DNA Identification of Missing and Unidentified US Soldiers

The Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL) was established in 1991 as a division of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System as the only Department of Defense forensic DNA testing laboratory for the identification of members of the US military who lost their lives during conflict.   In this interview, Laura interviews Suni Edson, who […]

Women Advancing Forensics: Charla Marshall

In this interview, ISHI Student Ambassador, Andrea Ramírez Torres, sits down with Charla Marshall, Chief of the Emerging Technologies Section at the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL). They discuss what led Charla to work in the field of forensics, and what it’s like being a woman in a STEM field. Charla also shares advice […]

Advocating to Prevent Tomorrow’s Victim

Ashley Spence was the victim of a brutal home invasion and rape when she was a college student at just 19-years-old, but she does not let that define her. Taking time to heal in a new state, she received a call that after 7 years, one more attack, and another attempted attack, a DNA match […]

Keynote Announced for ISHI 34

Are you a seasoned forensic professional or newly minted forensic scientist?  This year’s International Symposium on Human Identification has learning opportunities for attendees just entering the field, those with decades of experience and everyone in between. Registration is now live, so reserve your place through the link above!     What is the mindset needed […]

What’s the Weirdest Thing You’ve Collected DNA From?

One of our favorite questions to ask is “what is the weirdest thing you’ve collected DNA from?” because the answers always surprise us and lead to great conversations. Read below to see what our ISHI 33 speakers share and then join the discussion on our social channels to let us know the unusual things you’ve […]

What’s the Best Part of Being a Forensic Scientist?

Bringing justice for victims? Advancing new technologies? Read below to see what our ISHI 33 speakers say they enjoy most about their job then join the discussion on our social channels to let us know what your favorite part of being a forensic scientist is.       Serve justice and protect citizens. In DVI […]

Forensic Scientist of Note: Dr. Bruce Budowle

Today’s blog is written by guest blogger Carol Bingham, Promega. Reposted from The ISHI Report with permission.   We chatted with Dr. Bruce Budowle about the long and illustrious career that the has enjoyed in forensic science. Bruce has been a true pioneer in the field and continues to be a champion for advancing the […]

Establishing Protein Sequencing for Forensic Analysis

In this interview, Travis chats with Curt Hewitt of Signature Science about using protein polymorphisms instead of DNA for identification purposes. They discuss the differences between sequencing protein and DNA and which proteins can be sequenced for this purpose as well as the benefits and when it makes sense to use one over the other. […]

Analysis of the Genealogy Process in Investigative Genetic Genealogy

Travis chats with Larry Wein, a professor at Stanford University who has provided U.S. Congressional testimony on the US-VISIT Program and an Indian Supreme Court briefing on the UIDAI Program, and has recently published papers on ballistic imaging and sexual assault kits.   At ISHI 32 last year, Larry spoke on developing a systematic approach […]