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 livestreamed online
Please note, in-person registration has reached capacity and is now closed; we apologize for any inconvenience. Virtual registration for all 3 days is still open.
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

Each session is scheduled for 20 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. Approved sessions will be available for on-demand streaming July 1, 2025-June 1, 2026.

Posters will be available for viewing on this page all 3 days of the Symposium.

Download the Program of Abstracts (PDF)

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

9:00 am - Opening Remarks. Kenneth Furton, PhD. Executive Director, Global Forensic and Justice Center, Florida International University, USA

9:10 am - Keynote

9:30 am - Breakfast (in-person), livestream break

10:00 am - Evolution of Information Models from Forensic Intelligence to Artificial Intelligence. Kenneth Furton, PhD. Executive Director, Global Forensic and Justice Center, Florida International University, USA

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

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

11:15 am - Autonomous Detection Systems. Patrick Roman, PhD, Associate Professor of Research, Mechanical and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering and Computing; R&D Engineer, Global Forensics and Justice Center, Florida International University, USA

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

1:30 pm - Improving IMS-based non-contact detection of dangerous substances. Thouli Jayawardana, Florida International University, USA

1:55 pm - Usefulness of Strontium Stable Isotope and Trace Metals Ratios for Sourcing Illicit Drugs. Jonathan Awewomom, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Florida International University, USA

2:20 pm - Importance of Medico-Legal Death Investigation. Julianne Manash. Florida International University, USA

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

3:10 pm - Crypto Wallet Detection and Analysis Tool Using Seed Phrases. Carlos Imery. Florida International University, USA

3:35 pm - Unmasking the master manipulators: Investigating and prosecuting intimate partner staged homicides. Andrea Zaferes, Medicolegal Death Investigator, Dutchess County NY Medical Examiner’s Office, USA; Instructor / Researcher, Forensic Aquatic Consulting & Training, USA

3:55 pm - Closing Remarks. Clint Arhelger, Deputy Executive Director, Global Forensic and Justice Center, Florida International University, USA

4:00 pm - Break (in-person); livestream closes

4:30 pm - Reception & Poster Session (in-person)

9:30 am - Opening Remarks. Kenneth Furton, PhD. Executive Director, Global Forensic and Justice Center, Florida International University, USA

9:35 am - The impact of GC-MS integrator selection – an expanded uncertainty assessment of the ChemStation and RTE integrators. Emma K. Hardwick, BA, Department of Forensic Science, Sam Houston State University, USA

10:00 am - Multidimensional forensic procedure to identify Methamphetamine adulterated with Menthol. Mr. Weragala WWH, Government Analyst's Department, Forensic Laboratory, Sri Lanka

10:25 am - Environmentally friendly paints yield significantly different IR spectra over time. Erika L. Doctor, PhD, Lynn University, USA

10:50 am - Qualitatively Identifying Counterfeit Drugs via Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Christopher Federlein, MS, Madonna University, USA

11:15 am - Unmasking the Hidden Dangers: Forensic Analysis of Polysubstance Abuse and Heroin-Cocaine Mixtures in Drug Trade. Madhushini BH, Government Analyst’s Department, Sri Lanka

11:40 am - Applied Biosystems™ RAPIDINTEL™ PLUS Cartridge: Validation For Investigative Leads. Peterjon McAnany, Sr. Technical Applications Specialist, Forensic Science Applications Group (FSAG), Thermo Fisher Scientific, USA

12:05 pm - Collaborative Efforts to Identify Unidentified Human Remains Through DNA Extraction, Kinship Testing, and Forensic Genetic Genealogy. Dr. Chelsea R. Garza, MS, Forensic DNA Analyst / Evidence Technician, Marshall University, USA

12:30 pm - Interrogating Identity of Donated Remains using Macro and Molecular Approaches in Forensic Science. Samantha Pashigian, Madonna University

1:00 pm - Construction of a Microhaplotype Panel for Complex Mixture Deconvolution using Next-Gen Sequencing. Regan Fenske, Forensic Molecular Biology Masters Student, George Washington University, USA

1:20 pm - That's Some Pig: Protocol Optimization for the Analysis of DNA in Unpulverized Cremains. Kendall Kroha, MS, Madonna University, USA

1:45 pm - Closing Remarks. Kenneth Furton, PhD. Executive Director, Global Forensic and Justice Center, Florida International University, USA

9:30 am - Opening Remarks. Kenneth Furton, PhD. Executive Director, Global Forensic and Justice Center, Florida International University, USA

9:40 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, USA

10:05 am - Breaking the Ice on Cold Cases, and Igniting Interest in IGG: How to Build Law Enforcement Relationships Through Mutual Understanding. Matthew S. Hoggatt, PhD, Investigator, Mississippi, USA

10:30 am - Digital Forensics: Smarter Solutions For Mass Disaster Victim Management. Dr. Nadiawati Abdul Razak, Unit of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, National Defence University of Malaysia

10:55 am - A Crime Scene is a Space, Not a Place. Max M. Houck, PhD, FRSC, Global Forensics and Justice Center, Florida International University, USA

11:20 am - Veterinary Forensics in a Collection of Wildlife Crimes in the Greater Cape Town Area, South Africa. Greg Simpson, PhD, Wildlife Forensic Academy, South Africa

11:45 am - Unravelling the Use of Urea Nitrate in Terrorist Attacks: A Forensic Perspective. W. A. Rushdan Fernando, Deputy Government Analyst, Government Analyst’s Department, Sri Lanka

12:10 pm - Adaptation of Common Ammunitions For Available Firearms in Sri Lanka and Challenges For Experts In Crime Investigation. W.M.Ajith Kumara, Firearms Examiner, Firearms and Ballistics Laboratory, Government Analyst’s Department, Sri Lanka

12:35 pm - Forensic Crime Scene analysis of Glass Pane Penetration patterns: A case report. Annwesha Mazumdar, Regional Forensic Science Laboratories, India

1:00 pm - Self-Healing Gunshot Damages in Vehicles: Challenges in Forensic Crime Scene Reporting. M. Eranthi Jalika Seneviratne, Firearms and Ballistics Laboratory, Government Analyst’s Department, Sri Lanka

1:25 pm - Finding the trace: past, present, and future research at the Wildlife Forensic Academy. Devin Finaughty, PhD, Wildlife Forensic Academy, South Africa

1:50 pm - The Importance of Accreditation in Forensic Science Education for Moroccan Medicolegal Departments. Hind Abouzahir, MD, PhD; Hassan II University, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Casablanca, Morocco; Medico-legal Institute, Ibn Rochd University Hospital, Casablanca, Morocco

2:15 pm - Building Certifications Through Collaboration. Ben Swanholm, President/Treasurer, National Forensic Science Academy, USA

2:40 pm - Closing Remarks. Kenneth Furton, PhD. Executive Director, Global Forensic and Justice Center, Florida International University, USA

Collaborative Efforts to Identify Unidentified Human Remains Through DNA Extraction, Kinship Testing, and Forensic Genetic Genealogy. Dr. Chelsea Garza, M.S., Marshall University Forensic Science Center, USA

Crime Scene Photography with Mobile Devices. Mark Vecellio, West Virginia University Institute of Technology, USA

Development and Validation of a GC-MS Method for Detecting Kerosene in Adulterated Diesel Fuel. Fernando W.A.R., Government Analyst’s Department, Sri Lanka

Exploring the Efficacy of Alternative Organic Fingerprint Powders. Leah Morris, Forensic Investigations Program, West Virginia University Institute of Technology, USA

Testing of Training Aid Validation Method for Standardization of Non-Detonable Training Aids. Roxana Echevarria, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, USA

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 attendees. Vehicle registration is required. Navigation address:
10720 SW 16th St, Miami, FL 33165
Upon your arrival at the PG 1 or 2 garage, please park in an unmarked and non-metered space, and note your license plate number. Proceed into the MARC building directly ahead for registration.
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.