Source: Julie A. Howe, MBA, 2016 Annual Meeting Program Co-Chair This is an exciting and challenging time for forensic science as substantive changes are being proposed for all disciplines with the formation of the National Commission on Forensic Science (NCFS) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSACs). […]
As I look back at the past few months, there have been an unusual number of issues in forensic science which have garnered media attention including a series of articles on bitemark evidence, a study of FBI hair analysis cases disclosing a high proportion of errors, changes in the leadership of the Washington, DC, Department […]
Source: Barry K. Logan, PhD, AAFS 2013-14 President and AAFS NIST OSAC Ad Hoc Committee Chair The Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step… The Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) had its kick-off meeting in Norman, OK, in early January. There were two sets of back-to-back meetings that brought together the […]
Recapping the First Public OSAC Meetings: What is an SDO? Source: Reprinted from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): http://www.nist.gov/forensics/what-is-an-sdo.cfm. Feb. 16, Orlando, Fla. – Midway through the first day of a meeting devoted to public discussion of forensic science standards priorities, someone asked the question that was probably on many audience members’ minds. […]
Source: Thomas W. Vastrick, BS, Section Chair The 67th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences is now in the books. The Questioned Documents Section sponsored three successful workshops. I would like to thank Karen Nobles, Peter Tytell, Mark Goff, and Linton Mohammed for their efforts in putting together tremendous and informative […]
Source: John J. Lentini, BA, Section Chair Despite the fact that temperatures in Orlando dropped into the low 30s during the week, a successful meeting was had, especially for those members who consider 34 to be “warm.” Karolyn Tontarski and Vincent Desiderio put together an outstanding scientific program, which included 123 oral presentations, 76 posters, […]
Source: Victor W. Weedn, MD, JD, AAFS President Coverdell legislation will require both re-authorization and appropriation. As has become routine, the President’s budget did not include Coverdell funding. Coverdell is, of course, an important funding tool for our community. Again, we need Congress to restore funding and we ask you to contact your representatives in […]
The 2015 AAFS Annual Scientific Meeting was a resounding success, with 4,225 attendees from 62 countries. Despite the unseasonably chilly Orlando temperatures, the setting provided a warm, friendly environment for networking throughout the week, and many members left the hotel to enjoy the nearby dining area to continue their scientific and section discussions. As we […]
I’m excited and am very much looking forward to serving you as the 66th President of AAFS in this coming year. My theme for the year and the 2016 Annual Scientific Meeting in Las Vegas is: Transformation: Embracing Change. Some recommendations of the National Commission on Forensic Sciences (NCFS) will likely be implemented this year. […]
It was a typical cold, gray, overcast Midwestern November day when I sat down to ponder my last “A Word From Your 2015 Program Co-Chair.” I trust the readers of this column will forgive a Minnesota boy for letting his mind wander to dreams of a meeting in Orlando just around the corner. Like many […]
The AAFS stands at the doorstep of a new era for forensic science in America and the world. The Academy has demonstrated a spectacular commitment to the NIST Forensic Science Initiative and the process of creating its Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSACs). As we venture into 2015, Academy members comprise 49% of the OSAC […]
Source: Samuel I. Brothers, BBA, Section Program Committee, Co-Chair The Digital & Multimedia Sciences (DMS) Section’s Program Committee has been working hard this year and we look forward to seeing everyone in Mickey’s hometown of Orlando! This year, our section will present one half-day workshop (#14) “On the Leading Edge of Forensic Science” scheduled for […]
Source: Marcus K. Rogers, PhD, Section Secretary It would appear that the tireless efforts of several of the members of our section has resulted in NIST announcing the addition of a new subcommittee on Digital Evidence to the Organization of Scientific Areas Committees (OSAC). The subcommittee will exist under the IT/Multimedia Scientific Area Committee. The […]
Source: Steven Clark, PhD, Section Program Chair The theme of this year’s Academy meeting, Celebrating the Forensic Science Family, is an opportunity to recognize the efforts “family” members have made to the disciplines represented by the various sections in the American Academy of Forensic Sciences as well as the collaborative contributions members have made to […]
Source: Claire E. Shepard, MS, Section Secretary If you have not already done so, take the time to read the General Section’s meeting theme article “Successful Collaborations in Forensic Science” found in this newsletter. Steve Clark provides a great illustration of how the General Section not only accomplishes the theme of the forensic family but […]