This October, ISHI travels to Providence, Rhode Island with workshops designed for working DNA analysts, lab leaders, and emerging forensic scientists. Running October 25-29, this year’s lineup covers everything from benchtop sequencing and probabilistic genotyping to courtroom communication and single-cell analysis.
Here’s what’s on the schedule.
SNP Genotyping Using WGS on Benchtop Sequencers: Making the Most of Every DNA Sample
October 25, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Whole genome sequencing has proven itself in forensic genetic genealogy, but its applications extend well beyond investigative leads. This full-day workshop focuses on generating SNP data using existing commercial multiplexes and low-pass sequencing instrumentation—then analyzing that data with freely available, validated bioinformatics tools.
Attendees will work through mock casework examples that address real challenges: low DNA input, chemistry variability, profile upload compatibility, and data security. You’ll leave with a foundational understanding of how WGS SNP data differs from other SNP genotyping methods and how those genotypes can be used for relationship inference and identity determination.
Smart Sheets: Enhancing Forensic Workflows with Excel and AI
October 25, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Microsoft Excel gets more powerful when you know how to use it well. This interactive workshop demonstrates practical techniques for importing and structuring forensic data, designing intuitive spreadsheet interfaces, and using AI tools to improve efficiency and analytical capabilities.
Bring your own spreadsheets for collaborative review, feedback, and problem-solving. If you’ve ever struggled with clunky data organization or inefficient workflows, this session offers concrete solutions.
Bayes to Bench: Understanding Likelihood Ratios and Probabilistic Genotyping from Foundations to Legal Challenges
October 26, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Probabilistic genotyping is now standard practice in many labs, but legal challenges at admissibility hearings continue to test how well we can explain the science behind likelihood ratios.
This workshop builds foundational understanding of Bayes’ Theorem and the LR, then addresses three common challenges: factor space, assigned number of contributors, and relatives in mixtures. You’ll discuss experimental design, review published material addressing these issues, and develop practical skills for communicating PG results confidently in court.
Build Your Brand – Build Your Culture: Putting Success in Succession Planning
October 26, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Forensic Leadership Alliance)
Most forensic laboratories survive leadership transitions rather than plan for them. The result is predictable: reluctant leaders, disengaged teams, and repeated cycles of burnout.
This full-day Forensic Leadership Alliance workshop reframes succession planning as the natural outcome of intentional brand building at three levels: the individual leader, the laboratory, and the emerging leader. When leadership identity is clear and culture is healthy, future leaders step forward because they want to—not because they were pressured.
Grounded in real-world forensic leadership experience, this workshop combines discussion and applied exercises to help you assess leadership signals, identify cultural barriers, and build leadership ecosystems that attract and develop successors long before a vacancy exists.
Shifting the Forensic Mindset Moving Forward
October 26, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
This workshop explores the evolution of forensic science through AI integration, policy reform, and engagement with government partners. You’ll examine how AI can enhance accuracy, efficiency, and bias mitigation while redefining traditional workflows.
Discussion will also cover policy debates surrounding private laboratory access to CODIS, including ethical, legal, and data security implications. Through case studies and guided discussion, this session encourages a forward-looking forensic mindset that balances innovation, accountability, and public trust.
Building Your Dream Job While Making Work Fun
October 26, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
This workshop is designed to help case-working analysts fall back in love with their jobs. You’ll identify collective strengths and favorite tasks, then focus on building a role where you can do more of what you love and inspire a stronger team.
Discussion will cover creative ways to improve least-favorite tasks, strengthen weaknesses, and make work more efficient and less stressful. Topics range from testimony to technical review to casework efficiency—all with the goal of making your job more enjoyable.
Embracing Single Cell Analysis in Forensic Science: Exploring the Opportunities
October 29, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Single-cell DNA analysis removes challenges associated with mixture interpretation entirely. No multiple contributors. No contributor ratios. No allele masking.
This workshop introduces single-cell analysis to the forensic community, exploring recovery and interpretation methods while highlighting several studies. You’ll learn about commercially available isolation techniques, how to interpret single-cell data, and what validation designs look like for this emerging method. Laboratory directors, technical leaders, and practitioners will discuss implementation strategies and policy considerations.
The Power of Numbers and the Power of the Individual: Database Growth, Reach, and Limitations of FIGG
October 29, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Forensic investigative genetic genealogy has proven effective, but non-technical limitations still impact casework: database size, terms of service, public perception, and uneven representation within genealogical databases.
This workshop addresses strategies for overcoming stalled cases involving distant relatives, misattributed parentage, or limited database coverage. You’ll learn how various SNP-generation methods support genealogical strategies, how reference testing fills missing family branches, and how targeted outreach—such as social media, public DNA drives, and strategic interviews—can improve public perception, participation, and case resolution.
From the Lab Bench to the Witness Stand: Communication of DNA Evidence
October 29, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
A panel of criminal justice experts—scientists and attorneys—will examine the presentation of DNA expert testimony. Topics include reporting and testimony in accordance with current community-recommended guidelines, best practices for trial preparation, and effective presentation of expert testimony.
Attendees will work with the panel to examine actual testimony and have an open discussion about courtroom experiences.
Forensic Science Validation: Principles and Guidance
October 29, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Validation is mandated for laboratories accredited under ISO/IEC 17025, but the standard doesn’t provide a rigorous framework for how a method should be validated.
This workshop provides an overview of the newly published NIST report “Validation in Forensic Science: Guiding Principles for the Collection and Use of Validation Data” and includes a hands-on demo of the Validation Assessment Tool (VAST) using data from rapid DNA systems. You’ll learn how to apply these principles and tools in day-to-day practice.