Meet Your ISHI 36 Speakers: Brian Hoey
Forensic DNA analysts work at the intersection of science, justice, and relentless pressure. As caseloads grow and expectations rise, so too does the toll on the people behind the bench. Few understand this better than Brian Hoey, whose career has spanned casework, leadership, and deep engagement with the forensic community. At ISHI, Brian will join […]
Meet Your ISHI 36 Speakers: Mohamed Elsayed
Backlogs in sexual assault kit testing remain one of the most stubborn challenges in forensic DNA, with turnaround times that can stretch for months. For Mohamed Elsayed, an engineer-turned-innovator, that reality sparked a bold question: what if analysis didn’t have to wait for the lab at all? At ISHI, Mohamed will present “Toward Analysis at […]
Meet Your ISHI 36 Speakers: Elyssa Trautmann
Cold cases often carry the weight of time, unanswered questions, and evidence that doesn’t always fit neatly into today’s standard workflows. For Elyssa Trautmann, a DNA analyst with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, that challenge has become a calling. Guided by the wisdom of veteran colleagues and the encouragement of trusted mentors, Elyssa has […]
Legacy in the Mitochondria: Walther Parson and the Team Shaping the Future of Forensic Genetics
Interviews written and collated by Nicole Siffling, Tara Luther, Promega with assistance from AI. Reposted from the ISHI Report with permission. Inside the Institute of Legal Medicine at Innsbruck Medical University, where mountain views rival the scientific vistas unfolding in the lab, Dr. Walther Parson has spent decades building one of the world’s most influential […]
Shaping the Future of Forensic Genetics: Claire Glynn on Advancing Science and Empowering Students
What’s it like to transform a field while training the next generation of forensic scientists? At ISHI 35, Claire Glynn, Associate Professor at the University of New Haven, sat down with ISHI Student Ambassador, Charlotte Sutter, to discuss her journey in forensic genetics, from groundbreaking work in FIGG to launching an innovative graduate certificate program. […]
Inside Mass Fatality Identification: Lessons and Innovations from Forensic Experts
What does it take to identify victims in mass fatality incidents? At #ISHI35, a panel of forensic experts shared their experiences and insights on the challenges, emotional toll, and groundbreaking advancements in victim identification. In this powerful discussion, discover:🔬 How Rapid DNA and forensic genealogy are transforming mass fatality response🤝 The importance of inter-agency collaboration […]
Dear Jacob: Patty Wetterling and Joy Baker on Advocacy, Hope, and Justice
In 1989, 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling was abducted, launching the largest manhunt in Minnesota history. For 27 years, the case remained unsolved—until a mother’s relentless hope and a blogger’s determination to uncover the truth led to a groundbreaking resolution. At ISHI 35, Patty Wetterling and Joy Baker shared their extraordinary journey: 🌟 How a mother who […]
Uncovering History and Identity: Turi King on DNA, Mysteries, and Forensic Science
How can DNA reveal family secrets, solve historical mysteries, and change lives? At #ISHI35, Dr. Turi King, renowned geneticist and Director of the Milner Centre for Evolution, shares her extraordinary journey—from identifying King Richard III to hosting the BBC series DNA Family Secrets. In this interview, she reflects on: 🧬 Using genetics to answer questions […]
Wrongfully Convicted, Rightfully Exonerated: Jeffrey Deskovic’s Journey to Advocacy
In 1990, Jeffrey Deskovic was just 17 years old when his life was forever changed. Convicted of a crime he didn’t commit, Jeffrey spent 16 years behind bars despite DNA evidence proving his innocence. His wrongful conviction was the result of a coerced, false confession, prosecutorial misconduct, fraudulent testimony from a medical examiner, and an […]