As we begin planning for the next ISHI, we’re excited to welcome new voices to the Advisory Committee. These members bring fresh insight, deep expertise, and a shared commitment to moving forensic science forward.
We also want to express our heartfelt thanks to those rotating off the committee. Your ideas and input have helped shape ISHI into the dynamic, inclusive community it is today.
We’re thrilled to welcome Dawn Romano to the ISHI Advisory Committee!
With two decades of experience in forensic DNA—from casework and cold cases to lab leadership and innovation—Dawn brings a practical, forward-thinking perspective to the table. As Forensic Supervisor and DNA Technical Lead at Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, she’s led the implementation of STRmix, Rapid DNA, and now Investigative Genetic Genealogy, all while maintaining one of the most enviable turnaround times in the field.
But Dawn’s focus isn’t just technology—it’s people. Whether it’s optimizing workflows to reduce burnout, building a positive lab culture, or ensuring new tools are actually usable by overworked teams, she’s committed to solutions that work in real life, not just on paper.
As she joins the Advisory Committee, Dawn hopes to be a strong voice for operational scientists and help ISHI continue bridging the gap between innovation and implementation.
Get to know how a high school elective changed her life, why she’s excited about the intersection of AI and PG, and how the Golden State Killer case inspired her to rethink what’s possible.
What drew you to the field of forensic science, and how has your journey shaped your perspective on where the field is headed?
My journey into forensic science began in high school, where a single elective course shifted my entire career trajectory. While I had spent years focused on a traditional medical path, that course steered my ambitions towards the specialized field of forensic pathology. As I pursued my Biology degree and minored in Criminal Justice, I found myself equally drawn to the investigative side of the law. I briefly considered a career in law enforcement but ultimately realized that forensic science was the perfect intersection of my two passions: it allowed me to apply the rigors of medicine and biology to the front-line mission of public safety. Over the past two decades, I have witnessed a profound transformation in our field: the scale of forensic DNA has shifted from large-volume samples to low-template touch DNA. Our analytical capabilities have expanded from manual, two-person mixture interpretation to the use of probabilistic genotyping for increasingly complex profiles, which has largely reduced human subjectivity from STR analysis. And more technological advances are on the horizon, including SNP testing, FIGG, and proteomics. As these technologies become standard, the focus of the global forensic community must shift toward creating the rigorous standards and regulatory frameworks necessary to maintain the integrity of our results.
In your opinion, what is the most pressing challenge facing forensic DNA today—and what role can ISHI play in addressing it?
The forensic community faces a critical “resource gap” that jeopardizes the timely delivery of justice. While DNA testing demands have surged, infrastructure and funding have stagnated, making it difficult to hire and retain the specialized scientists needed to manage the influx of evidence. This strain is compounded by unfunded mandates, such as state requirements to test every sexual assault kit, which force labs to “do more with less.” Furthermore, the volatility of federal grant funding often leaves lab leadership with an impossible choice: maintain basic operations or invest in the new technologies required to improve efficiency. In this landscape, ISHI remains a vital forum for lab leaders to connect and share strategies for navigating these systemic challenges.
What innovations or tools are you most excited to see impacting the forensic field in the next 5–10 years?
The future of forensic biology lies in the convergence of Probabilistic Genotyping (PG) and Artificial Intelligence. While PG is the current ‘gold standard’ for complex samples, its evolution depends on AI integration to surpass current limitations. We are moving toward deep-learning algorithms capable of deconvoluting high-order mixtures with an unprecedented number of contributors. By recognizing subtle patterns in raw data, such as stochastic effects, stutter, and degradation, AI can identify nuances that may elude even the most experienced human analysts. Furthermore, the marriage of AI with Rapid DNA technology promises a shift toward real-time, sophisticated field analysis. Beyond the bench, AI will revolutionize administrative workflows by autonomously drafting technical reports, flagging data anomalies, and streamlining case reviews. This transition will empower analysts to move away from manual data entry and focus their expertise on high-level scientific oversight and complex interpretation.”
What’s a case, project, or moment in your career that fundamentally changed the way you think about forensic science?
My laboratory has long prioritized cold case resolution, achieving several significant successes in recent years. However, no case reshaped my perspective on forensic science more than that of the ‘Golden State Killer.’ Known in Contra Costa County as the ‘East Area Rapist,’ the case was a long-standing focus for our lab, under our Chief Paul Holes. For years, many of my analysts and I worked testing countless samples in search of a match, often fearing the trail had gone permanently cold. The announcement that the suspect was identified through Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) was a watershed moment for me. Recognizing that this technology would fundamentally redefine the limits of our field, I committed to learning about the discipline through a specialized certificate program and am now leading the effort to validate and bring this transformative technology online within my laboratory.
From your perspective, what makes ISHI unique among forensic conferences?
ISHI stands alone as the premier conference for our community because it is the largest gathering dedicated exclusively to forensic DNA. What sets it apart is the perfect balance of current utility and future vision: workshops address the challenges labs face today, while presentations offer a vital window into the future of our field. The ability to network with hundreds of analysts from across the globe is invaluable and Promega excels at fostering a sense of camaraderie through intentional connection—from ‘breakfast with exhibitors’ to the legendary off-site events. It isn’t just a conference; it’s a global town square where we come together to recharge, innovate, and return to our labs inspired.
As a new member of ISHI’s Advisory Committee, what impact do you hope to make, and what do you hope ISHI continues to do for the global forensic community?
I aim to be a dedicated voice for the operational practitioner. Having spent 20 years in the lab, I intimately understand the hurdles we face—from resource constraints and backlogs to staff burnout—all while navigating the pressure to implement new technology. My goal is to bridge the gap between emerging innovation and laboratory reality. I want to ensure ISHI continues to support the community by blending high-caliber workshops that help labs tackle today’s ‘in the trenches’ problems with a strategic look at the future of NGS, Rapid DNA, and beyond.