Interview written and condensed by Tara Luther, Promega

As a graduate student getting ready to finish my degree, I really enjoyed getting to spend time with Ph. D. students as it is not something I typically do. I loved hearing about their backgrounds and how they ended up where they are now. They advised the importance of ensuring you have a good support system and developing efficient time management strategies. I was also eager to hear about their research projects as well as learn more about their programs. I have often debated the idea of continuing to further my education by obtaining a Ph.D. Hearing from students currently on that path has made me reconsider what my next steps will be after graduating with my master’s degree.

The first day of the conference I attended a workshop that covered considerations of implementing FIGG into publicly accredited laboratories. Throughout this workshop I learned just how challenging implementation is. The kits and instrumentation are very expensive with the NovaSeq 6000 costing around $1,000,000. I learned about the challenges of storing whole genome data and how HIPPA is a big concern. It was interesting to hear about the different advancements that have been made in this area. For example, when speaking on the validation work done for Kintelligence, Amy Smuts shared that 250pg samples gave readouts above the interpretation threshold despite being lower than the recommended input of 1ng. While there are many factors that go into FIGG, the work that is able to be done with this technology is remarkable. I am hopeful that one day more labs will have access to implement this method as it would help solve thousands of cases.

This was my first time presenting a research project to experts in the field so I was unsure what to expect and nervous about what they would have to say. I was pleasantly surprised with the genuine interest people had in this project and how eager some were to share advice. I received helpful feedback on how to improve my results and potential methods I could use to further examine different aspects of my project. Ideas were mentioned that I hadn’t yet thought of, and I am hoping to explore them before graduating. I enjoyed hearing the perspectives of people coming from different areas in the field and will be implementing as much of their advice as possible into my project.

My biggest piece of advice for students thinking of applying to the Student Ambassador Program is to have confidence in yourself and in your work. When applying for this program I didn’t think I had a chance of being chosen as an ambassador. This experience has allowed me to put more trust in myself and my capabilities. ISHI is an amazing opportunity for students to connect with professionals of all different disciplines in the forensics field. I enjoyed my time at the conference along with the relationships I was able to develop and hope I can attend again in the future.

For me, the most valuable takeaway from ISHI was gaining new perspectives, rather than any specific advancements or methodologies. Much of the research presented during the poster sessions was at least somewhat familiar to me, although I still really enjoyed reading about topics outside of my direct expertise in more details. The manageable number of posters also allowed me to actually look at most of them, which I found to be an advantage compared to previous conferences I’ve attended.

So, the most important thing I brought back from ISHI really was a renewed appreciation for the relevance and significance of the research being conducted in forensic genetics labs. This really gave me fresh motivation and joy for my own projects, seeing how the work we do each day can ultimately help solve important cases.

The most noticeable difference between ISHI and the Europe-based conferences I’ve attended so far was the conference program itself. While vendor showcases and interactions with other scientists were similar to other events I have been to, the content focus at ISHI was quite different. Whereas Europe-based conferences tend to focus on new research developments, techniques, and cutting-edge projects, ISHI was more about presenting the application of existing tools to real cases and resolving them through advanced DNA techniques. Although I enjoy discussing research with colleagues from other labs at conferences, ISHI offered different insights I don't usually get as a student, which I found incredibly intriguing. From testimonies of relatives of victims of crime to perspectives from members of different branches of law enforcement, each keynote and talk was unique, exciting, or emotional.

On a lighter note, one of the most fun aspects of being an international student at ISHI was the excitement people showed when they found out where I study: 'Oh, you’re from Switzerland!? How cool!'

I think the most important insight I gained while presenting my research at ISHI was how different audiences have varying expectations based solely on a presentation’s title or abstract. At conferences in Europe, for example, people typically understand right away that methylation-based age estimation most often refers to determining the age of a stain donor, rather than the time elapsed since the stain was deposited. However, at ISHI, I found that I first had to clarify this distinction before being able to talk about the actual project. This experience gave me a new perspective on how a presentation I thought was clear might not be, depending on the audience’s research background. I am very grateful for this insight, as it will help me better understand what needs clarification in my future presentations.

If not for the conference talks, workshops, or vendors, go for the other students you will meet as a student ambassador! Every conference you attend as a young scientist provides valuable insights and opportunities to connect with colleagues in the field, and in that sense, ISHI is just another major event you shouldn’t miss. However, the student ambassador program really allows you to build close connections with your fellow ambassadors beyond a “Nice to meet you. That is an interesting topic you are talking about”. Meeting students from different labs, countries, and research backgrounds not only offers new perspectives and ideas but also allows for eye-level conversations about common challenges and struggles. I was incredibly fortunate to meet the other ISHI 2024 student ambassadors and form some amazing friendships during the ISHI35 week.

So, if you are unsure about applying, consider this: it is completely normal to wonder whether it is worth the effort or if you will even be considered – I certainly felt that way! But if even remotely you feel like you might enjoy this experience, I highly recommend going for it. For me, it was absolutely worth it!

One of the highlights of ISHI was the opportunity to interview some remarkable forensic experts from around the world. Speaking with David Gurney and Cairenn Binder from Ramapo College of New Jersey was particularly enlightening, as they provided fresh perspectives on FIGG and its impact, on other countries and developing nations which I found fascinating. Interviewing Maria Saiz Guinaldo from the Laboratory of Genetic Identification (LABIGEN) at the University of Granada was also a memorable experience. She shared valuable insights about their lab's work and graciously extended an invitation for me to visit their lab in Spain, which was both generous and inspiring

Attending ISHI opened my eyes to the complexities beyond what initially meets the eye in forensic science. Learning about the use of FIGG in missing person cases and understanding why it hasn't been fully adopted in some regions due to societal norms were insights I hadn't considered before. It made me realize the importance of networking and engaging with professionals who are directly facing these challenges to develop a more comprehensive approach to problem solving. I am now trying to apply these lessons as I approach my dissertation, aiming for a well-rounded perspective in my research.

As an international student, I truly value the opportunity to connect with people from around the world, and ISHI provided the perfect platform for this. It was amazing to meet experts I had followed on LinkedIn for years and finally form real, lasting connections. Before I knew it, I was even dancing with some of them at the welcome dinner! I made wonderful friends along the way, especially with my fellow student ambassadors, and I’m immensely grateful to ISHI for fostering such a welcoming and enriching environment. One of the most memorable moments was when we took a 15-minute break from all the science to watch a beautiful sunset in San Antonio, sharing stories about where we come from, our worst travel experiences, and our hopes of reuniting at the 36th ISHI. It was a special reminder of how quickly we went from being strangers to friends, all thanks to one unforgettable ISHI.

My poster attracted received attention, and I got valuable feedback from attendees. Some asked about the best practices for handling evidence involving adhesive surfaces in their labs, while others were reassured that they were already using the right methods. I also had vendors reach out to discuss potential collaborations, and a few scientists even suggested that I consider publishing my work. The positive response was truly encouraging and highlighted the relevance of my research in the field.

Two advancements in technology stuck out to me throughout the conference: Promega’s bioengineered polymerase, and the use AI in analyzing DNA profiles. First, the engineered polymerase struck me because it was such a clever idea to improve the root cause of stutter instead of dealing with it during analysis and interpretation. The data presented was extremely promising and could really make a difference in casework by reducing the time analysts need for distinguishing stutter from allelic peaks. The presentation on AI in forensic analysis was interesting to me because this field is booming right now. AI is being integrated in many fields, so it follows that forensics would also be influenced by the technology. I am very eager to see how artificial neural networks will be implemented and validated in casework. I would also be curious to see how AI analysis and artificial neural networks could be implemented in an NGS context which is what I am most interested in.

Going into the conference I had some results that I found unexpected, so I was very excited to get feedback from experts and peers. After speaking with people interested in my research during the poster session, I was given recommendations for multiple experts to get in contact with to answer questions about my results. I am now in the process of reaching out to these experts to get their insight, so the connections from being able to present have been invaluable. I also enjoyed that attendees were willing to ask me questions because it made me think about aspects of my research and results that I hadn’t thought of before. Now I can use these questions to guide more data analysis.

The opportunity to be a student ambassador was so helpful for networking. I was lucky to be able to connect and interact with the other student ambassadors and learn about their research and interests. I was truly inspired by their kindness and passion for forensic science, and I know that ISHI was just the starting point for our relationships. I hope to keep these connections strong and hopefully meet back up at future conferences, have continuing conversations about human identification, and collaborate on future research.

This is a really difficult question because I was able to see so many presentations highlighting groundbreaking research, but also how this research intimately affects people’s lives through implementation in casework. However, I have to say that conversations with experts and the other student ambassadors who are actively engaged in research stayed with me and has definitely guided my thoughts about my career after completing my Master of Forensic Biology. I hope to be able to continue to participate in and focus on the research side of the field with the main goal of pursuing projects that can directly improve casework and help analysts and technicians in day to day operations.

There were a multitude of reactions to my poster presentation. There was shock from learning how the juvenile remains were discovered and how they ended up in the well in the first place. Secondly, there was a lot of encouragement and understanding. One of the greatest limitations of the project was that the samples dated back to the 19th-century; therefore, the DNA obtained was in poor conditions. Many people who stopped by shared their words of encouragement for the project, as well as their own experiences with having to deal with highly degraded samples. While I received a great deal of feedback, there are no new directions the project can proceed in, unfortunately. It was agreed that the testing of the remains would be completed at the end of the summer, so, currently, there are no future projects to be done on these ancestral remains. However, the feedback I obtained offered me insight into other ways I could explain my results.

ISHI greatly aided in creating and building connections with professionals in the forensic DNA community. The breaks with the vendors allowed me to reconnect with individuals who I had spoken to at previous conferences. For example, I had first met Gloria Dimick from Mitotyping Technologies at AAFS, where I had mentioned that I was about to begin a research project utilizing mitochondrial DNA. The breaks with the vendors allowed me a chance to see her again, where I told her I was now wrapping up that same project. ISHI helped facilitate that reconnection. Additionally, at the offsite networking event at Knibbe Ranch, I had the opportunity to talk with some DNA analysts from the North Dakota State Laboratory. When I had asked advice from them, one thing in particular stood out: “Attitude is everything.” This was said in reference to picking where you work, and being open to moving places you may not have previously considered. This especially resonated with me since I am beginning the job hunt. I have spent my whole life living on the East Coast, but my conversation with the North Dakota DNA analysts helped me broaden my horizons.

I defended my Master’s thesis two short weeks after the completion of ISHI, and the opportunity to present my research at ISHI helped tremendously with my presentation. It revealed to me which parts were more intuitive, and which aspects I should spend more time explaining. Additionally, I learned that when I get the pre-presentation nerves, I should remember that no one knows what I did better than myself. Knowing that allowed me to remove any anxiety I felt and feel confident in answering whatever questions I may be asked. While I have already defended my thesis, these are lessons I plan on carrying forth to any future presentation I have.

The major takeaway I had from my time at ISHI was the reminder of the impact of the work of forensic DNA analysts. I have never attended a conference before where the room felt emotionally charged as a result of the presentations. Yet, that happened on multiple occasions at ISHI. The moments that stick out include the general audience being brought close or fully to tears multiple times during the keynote talks, or the shocked gasp that went across the room when it was revealed that an hour prior, it was decided that charges were being moved to be vacated due to evidence using FIGG. As a student, I’m learning more about the techniques or concepts used by forensic DNA analysts. Therefore, it’s easy to forget the impact of the work I will be doing. This reminder assured me I was in the right field, and it is something that I will carry with me no matter where I end up.