Global Forensic Science Symposium

The 2025 Global Forensic Science Symposium will take place June 3-5.

This year’s theme is “Collaboration in Forensic Science.” Whether across campus or the globe, forensic science advances when researchers, practitioners, and industry work together.

Register Today to Attend For Free

Tuesday, June 3: In-person at FIU's MARC building, room 290 and live-streamed online
Wednesday & Thursday, June 4 & 5: Livestream only

This unique event, hosted by the Global Forensic and Justice Center at FIU, brings together law enforcement agencies, industry, and academia to share knowledge and training for laboratory professionals.

go.fiu.edu/FSSregistration

Agenda

8:30 am - In-person registration, livestream open

9:00 am - Opening Remarks, Dr. Kenneth Furton, GFJC

9:10 am - Keynote, Commander Stephanie Stoiloff, Miami Crime Lab

9:45 am - Breakfast (in-person), livestream break

10:00 am - Evolution of Information Models from Forensic Intelligence to Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Kenneth Furton, GFJC

10:25 am - Exploring New Psychoactive Substances: A Comparative Evaluation of Targeted vs. Nontargeted Detection Approaches in Human Matrices, Akshita Verma

10:50 am - Optimizing Extraction Parameters Using Design of Experiments for the Detection of Single Dose Drug Exposure in Forensic Hair Analysis, Kaylyn Keith

11:15 am - Autonomous Detection Systems, Dr. Patrick Roman

11:40 am - Lunch (in-person), Poster Session (in-person & virtual)

1:30 pm - Improving IMS-based non-contact detection of dangerous substances, Thouli Jayawardana

1:55 pm - Usefulness of Strontium Stable Isotope and Trace Metals Ratios for Sourcing Illicit Drugs, Dr. Jonathan Awewomom

2:20 pm - Importance of Medico-Legal Death Investigation, Julianne Manash

2:45 pm - Developing novel mitochondria DNA (mtDNA) digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) assay for speciation of fecal contamination on agricultural produce, Sylvia Etim

3:10 pm - Crypto Wallet Detection and Analysis Tool Using Seed Phrases, Carlos Imery

3:35 pm - Unmasking the master manipulators: Investigating and prosecuting intimate partner staged homicides, Andrea Zaferes

3:35 - Closing Remarks, Clint Arhelger

4:00 pm - Break (in-person) & Poster Session (virtual)

4:30 pm - Reception (in-person), livestream closes

5:15 pm - Close of day

9:30 am - Opening Remarks, Dr. Kenneth Furton, Florida International University

9:40 am - The impact of GC-MS integrator selection – an expanded uncertainty assessment of the ChemStation and RTE integrators, Emma Hardwick, Sam Houston State University

10:05 am - Multidimensional forensic procedure to identify Methamphetamine adulterated with Menthol, Mr. Weragala WWH, Government Analysts Department, Forensic Laboratory, Sri Lanka

10:30 am - Environmentally friendly paints yield significantly different IR spectra over time, Dr. Erika Doctor, Lynn University

10:55 am - Qualitatively Identifying Counterfeit Drugs via Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, Christopher Federlein, Madonna University

11:20 am - Unmasking the Hidden Dangers: Forensic Analysis of Polysubstance Abuse and Heroin-Cocaine Mixtures in Drug Trade, Chandani Kumarapeli, Government Analysts Department, Forensic Laboratory, Sri Lanka

11:45 am - Validation of the RAPIDINTEL™ PLUS Cartridge For Investigative Lead Samples and Meeting the New SWGDAM Rapid Guidelines, Peterjon McAnany, Thermo Fisher Scientific

12:10 pm - Collaborative Efforts to Identify Unidentified Human Remains Through DNA Extraction, Kinship Testing, and Forensic Genetic Genealogy, Dr. Chelsea Garza, Marshall University

12:35 pm - Interrogating Identity of Donated Remains using Macro and Molecular Approaches in Forensic Science, Samantha Pashigian, Madonna University

1:00 pm - Beyond the Black Box: A Transparent Mixture Analysis Solution, Jacquelyn Gabriel, Thermo Fisher

1:25 pm - Construction of a Microhaplotype Panel for Complex Mixture Deconvolution using Next-Gen Sequencing, Regan Fenske, George Washington University

1:50 pm - That's Some Pig: Protocol Optimization for the Analysis of DNA in Unpulverized Cremains, Kendall Kroha, Madonna University

2:15 pm - Closing Remarks, Dr. Kenneth Furton, Florida International University

9:30 am - Opening Remarks, Dr. Kenneth Furton, Florida International University

9:40 am - TEETH a further provenance of diatoms in establishing drowning death and death time by analysis of the stage quality and quantitative evaluation of their diversity, Dr. Jacinth Simeon, Amity University, Dubai

10:05 am - Presentation on the Final Report on Complaint No. 23.67; Evaluation of Biological/DNA Results Given Activity Level Propositions, Tiffany Roy, JD, ForensicAid, LLC

10:30 am - The development of DNA databases for forensic purposes worldwide over the past 30 years, Dr. Dariusz Wilk, JD, Jagiellonian University, Kraków

10:55 am - Breaking the Ice on Cold Cases, and Igniting Interest in IGG: How to Build Law Enforcement Relationships Through Mutual Understanding, Matthew Hoggatt, University of Southern Mississippi

11:20 am - Investigating Sex Offences: Organisational Challenges, Specialist Competence, and Future Directions, Arianna Barbin, University of Suffolk, United Kingdom

11:45 am - Nanotechnology in Forensic Investigations: A Review of Current and Future Applications, Prof. Siyum Beshahwored, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology

12:10 pm - Digital Forensics: Smarter Solutions For Mass Disaster Victim Management, Dr. Nadiawati Abdul Razak, National Defence University of Malaysia

12:35 pm - A Crime Scene is a Space, Not a Place, Dr. Max Houck, Florida International University

1:00 pm - Unravelling the Use of Urea Nitrate in Terrorist Attacks: A Forensic Perspective, Rushan Fernando, Government Analysts Department, Forensic Laboratory, Sri Lanka

1:25 pm - Adaptation of Common Ammunitions For Available Firearms in Sri Lanka and Challenges For Experts In Crime Investigation, W.M.Ajith Kumara, Government Analysts Department, Forensic Laboratory, Sri Lanka

1:50 pm - Forensic Crime Scene analysis of Glass Pane Penetration patterns: A case report, Tanmoy Mukherjee, Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, Durgapur, India

2:15 pm - Self-Healing Gunshot Damages in Vehicles: Challenges in Forensic Crime Scene Reporting, M. Eranthi Seneviratne, Government Analysts Department, Forensic Laboratory, Sri Lanka

2:40 pm - The Importance of Accreditation in Forensic Science Education for Moroccan Medicolegal Departments, Dr. Hind Abouzahir, Medicolegal Institute of Casablanca, Morocco

3:05 pm - Building Certifications Through Collaboration, Ben Swanholm, National Forensic Science Academy

3:30 pm - Closing Remarks, Dr. Kenneth Furton, Florida International University

Attendance

Venue
Day 1 of the 2025 Global Forensic Science Symposium will be held in person at FIU’s beautiful Modesto Maidique Campus (MMC) in the MARC building, room 290. The event room and live-stream will open at 8:30 am. All virtual attendees will receive a link to the stream via their registered emails the day before.
Days 2 & 3 will be virtual and live-streamed only. All registered attendees will receive a link to each day's stream the day before.
Please add "forensics@fiu.edu" to your email safe list to receive event notifications.
Parking
GFJC and our sponsors are covering the on-campus parking for the 2025 Global Forensic Science Symposium. If you join us in person, we will provide free parking in one of the adjacent parking garages. Vehicle registration is required, and parking will only be available in unmarked or non-metered spaces.
Travel
FIU is conveniently located just 11 miles from Miami International Airport.
If you choose to attend the in-person portion of the Symposium, please note that all travel, including hotel stay, airfare, and car rentals, is the responsibility of the attendee. GFJC does not provide travel stipends and is not responsible for securing any travel accommodation for speakers or attendees.

Sponsorships

The Global Forensic Science Symposium is an award-winning event and has become one of the foremost gatherings of forensic science professionals and top researchers worldwide. With a strong commitment to advancing the science and practice of forensic analysis, our symposium, held the first week of June, has consistently attracted a diverse live audience of nearly 500 attendees.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss a customized sponsorship arrangement that best meets your organization's goals, please do not hesitate to contact us at forensics@fiu.edu.