Maria Josefina Castagnola didn’t land in forensic genetics by accident—it was a gradual unfolding, driven by a lifelong love of science and a growing interest in how identity and justice intersect. From her early days studying biochemistry in Argentina to hands-on work in exhumations and human identification, each experience has brought her closer to her current focus: forensic epigenetics.
Now pursuing a PhD in the U.S., Josefina brings a global perspective, deep curiosity, and strong sense of social responsibility to the field. She’s especially passionate about emerging technologies in Disaster Victim Identification and how AI can support forensic data analysis.
As one of this year’s ISHI Student Ambassadors, Josefina is representing the next generation of forensic scientists. She’s excited to connect with the community, share her story, and inspire others—especially students who may be dreaming of opportunities that feel just out of reach.
Get to know Josefina, her research interests, and why fencing and book club are two of her favorite ways to recharge, 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 wouldn’t say there was a single “aha” moment. It was more of a gradual discovery. I’ve been drawn to science from a very young age, and genetics was one of the main reasons I chose to study biochemistry. As I progressed through my studies, I became increasingly interested in different areas within biochemistry, which opened new doors for me, and naturally, each step brought me closer to my destination: forensic genetics. Working in both research and hospitals helped shape my path—what truly pulled me in was the intersection of science and identity. My path to forensic genetics was a constant build that led me to dedicate myself to a discipline I consider meaningful and aligned with my values.
What does justice mean to you, and how do you see your work contributing to it?
Justice is a fundamental value; without it, living together in society would be very difficult. Throughout our lives, sometimes we face unfair situations. I believe human identification is a concrete way to contribute to justice. For me, it is very important to be able to contribute to justice through my work.
What’s one discovery or research experience that has shifted the way you think about forensic DNA?
I believe my first major impact came from working with real identification cases in the laboratory at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. I also remember the first exhumation I attended and how scared I was initially when working with cadaveric material. But what ultimately drives you to overcome these challenges is the final goal. Having the concrete possibility to help determine a person’s identity is a great responsibility, and forensic genetics carries immense social value. Scientific work and social commitment are deeply connected to me.
If you could spend a day in any lab (past, present, or dream), whose would it be—and what would you want to learn?
If I could spend a day in any laboratory, I would love to have been a student in Dr. Rosalind Franklin’s lab during the discovery of DNA, or in Dr. Edmond Locard’s lab during the early days of forensic evidence analysis. Looking toward the future, I would choose to spend a day in Dr. Athina Vidaki’s lab. She is a leading expert in forensic epigenetics, and when I first became interested in the field, her early reviews were a source of inspiration. Learning from her perspective and expertise would further enrich my knowledge in epigenetics.
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?
What excites me the most is seeing how the field of epigenetics will progress. I’m really interested in how the scientific community advances in this area and how far we can go. At ISHI this year, I’m especially looking forward to learning more about technologies using DNA for Disaster Victim Identification (DVI). I’m also very interested in exploring how artificial intelligence can be applied as a tool for data analysis in forensic investigations.
As a Student Ambassador, what impact do you hope to have on other students in the forensic science community?
As a Student Ambassador, I would like to share my enthusiasm for science and motivate other students to take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way, even if sometimes it seems distant or difficult to reach. One day, you might be watching an ISHI interview on YouTube from your home country, and later, you could earn a scholarship to pursue a PhD in the United States—and end up being the one speaking at ISHI. I want to convey the value of science and the possibility of improving and changing lives—not only in human identification and genetics but also, for example, by helping advance the prevention and treatment of diseases and other fields that positively impact people.
What’s your go-to song, snack, or ritual when you need a little extra focus or motivation in the lab?
I don’t think I have a ritual, but I do feel that motivation largely comes from the environment you work in. Having an advisor who listens and supports you is an important source of motivation. Also, I believe that action itself is motivating—it’s like a self-reinforcing cycle. If an experiment goes well, you feel encouraged by the results, but even if it doesn’t, you’re still motivated because you want to find the solution—it’s a challenge.
I enjoy music in general, and I used to play the bass for a while. I often listen to music while working, although it depends on the day and the kind of task I’m doing: sometimes it’s instrumental music, other times songs with lyrics, and on days when I miss home, I usually listen to podcasts from Argentina.
If we caught you outside the lab, what would you be doing?
I’m passionate about fencing—it does me a lot of good physically and mentally. I enjoy competing, and it’s also a great community I’ve found here in the U.S. I’m even a volunteer coach for my university’s team.
I also really love reading. I’ve been part of a book club since the pandemic, and we still meet over Zoom to stay connected. When I moved here, I made sure to bring one of my favorite T-shirts—it says in big bold letters, “I’d rather be reading.” It usually gets a smile or a chuckle, and honestly… it’s kind of true.
What are your aspirations for the future after completing your education?
While I am still in the middle of my PhD, my goal is to work both in research and in real-case scenarios, further developing my skills and deepening my expertise in my field of study: Forensic Epigenetics.
