For Laila Mansour, forensic DNA wasn’t just a career option—it was a realization that science could be both personal and powerful. Growing up watching crime shows with her grandmother, she first saw forensic science on screen, but it wasn’t until she connected the dots between her love of biology, justice, and storytelling that she knew she’d found her path.
Now pursuing dual degrees in forensic science and English, Laila is fascinated by how DNA can do more than solve crimes—it can help families heal and bring answers in the aftermath of humanitarian crises. Her interests span from whole genome sequencing to investigative genetic genealogy, and she’s particularly inspired by how forensic science is applied in disaster victim identification efforts around the world.
As one of this year’s ISHI Student Ambassadors, Laila brings a storyteller’s spirit, a researcher’s drive, and enough iced chai to power a long day in the lab. Get to know what fuels her work, why she finds the NYC OCME lab so inspiring, and how she hopes to make a meaningful impact in the forensic community in the Q&A below.
What was your “aha” moment—the turning point that made you realize forensic DNA was the right path for you?
I had always enjoyed science , whether it be in the classroom or outside of it, but I was never particularly interested in pursuing a career in engineering or medicine. I grew up watching crime shows with my grandmother, and I remember watching an episode of NCIS and seeing Abby Sciuto, the show’s forensic scientist, and realizing that was something I could do with my life. After researching the field, I realized forensic DNA was the perfect combination of my passion for the law, biology, and justice.
What does justice mean to you, and how do you see your work contributing to it?
To me, justice is about achieving equality, ensuring that nobody’s rights are infringed upon. It’s not about “granting” or “earning” but rather protecting inalienable rights that we have (or should have, at the very least) merely by being on this planet. Forensic DNA work contributes to justice not only through the legal framework, but also by providing families and victims with the closure they need to continue with their lives.
What’s one discovery or research experience that has shifted the way you think about forensic DNA?
At the 2025 AAFS conference, one of the speakers discussed her work for the International Committee of the Red Cross, where they utilize forensic DNA for disaster victim identification, search for missing persons, and helping nations undergoing humanitarian crises establish reliable forensic frameworks that adhere to international standards. Hearing about this work opened my eyes to the use of forensic DNA not just in the courtroom or the lab but also in humanitarian work.
If you could spend a day in any lab (past, present, or dream), whose would it be—and what would you want to learn?
I would spend the day in New York City’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) DNA lab. The OCME is a global leader in DNA casework and remain identification, and they have a direct impact on the NYC community. Being in their lab would teach me so much about the day-to-day in the field and the protocols required to continue utilizing science to serve justice.
Which tool, technique, or forensic trend are you most excited to see evolve in the next few years or learn about at ISHI this year?
I’m really excited about the continued development of whole genome sequencing and forensic investigative genetic genealogy, which allow for identification of individuals even from highly degraded samples. I’m excited to hear about the developments at the various workshops at ISHI this year!
As a Student Ambassador, what impact do you hope to have on other students in the forensic science community?
I’m excited to get to share my passion for forensic science with others who are just as passionate about the field. There’s always something exciting new to learn, and getting to experience learning about science just for the sake of learning is truly special. I hope to be able to share that enthusiasm at ISHI this year.
What’s your go-to song, snack, or ritual when you need a little extra focus or motivation in the lab?
Grabbing an iced chai with two shots of espresso before starting any experiments in the lab usually gets me focused and energized for the day ahead.
If we caught you outside the lab, what would you be doing?
Outside the lab, I’d most likely be reading, writing, or listening to music. I have always been drawn to the art of storytelling, whether it be through literature, music, or even science. It’s for that reason I’m also pursuing an English major on the side!
What are your aspirations for the future after completing your education?
After graduating with my bachelor’s and master’s in forensic science, I intend to pursue a PhD to delve even deeper into the world of research and forensic genetics. Ultimately, I hope to work as a DNA analyst in a DNA laboratory like that of the OCME where I get to use forensic science to make a direct impact on my community.
