI 2019, she says, “More than just a learning opportunity, ISHI provided me with invaluable networking connections that shaped my research trajectory.” For 2025, she hopes to “engage in discussions about forensic research innovations… and gain inspiration for the next phase of my research by learning from scientists tackling challenges in forensic genetics.”

Fun fact: She loves hiking and the outdoors which has led her to have visited 11 U.S. national parks! Her dream is to visit all 63 U.S. parks.

Connect with Maria

Laila Mansour: Applying Science to Justice

“It wasn’t until I saw NCIS’s Abby Sciuto applying science to criminal investigations that I knew I had found the career I wanted to pursue.”

A native New Yorker shaped by the legacy of 9/11, Laila found early inspiration in the work of the OCME. “The use of DNA analysis in the disaster victim identification is one of the many ways I aim to apply the empirical nature of science to the justice system.”

Her recent research at John Jay focused on comparing automated DNA extraction platforms with the OCME: “Validating protocols and instrumentation is especially important in forensic settings.”

Laila is eager to dive deeper at ISHI: “Attending sessions such as the ‘Whole Genome Sequencing for Forensic Laboratories’ workshop… would provide the unique opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue about current research efforts to improve the field.”

Fun fact: She's a twin!

Connect with Laila

Rory Conn: The Intersection of Law, Biology, and Social Impact

“My time as a forensic science undergraduate student at Virginia Commonwealth University solidified my interest in the field.” Now a graduate student at GWU, Rory’s research aims to optimize genotypic differentiation between marijuana and hemp using custom TaqMan™ probes and digital PCR. “Genotyping assays have the potential to help reduce drug testing backlog, especially due to the faster processing times.”

Rory’s enthusiasm extends beyond the lab. “The social media aspect of the Ambassadorship excites me, as I enjoy sharing my passion for forensic science with others.” As Public Relations Officer of Delta Delta Epsilon, they honed skills in outreach and education—skills that will serve them well as an Ambassador.

“If selected, I look forward to attending the Monday Welcome Reception and the dinner event on Wednesday to network with forensic science professionals, as well as other students.”

Fun fact: She loves long distance running!

Connect with Rory

Together, these five students embody the forward motion of forensic DNA. Their research is grounded in rigor. Their journeys are marked by curiosity. And their passion—raw, earnest, and profoundly personal—offers a roadmap for where our field is headed.

As Kiersten noted, “Meeting professionals with different backgrounds and stories will also open my mind to new prospects and paths to travel down as I navigate my early career.” Her sentiment is echoed by the entire 2025 cohort. This fall, they’ll share their work, their questions, and their ambitions with the ISHI community. And in doing so, they’ll help redefine what’s possible.