Student Ambassador Program

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Unlock Your Future in forensic science

Are you a passionate student pursuing a degree in forensic science, eager to dive into the world of cutting-edge research and groundbreaking advancements? Look no further!

As an Ambassador, You’ll Receive:

✅ Free conference + workshop registration
✅ Spotlight for your research and story
✅ Network with industry experts
✅ Professional video coverage

The Next Steps

Interested in applying? Here’s what you need to do.

Draft a written essay answering the following questions using between 500 to 750 words total.

Forensic science can be a demanding career. The work may be exacting and tedious without a lot of recognition for a job well done. How did you decide that forensic science was the career for you? What aspirations do you have for your career after graduation and what is your scientific area of focus?
If you are selected to attend this year’s ISHI, what do you hope to gain from your participation? What impact might participation in ISHI have on your personal and career growth?
If you are awarded free conference registration, you will be asked to present a scientific poster. Briefly describe what your scientific poster will be about.

Prepare a video recording between 30 seconds and 2 minutes long.

The video should explain why you would like to participate in this year’s conference. It can elaborate on any aspects of the conference that especially appeal to you (i.e., meeting a certain speaker, attending a specific workshop, participation in networking events, etc.). Don’t be afraid to let your personality show through. The committee is looking for candidates who can communicate their excitement for forensic science to fellow students.

“Throughout the week, spending time with the other Student Ambassadors, both during and outside the conference, also grounded me in the moment and reminded me how special the experience was. It also helped me appreciate how shared experiences can build a sense of community in our field.”

Maria Josefina Castagnola // New Jersey Institute of Technology

Connection

Immerse yourself in an atmosphere buzzing with intellectual curiosity and expertise. As an ISHI Student Ambassador, we will showcase you and your research on our website and social channels, introducing you to other attendees and jumpstarting the networking process. At ISHI, you’ll be granted VIP access to an extensive network of professionals, scientists, and industry leaders in forensic science. Forge connections that extend beyond the conference, opening doors to mentorship, collaborative research, and potential career opportunities. You’ll also have access to all networking functions, including the Welcome Reception and Wednesday night off-site dinner event. Seize the chance to interact with those at the forefront of forensic science, expanding your network and fostering relationships that last a lifetime.

“I was both nervous and excited to present my research for the first time at ISHI. It can be intimidating to share all the work you have done to forensic professionals, but it ended up being an amazing experience! By the end of the poster session, I was feeling confident and passionate about the work I had done.”

Kiersten Fultz // Virginia Commonwealth University

Opportunity

Picture yourself at the forefront of innovation, surrounded by experts who share your passion. The ISHI Student Ambassador Program offers more than just a conference; it’s a launchpad for your future in forensic science. Gain insights into the latest technologies, methodologies, and breakthroughs that are shaping the industry. Receive complimentary registration to participate in pre and post-conference workshops, panel discussions, and hands-on sessions that will elevate your understanding and skill set. Uncover internships, research opportunities, and potential collaborations that can set you on a trajectory towards success.

“Getting to speak with both fellow student presenters and professionals made me feel included in the forensic science community already and helped clarify my path moving forward in my degree and beyond!”

Laila Mansour // John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Inspiration

Witness the power of inspiration as you attend captivating keynotes and presentations from trailblazers in forensic science. The ISHI conference is a melting pot of ideas, sparking creativity and motivation that will drive your academic and professional pursuits. Be inspired by real-world success stories, innovative research, and the impact forensic science has on society. The ISHI Student Ambassador Program is not just about attending a conference; it’s about leaving with a renewed sense of purpose and passion for your chosen field. Present your scientific poster to an in-person audience, including mentors you’ll be able to take selfies with later. We’ll also record a video interview of your poster presentation to be shared on our social channels later, leading to further connections.

“Connecting with another student ambassador who is conducting age estimation research in bones and teeth using DNA methylation, was especially insightful. Our discussion allowed us to compare methodological approaches and consider potential strategies to advance our respective research directions.”

Maria Flores // University of California Los Angeles

Five winners will be selected by a group of reviewers from the ISHI Committee. Selected students will receive waived registration for ISHI and any additional workshops held at ISHI (*Travel and hotel accommodations are the responsibility of the student.)

Ambassadors will be asked to provide the ISHI committee with (but not limited to) the following materials to be shared on social media by ISHI show management:

A head shot or photo of the student.
A day in the life series to be shared on our Instagram stories.
Two interview style blog posts before the ISHI symposium to get to know you better and to preview your poster research
Photos to be shared on the student’s social media channels of you preparing for the conference.
A scientific poster presentation at ISHI.
Social media posts each day of the ISHI conference.
Onsite interviews at the symposium with the ISHI media team including (but not limited to) sharing of the student’s scientific poster, and a sit-down interview
A handful of photos taken at the event.
An interview style blog post after ISHI about what you took away from the conference.

Eligibility & Contest Rules

This contest is open to students currently enrolled in a forensic science (or a similarly named program) at the undergraduate or graduate levels.
Applicant must have a public Facebook and Instagram page to allow for sharing of content
All videos and essays must be submitted by the submission deadline.
All submissions must be original and not previously published elsewhere
By submitting an entry and video clip to the contest, each entrant gives ISHI all rights, including copyright, to the entry and express permission to edit and publish the entry in all media listed above without limitation and without any other notice.