Each year, the ISHI Student Ambassador program highlights rising stars in forensic science—students who are not only passionate about their research but driven to shape the future of the field. This year’s cohort is no exception. Representing diverse institutions and research areas, the 2025 Ambassadors bring curiosity, community spirit, and bold scientific vision to the ISHI community.
Kiersten Fultz | Virginia Commonwealth University
Kiersten’s journey into forensic science began with a realization—while training to be a pharmacist, she found herself craving more purpose and passion. That search led her to forensic DNA, and she hasn’t looked back. Now pursuing a master’s degree in forensic biology, Kiersten’s research uses high-resolution melting (HRM) and machine learning to predict contributor status in biological samples. With a focus on improving mixture interpretation, her work aims to make DNA results faster, more objective, and more reproducible. Kiersten is also passionate about wildlife forensics and environmental justice. She sees ISHI as an opportunity to connect with professionals outside her university bubble, expand her career vision, and contribute her research before graduation this December.
Maria Josefina Castagnola | New Jersey Institute of Technology
Originally trained in biochemistry and pharmacy in Argentina, Maria’s career took a powerful turn toward forensic science when she discovered her passion for identity and justice. After working in oncology and hospital labs, she returned to forensic genetics and found her calling in epigenetics—specifically, how DNA methylation can be used for age estimation in skeletal remains. Now a Fulbright Scholar and PhD student at NJIT, Maria is focused on adapting methylation analysis for degraded DNA and advancing forensic anthropology methods. She views ISHI as a place for both learning and contribution—where interdisciplinary ideas, international perspectives, and human rights converge. Her poster presentation will explore pyrosequencing optimization for age estimation from teeth, with a focus on the FHL2 gene.
Maria Flores | University of California, Los Angeles
Maria’s curiosity in DNA began with a strawberry in high school—but her path to forensic genetics has been anything but simple. After contributing to research on how genetic diversity affects mixture interpretation, Maria transitioned into DNA methylation and age estimation as a PhD candidate at UCLA. Her dissertation uses a non-linear maximum likelihood model to estimate chronological age from whole blood samples, showing promising improvements in accuracy for traditionally challenging age groups. For Maria, forensic science is not only about precision—it’s about equity. ISHI offers her a chance to network with scientists and practitioners, gain feedback on her model, and explore ways her research can enhance justice and identification efforts across diverse populations.
Laila Mansour | John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Growing up in New York City in the wake of 9/11, Laila found inspiration in the work of the OCME and its efforts in DNA-based disaster victim identification. Add in a fascination with NCIS’s Abby Sciuto, and Laila’s career path was set. Now enrolled in an accelerated MS program in forensic science, Laila has presented undergraduate research comparing automated DNA extraction platforms and hopes to one day contribute to IGG and DVI efforts in the field. Her interest in the intersection of science and justice runs deep—from the “Sugar Land 95” to African-American remains identification. At ISHI, she looks forward to meeting mentors like Craig O’Connor and John Butler, and to engaging with the broader forensic community as both a researcher and a fierce advocate for justice.
Rory Conn | The George Washington University
Rory’s passion for forensics grew out of an early interest in both biology and the law. After earning a B.S. in forensic science (and another in psychology), Rory is now completing a master’s in forensic molecular biology at GWU. Her current research involves genotyping assays to distinguish between marijuana and hemp—a project aimed at streamlining processing and reducing forensic backlogs. Rory is particularly excited about the social media side of the ambassador program, having led communications for forensic honor society Delta Delta Epsilon. She’s looking forward to connecting with current PhD students, meeting leaders in the field, and engaging with the ISHI community in ways that spark both learning and collaboration.
Follow Their Journey
Throughout the year—and especially at ISHI 36—these ambassadors will share their stories, research, and takeaways from the event. Whether you’re attending in person or following online, get ready to see the conference through their eyes. Because the next generation of forensic scientists? They’re already here.
