Agenda

Presentations on the newest forensic DNA technologies and practices by industry leaders.

  • September 17th
  • September 18th
  • September 19th
  • September 20th
  • September 21st
8:30 am - 5:00 pm

A Summary of the Recommendations Made by the NIST/NIJ Expert Working Group on Human Factors in Forensic DNA Interpretation Workshop

Niki OsborneChair

Forensic Research Scientist | Project Management Support, National Institute of Standards and Technology (Contractor)

In this workshop, members of this EWG will present, from a human factors perspective, their research and recommendations.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Mineral Hall DE
8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Courtroom Comms: Testifying about Forensic Science with Communication Best Practices Workshop

Julia BurrillCo-Chair

Postdoctoral Associate in Forensic Science Communication, Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, Stony Brook University

Joshua RiceCo-Chair

Lecturer, Alda-Certified Facilitator, Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, Stony Brook University

Workshop currently at capacity. A waitlist is available to join on our registration page.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Granite AB
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

AABB Workshop

This workshop will address AABB accreditation related topics, including the accreditation process, Relationship Testing Standards, proficiency testing, validations, and calculations.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Centennial Ballroom A
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Beyond The STRs: Effectively Using Forensic DNA Technology to Solve Current and Prevent Future Crime Workshop

Ray WickenheiserChair

Director for the New York State Police Crime Lab System

In this workshop, attendees will learn how additional DNA analyses can be leveraged cost-effectively to solve current investigations and prevent future crime.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Mineral Hall ABC
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Taller: “Desafíos técnicos y análisis de resultados en casos de filiación que parecen cumplir con la ley de Murphy

Santa Martha Jiménez de CabaCo-Chair

Technical Supervisor, Dept. Molecular Genetics, REFERENCIA LAB CLINICO

Eileen RiegoCo-Chair

General Supervisor, Department of Molecular Genetics Molecular and Forensic Biologist/Clinical Genetics and Genomics/ REFERENCIA LABORATORIO CLINICO

We will try to reverse the "bad luck" with different technical strategies and statistical analysis. This workshop will be presented in Spanish.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Mineral Hall FG
8:30 am - 5:00 pm

The Other NGS: Next Generation Scientists and How to Prepare them for the Workforce Workshop

Pamela MarshallChair

Director, Duquesne University

Our experienced facilitators will create an interactive workshop, bringing all of us together to network, discuss best practices in the training of new hires and the onboarding process, and share ways to develop a more resilient workforce.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Mineral Hall E
8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Advanced Workshop on the Reporting of Likelihood Ratios

Michael CobleChair

Executive Director, Center for Human Identification, UNTHSC

This workshop will provide attendees guidance for the reporting of likelihood ratios (LRs) for DNA profiling evidence.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Centennial Hall AB
8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Practical Application of FIGG in a Case of Unknown Identity: A Guided Interactive Approach Workshop

Wendy McLeanChair

Practitioner-In-Residence FGG Program, University of New Haven | Contract Genealogist, Bode Technology

Workshop currently at capacity. A waitlist is available to join on our registration page.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Mineral Hall ABC
8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Courtroom Comms: Testifying about Forensic Science with Communication Best Practices Workshop

Julia BurrillCo-Chair

Postdoctoral Associate in Forensic Science Communication, Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, Stony Brook University

Joshua RiceCo-Chair

Lecturer, Alda-Certified Facilitator, Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, Stony Brook University

Workshop currently at capacity. A waitlist is available to join on our registration page.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Granite AB
9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Grupo Cientifico Latino-Americano de Trabajo Sobre Identificacion Humana

Natalia SandbergChair

DIRECCIÓN DE IDENTIFICACIÓN CRIMINAL DIRECCIÓN NACIONAL DE POLICÍA CIENTÍFICA MINISTERIO DEL INTERIOR

This workshop will be presented entirely in Spanish. Agenda to follow.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Mineral Hall FG
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Student Mixer

For those currently enrolled in a forensic science program and professors/advisors.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Silver AB
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Welcome Reception

Hyatt Regency at Colorado Convention Center, Centennial Foyer
7:30 am - 9:00 am

Continental Breakfast with Exhibitors

Colorado Convention Center Exhibit Hall F
9:00 am - 9:15 am

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center
9:15 am - 10:00 am

The Mindset for Success —Activating True Resilience

With vision, clarity, and compassion, Allison teaches audiences the potent life lessons that she learned on each step of her path after she was severely burned in a fire and faced seemingly insurmountable odds. Her riveting keynote boosts confidence and well-being and offers a balm of hope as Allison intimately shares the nuances of how to respond to difficult circumstances and maintain personal command and integrity despite life’s disruptions. With genuine encouragement and support, you’ll receive a new perspective from which to see the world and walk away with effective methods to handle challenges and move towards dreams and goals with courage, purpose, and the strength of an open heart.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Centennial Ballroom
10:00 am - 10:20 am

A Journey from Closure to Change

Julie Weil

Global Activist

Julie Weil is sexual assault survivor and global activist who has used her voice to turn trauma into lasting change.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Centennial Ballroom
10:20 am - 11:00 am

Break with Exhibitors

Colorado Convention Center, Exhibit Hall F
11:00 am - 11:25 am

Building Bridges: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Repatriating Unidentified Indigenous Remains

Meradeth Houston Snow

Associate Professor, University of Montana

Haley Omeasoo

MA, The University of Montana

Attendees will learn more about the issue of unidentified Indigenous peoples in the United States, particularly in Montana, and how individuals at the University of Montana are working with local and distant tribes and other institutions to address concerns and facilitate education on all sides of the matter.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Centennial Ballroom
11:25 am - 11:45 am

Humanitarian DNA Identification Database (HDID) – An Update

Melody Josserand

CODIS Administrator, University of North Texas Center for Human Identification (UNTCHI)

The process of establishing the database and results of recent searches will be discussed.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Centennial Ballroom
11:45 am - 12:05 pm

Rapid DNA Update 2023

Douglas Hares

Rapid DNA Implementation Program Advisor for the FBI’s Biometric Analysis Section

This update will focus on the FBI’s progress toward the future use of Rapid DNA analysis on crime scene samples for CODIS. 
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Centennial Ballroom
12:05 pm - 1:45 pm

Lunch

Colorado Convention Center, Exhibit Hall F
12:05 pm - 1:45 pm

Table Topic Lunch: DNA Database in Latin America

Discussion will be in Spanish. Pre-registration is required.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Agate
12:05 pm - 1:45 pm

Table Topic Lunch: Complex Cases Involving Skeletal Remains

Discussion will be in Spanish. Pre-registration is required.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Agate
12:05 pm - 1:45 pm

Table Topic Lunch: Challenges with FIGG in Building Trees with Distant Matches

Pre-registration is required. We are approaching capacity for this table talk with ~30 spaces remaining.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Mineral Hall DE
12:05 pm - 1:45 pm

Table Topic Lunch: Courtroom Testimony for New DNA Analysts

Pre-registration is required. We are approaching capacity for this table talk with 20 seats remaining.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Mineral Hall ABC
12:05 pm - 1:45 pm

Table Topic Lunch: Implementation of Rapid DNA

Pre-registration is required.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Mineral Hall FG
1:45 pm - 2:10 pm

How (and When) the Defense Might Successfully Communicate with Labs and Why Labs Should Listen

Allison Lewis

Staff Attorney, DNA Unit of the Criminal Defense Practice, The Legal Aid Society, NYC

This presentation will use four real life case work and outcomes to support the central thesis that incorporating defense input to the DNA lab’s analysis and hypothesis building, where possible and when available, leads to more accurate and just results
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Centennial Ballroom
2:10 pm - 3:30 pm

Solving Crimes While Protecting Genetic Privacy

Amy McGuireChair

Director, Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine

Bruce Budowle

Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki and Forensic Science Institute, Radford University

This panel brings together experts from diverse disciplines to discuss various aspects of genetic privacy impacting the forensic DNA community.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Centennial Ballroom
3:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Odd Numbered Poster Presentation and Exhibit Break

Colorado Convention Center, Exhibit Hall F
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Young Scientists’ Showcase

The evening will begin with a chance to network with fellow students, newly minted forensic scientists, and representatives from forensic institutions over light appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages. Following this, participants will share their research in 10-minute presentations (including time for Q&A).  A limited number of presentation slots will be available.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Agate ABC
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

The QIAGEN HID User Reception – The year of NGS

Brought to you by

Join us for an evening of fun, frivolity and advanced forensics at the QIAGEN HID User Reception. Recent events have confirmed NGS as truly a mainstream technology for operational casework and we want to celebrate this great success with our HID community.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Mineral Hall ABC
7:00 am - 9:00 am

Breakfast for Champions

Brought to you by

Join us for breakfast, and return to your lab as a champion.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Mineral Hall FG
7:30 am - 8:45 am

Spectrum and 8 Color PowerPlexes: Advancing STR Analysis Together

Brought to you by

Join us on Wednesday morning for a breakfast vendor showcase in which we will provide an update on the Spectrum CE and PowerPlex(R) 8 Color Systems and have presentations from several customers who have purchased the Spectrum CE system. They'll share data they've generated with Spectrum as well as insights from their experiences with the instrument.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Mineral Hall ABC
7:30 am - 9:00 am

Continental Breakfast with Exhibitors

Colorado Convention Center, Exhibit Hall F
9:00 am - 9:20 am

Implementation of Forensic DNA and Serology Standards and Best Practice Recommendations

Charlotte Word

Consultant

This presentation will provide an overview of the Biology/DNA documents available on the OSAC Registry and/or published as ANSI/ASB Standards and Best Practice Recommendations.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Centennial Ballroom
9:20 am - 9:40 am

DNA Analysts Can Prevent and Correct Wrongful Convictions

Greg Hampikian

Professor of Biology, and Criminal Justice, Boise State University (BSU); Founder and Co-Director, The Idaho Innocence Project

This presentation uses case examples, expert testimony and exonerations to review common DNA practices that risk wrongful conviction.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Centennial Ballroom
9:40 am - 10:00 am

Forensic Genetic Genealogy Walks into a Lab: Exploring Multiple Ways to Bring FGG Online for Casework

Nicole Novroski

Assistant Professor, Forensic Science Program (Dept of Anthropology), University of Toronto

This presentation will provide a detailed overview of three approaches: PCR-based targeted amplification, global screening array, and whole-genome sequencing that have been developmentally validated and/or internally validated for casework operations at the UNT Center for Human Identification.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Centennial Ballroom
10:00 am - 10:20 am

Investigative Genetic Genealogy from Highly Mixed Samples

Ellen McRae Greytak

Director of Bioinformatics, Parabon NanoLabs

This talk will go through 5 cases with highly mixed samples that resulted in a confirmed identification. We will show the SNP data and match results before and after deconvolution and demonstrate that these identifications could not have been made without high-quality mixture deconvolution.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Centennial Ballroom
10:20 am - 11:00 am

Break with Exhibitors

Colorado Convention Center, Exhibit Hall F
11:00 am - 11:20 am

How Should Forensic Genetic Genealogy Navigate the Court System?

Colleen Fitzpatrick

President and Founder of Identifinders International

This talk provides insight into the technical and legal developments on the case, in the context of challenges the community faces if FGG should move further into the court system.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Centennial Ballroom
11:20 am - 11:40 am

FBI Update on Investigative Genetic Genealogy

Amy Whitman

IGG Program Manager, Federal Bureau of Investigation

This presentation will provide an update on the FBI’s Investigative Genetic Genealogy Program to include program initiatives, training updates, and relevant legal perspective with the changing landscape of the IGG technique.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Centennial Ballroom
11:40 am - 12:00 pm

IGG Professional Standards

David Gurney

Assistant Professor of Law & Society and Director of the Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center, Ramapo College

In this talk, members of the board of IGGAB will describe the development of the IGG Professional Standards, why certain elements were included or excluded, preparation for the upcoming accreditation exam, and the next steps in working collaboratively with all stakeholders to further professionalize the field of IGG.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Centennial Ballroom
12:00 pm - 1:40 pm

Lunch

Colorado Convention Center, Exhibit Hall F
12:00 pm - 1:40 pm

Table Topic Lunch: The Impact of More Autosomal STR Loci

Discussion will be in Spanish. Pre-registration is required.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Agate
12:00 pm - 1:40 pm

Table Topic Lunch: Missing Persons in Latin America

Discussion will be in Spanish. Pre-registration is required.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Agate
12:00 pm - 1:40 pm

Table Topic Lunch: Addressing Under-Represented Populations in a FIGG Case

Pre-registration is required. We are approaching capacity for this table talk with only 20 seats remaining.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Mineral Hall ABC
12:00 pm - 1:40 pm

Table Topic Lunch: Instagram vs Reality

Pre-registration is required.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Mineral Hall FG
12:00 pm - 1:40 pm

Table Topic Lunch: Automation in a Forensic Lab: Workflows to Increase Efficiency/Eliminate Waste

Pre-registration is required. There are ~30 seats remaining for this table talk.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Mineral Hall DE
1:40 pm - 2:00 pm

The Foot that Solved the Puzzle

Natasha Poe

DNA Technical Leader, St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office

Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Centennial Ballroom
2:00 pm - 2:20 pm

The Twisted Tale of the Endogamous Rapist

Ryan Berry

Assistant District Attorney, Twentieth Circuit Court District of Mississippi

Allison Ryall

Forensic Genetic Genealogist, Bode Technology

This case demonstrates the importance of CODIS as a first step, otherwise the repeat offenses likely wouldn’t have been linked. It also demonstrates the power of FIGG when all other options have been exhausted.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Centennial Ballroom
2:20 pm - 2:40 pm

Solving the Colorado Springs’ Jennifer Watkins Homicide Case with Investigative Genetic Genealogy

CeCe Moore

Chief Genetic Genealogist, Parabon

The presenters will take you through the twists and turns of the case and illustrate how, occasionally, even investigative genetic genealogy can initially send detectives chasing after a red herring.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Centennial Ballroom
2:40 pm - 3:00 pm

Serial Killers or Kidnapping for Ransom Gone Wrong? Forensic Identification of Commingled Human Remains of Four Female Victims Retrieved from a Septic Tank in Takoradi, Ghana

Kofi Adjapong Afrifah

Assistant Professor, Department of Criminal Justice, Bowie State University

We report the findings of a case involving commingled human remains of four missing women submitted to the Forensic Science Laboratory of the Ghana Police Service for forensic DNA profiling in comparison to alleged living relatives of the victims.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Centennial Ballroom
3:00 pm - 3:20 pm

Increasing the Efficacy of Facial Reconstructions Through the Use of DNA

Colin McNally

Supervisor of the Forensic Imaging Unit, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

Through case examples, Supervisor, Forensic Artist Colin McNally will demonstrate how NCMEC is applying DNA results to increase the impact of facial reconstructions.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Centennial Ballroom
3:20 pm - 5:20 pm

Even Number Poster Presentation and Exhibit Break

Colorado Convention Center, Exhibit Hall F
6:30 pm - 11:00 pm

Denver Museum of Nature & Science Off-Site Event

Busses will begin staging at 6:15pm outside of the Hyatt on 14th and California and will circle between the Hyatt and museum throughout the evening with the last bus leaving at 11:00pm.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
7:30 am - 9:00 am

Continental Breakfast with Exhibitors

Colorado Convention Center, Exhibit Hall F
9:00 am - 9:20 am

CODIS & NDIS Update 2023

Lisa Grossweiler

NDIS Custodian, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laboratory Division

Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Centennial Ballroom
9:20 am - 9:40 am
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Centennial Ballroom
9:40 am - 10:00 am

Development of a Forensic DNA Quantification Assay using Digital PCR

Quentin Gauthier

Postdoctoral Visiting Scientist, Research Support Unit, FBI Laboratory

In this presentation, the initial development for a combined nuclear and mitochondrial DNA quantification assay will be discussed.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Centennial Ballroom
10:00 am - 10:40 am

Break with Exhibitors

Colorado Convention Center, Exhibit Hall F
10:40 am - 11:00 am

Inter-Laboratory Variation in Conclusions and Statistical Analyses for DNA Mixtures

Austin Hicklin

Director, Forensic Science Group, Noblis

The purpose of the presentation is to discuss the results collected and variation observed in interpretations, conclusions, and statistical analyses reported by forensic laboratories when assessing DNA mixture profiles with respect to person of interest (POI) DNA profiles.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Centennial Ballroom
11:00 am - 11:20 am

Development and Use of an NGS-Based Elimination Database

Kyleen Elwick

Associate Principal Investigator, National Bioforensic Analysis Center (NBFAC)

Presenting a workflow designed for semi-automated generation of an NGS-based laboratory elimination database, and comparisons of identity-informative markers from an unknown sample to the database using probabilistic genotyping software.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Centennial Ballroom
11:20 am - 11:40 am

Developmental Validation of Probabilistic Genotyping Software for NGS-Generated aSTR Profiles

Kevin Cheng

Scientist Developer, Institute of Environmental and Science Research (ESR)

In this presentation, we present the results of the developmental validation of a probabilistic genotyping software for interpretation of aSTR DNA profiles.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Centennial Ballroom
11:40 am - 12:00 pm

Challenge Met! Forensic Genetics Laboratory Fully Converted to MPS

Isabel Navarro Vera

Technical Director, Citogen

Presenters share their experience of transforming a CE-based into an MPS-based forensic laboratory, already working under 17025 standards, and how they have applied this workflow to the identification of challenging historical samples.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Centennial Ballroom
12:00 pm - 12:10 pm

Closing Remarks, Conference Concludes

Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Centennial Ballroom
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Preparing for Crime Scene Rapid DNA and CODIS Workshop

Douglas HaresChair

Rapid DNA Implementation Program Advisor for the FBI’s Biometric Analysis Section

The primary goal of this workshop is to begin preparing CODIS laboratories for the FBI’s future vision and implementation of crime scene Rapid DNA for CODIS enrollment.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Mineral Hall ABC
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Conflict and Personalities – How to Engage Challenging People and Situations Workshop

John CollinsChair

High-Stakes Leadership Consultant and Executive Coach at Critical Victories

What if you had a specific method for engaging in conflict or other challenging situations? You can, and this workshop will teach you a variety of principles and strategies for boosting your confidence when you need it most.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Mineral Hall FG
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Silent Mass Disasters: Evidence Based Strategies for Implementing New DNA Technologies for Missing Persons Programs Workshop

Bruce BudowleChair

Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki and Forensic Science Institute, Radford University

This workshop will review established and emerging methods to associate UHRs to families, discuss considerations and practices for expanding database utility for underserved populations and strategies for operationalizing an end-to-end small, large-scale or national programs for the identification of UHRs.
Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Mineral Hall DE
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Technical Leaders Meeting

Alexandria BradleyChair

DNA Technical Leader, Mississippi Forensic Laboratory

Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Agate ABC
"I enjoy the time we have to talk to different vendors because I always get ideas for trying new procedures or instrumentation that I can bring back to my lab. Same with the posters; I get to interact with a variety of people from different laboratories and always learn something new that I can later apply to my own laboratory."Lynndsey Simon // Columbus Police Forensic Services Center