Teresa M. Tiedge, MPS

The Forensic Sciences Foundation (FSF) is proud to announce that Teresa Tiedge has been awarded the 2021-22 FSF Jan S. Bashinski Criminalistics Graduate Thesis Assistance Grant for her paper, Understanding the Stability of eDNA from Four Biological Taxa and Their Association With Soil and Dust Evidence. The grant consists of $1,850, a plaque, complimentary meeting registration at a future AAFS meeting, and up to $1,400 for travel and per diem expenses toward the future meeting attendance.

Teresa is a PhD student in the Comparative Biomedical Sciences program at North Carolina State University and a National Institute of Justice Graduate Research Fellow. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Forensic and Investigative Science and Biology from West Virginia University and her master’s degree in Forensic Science from The Pennsylvania State University. Teresa’s research is centered on gaining additional evidentiary information from environmental DNA via next generation sequencing.

Congratulations, Teresa!

And a big thank you to the FSF Bashinski Committee – Lucy Davis (Chair), Sandra Sachs (Co-Chair), Steven Lee, and Patrick Buzzini.

The FSF Board of Trustees has three to five positions to fill in February.  Trustees serve a four-year term and contribute to the health and development of the FSF by serving on a minimum of two FSF subcommittees that promote education, grants, scholarships, and awards. Most AAFS affiliates and members are eligible. Per the FSF Bylaws, Article VI. Board of Trustees, Section 2 – Qualifications:  “Any person who has reached his twenty-first year shall be eligible to serve as a Trustee, provided that a majority of the Trustees shall also be Fellows or Retired Fellows of the Academy.” For more information about the FSF, please visit https://fsf.aafs.org/.

Individuals interested in being considered for one of the Trustee vacancies should notify Kimberly Wrasse (kwrasse@aafs.org) no later than Wednesday, December 15 and include a current CV. 

The Forensic Sciences Foundation (FSF) is pleased to announce the recipients of the Student Travel Grant Award. The Student Travel Grant consists of a complimentary meeting registration and travel expenses (up to $1,500) to attend the American Academy of Forensic Sciences 74th Annual Scientific Conference in Seattle, WA. The FSF rolled over the unused allocation from the 2020-21 Virtual Meeting and was able to provide the award to 16 individuals this year.

Congratulations to all recipients!

Mohamed O. Amin, MSc (Criminalistics/Applicant)

Megan I. Chambers, BS (Student Affiliate/Criminalistics)

Natalia Czado, MS (Associate Member/General)

Kourtney A. Dalzell, BS (Student Affiliate/Criminalistics)

Katherine Gaddis, MA (Student Affiliate/Anthropology)

Christopher M. Goden, MA (Student Affiliate/Anthropology)

Justin Goldstein, MA (Student Affiliate/Anthropology)

Liam Johnson, BA (Student Affiliate/Anthropology)

Emily C. Lennert, MS (Student Affiliate/Criminalistics)

Raphaela M. Melora, MA (Student Affiliate/Anthropology)

Briana T. New, MA (Trainee Affiliate/Anthropology)

Ivanna Robledo, MA (Student Affiliate/Anthropology)

Julianne J. Sarancha, MS (Student Affiliate/General)

Valerie Sgheiza, MA (Student Affiliate/Anthropology)

Jennifer L. Snedeker, BS (Student Affiliate/Criminalistics)

Emilie Wiedenmeyer, MA (Student Affiliate/Anthropology)

Source: Kimberly Wrasse, Assistant Director

The 2020-21 FSF Board of Trustees established an ad hoc committee to review the FSF Bylaws. The FSF Board of Trustees Annual Meeting approved revisions to the FSF Bylaws on February 18, 2021. In accordance with the FSF Bylaws, Article XI., the Bylaws amendments must be approved by the FSF Members (Board of Directors). The 2021-22 FSF Members approved the FSF Bylaws at the FSF Annual Members’ Meeting on February 21, 2022.  The updated FSF Bylaws have been posted to the website HERE.

The Forensic Sciences Foundation (FSF) is proud to announce the winners of the “FSF Student Affiliate Scholarship.” The Student Affiliate Scholarship program is designed to assist students with the AAFS Annual Meeting registration.

Zachary Andrews, General; Keith Biddle, MA, Anthropology; Helen Brandr-Litavec, MS, Anthropology; Stephanie Cole, MS, Anthropology; Ema Graham, MS, Criminalistics; Evin Hessel, BS, Anthropology; Kaitlin Huffman, MS, Criminalistics; Ruby Liliedahl, BS, Toxicology; Molly Miranker, MA, Anthropology; Mariah Moe, MA, Anthropology; Amy Osborne, BS, Criminalistics; Grace Rutledge, BS, Criminalistics; Carolynn Sauter, Anthropology; Jared Sharp, BS, Toxicology; Micayla Spiros, MS, Anthropology; Stephanie VanLysebettens, BA, Criminalistics; Taylor Walkup, BA, Anthropology; and Ryen Weaver, MS, Anthropology.

The 2021-22 FSF Student Scholarship Committee was comprised of Andrew Seidel, Chair (Anthropology), Lucy Davis (Criminalistics), Laura Fulginiti (Anthropology), Jeri Ropero-Miller, Trustee (Toxicology), and Gina Londino-Smolar, Member (General).

Source: Kimberly Wrasse, Assistant Director

Purpose: This award is designed to encourage forensic science education at the middle and high school level and is intended to provide funds to purchase supplies, equipment, or reference materials to support forensic science education in teaching basic scientific principles. Applications will be judged based on how the funds will further the goals of the Foundation. Priority will be given to programs with apparent financial need and those that provide forensic science education in underserved population areas.

Scholarship Award: The Warren-Young Scholarship will receive funds up to $3,000; a complimentary registration to attend one AAFS Annual Scientific Meeting and the Student Academy, including two free nights of hotel accommodations; and a scholarship to attend one Forensic Science Education Conference (FSEC).

Application: To apply for funding, the following must be submitted:

• Teacher Letter—to include teacher’s name, school affiliation, grades and classes taught, and a description of how the grant funds (e.g., tentative budget) and forensic science knowledge are/will be used in teaching basic scientific principles.
• Teacher Certifications—attach copies of current teaching certifications.
• Course Description—attach course announcements or proposed syllabus. Please advise if this will be the first time the curriculum will be presented or if this is an annual curriculum. Please advise if the course will be utilizing an outside source for guest lecturing (e.g., discipline experts).
• Demonstration of Financial Need and Support for Forensic Science Education—submit a letter from a school administration official concerning the level of financial need and the current availability of forensic science education (e.g., percentage of student body that qualifies for free lunches).

All submissions must be received and completed by May 1 (11:59 p.m. MDT). Please submit the aforementioned Warren-Young Scholarship Requirements electronically (with attachments in pdf format) to Kimberly Wrasse at kwrasse@aafs.org, or by mail to Kimberly Wrasse, FSF, 410 North 21^st Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904. The FSF will confirm receipt of all submissions within two business days. If confirmation is not received, the applicant should contact Kimberly Wrasse to verify receipt. The Committee chair will notify the scholarship recipient by June 1.

The Forensic Sciences Foundation is pleased to announce the 2022–23 Warren-Young Scholarships will be shared between two recipients this year. This award is designed to encourage forensic science education at the middle and high school levels and is intended to provide funds to purchase supplies, equipment, or reference materials to support forensic science education in teaching basic scientific principles. Applications are judged based on how the funds will further the goals of the Foundation. Priority is given to programs with apparent financial need and those that provide forensic science education in underserved population areas. The scholarship provides funds up to $3,000, a complimentary registration to attend one AAFS Annual Scientific Conference and the Student Academy, including two free nights of hotel accommodations, and a scholarship to attend one Forensic Science Education Conference (FSEC).

Terri T. Dove, PhD

The first-place recipient is Terri T. Dove, PhD, from DuVal High School in Lanham, MD. Dr. Dove was a 1997 graduate of Bennett College in Greensboro, NC, the oldest all-female Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). After graduating from Bennett with a Bachelor of Science in biology and a minor in chemistry, she pursued graduate studies at Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) in Atlanta, GA, eventually making a home in the lab of the late Dr. Joseph Igietseme (Centers for Disease Control). At MSM, she published several peer-reviewed scientific papers focused on bench research in the areas of vaccine development and infectious diseases, in particular, Chlamydia trachomatis, as a part of her doctoral dissertation.

Dr. Dove took her investigative and research skills to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Laboratory in Quantico, VA, where she worked as a forensic mitochondrial DNA biologist from 2003–2012, conducting analysis on criminal, missing persons and counterterrorism cases. She coordinated the laboratory’s adopt-a-school program for several years and this planted the seeds for her transition into becoming a full-time educator. She entered the resident teacher program in Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) in 2012 and is celebrating her tenth anniversary in the classroom this year. “One of Dr. Dove’s most striking qualities is her passion and commitment to high student achievement in science,” said principal Pamela Smith. “She is a creative, resourceful, and effective educator whose classroom environment is student-centered and engaging.”

Paula E. Slamowitz, PhD

The runner-up is Paula E. Slamowitz, PhD, from Tonalea Middle School in Scottsdale, AZ. Dr. Slamowitz received her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s degree in Liberal Studies, Social Work, and Elementary Education with distinction. Her Doctorate degree is in Educational Leadership and Administration, also with distinction. She is an alumni of Northern Arizona University and Arizona State University.

Dr. Slamowitz is in her sixth year of teaching at Tonalea Middle School within the Scottsdale Unified School District. She currently teaches 6–8 grade Social Studies Honors, Forensics Science, Video Production, and Yearbook. This is her first year teaching forensics and video production. She chose to teach forensics to her middle schoolers to offer them the opportunity to develop research, develop critical thinking, organization, persuasion, and improve oral communication skills. This class demonstrates the science and techniques that law enforcement and crime scene investigators use to recreate crime scenes and how they work hand-in-hand.

An updated FSF Policy and Procedure Manual has been posted to the website HERE. The Table of Contents is linked to the appropriate pages for easy navigation. Updates are mainly housekeeping with the exception of:

2.2.3.4.3.1.2.—Applicants for the Emerging Forensic Scientist Award (EFSA) must now be either a Student Affiliate or Trainee Affiliate; non-members are no longer eligible to apply.

If you have any questions, please contact Assistant Director Kimberly Wrasse (kwrasse@aafs.org).

“#GivingTuesday is a movement that unleashes the power of generosity around the world.” This year, the Forensic Sciences Foundation will participate in the giving event that has helped to change year-end giving for many non-profits. The Foundation is the educational, scientific, and research arm of the Academy and gives thousands of dollars each year to serve this mission. The Foundation develops, produces, and directs educational programs in all fields of the forensic sciences. Specifically, the Foundation: sponsors seminars and courses for physicians, including the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) Accreditation; publishes books on forensic science subjects; sponsors the Emerging Young Forensic Scientist Award; and awards grants for significant forensic research. #GivingTuesday is Tuesday, November 29, so be on the lookout for how you will be able support the work of the Foundation!

Each year the Forensic Sciences Foundation (FSF) awards monies in the form of grants to members of the forensic science communities to help the investigator/researcher initiate original in-depth, problem-oriented research throughout the year. These grants are open to members and affiliates (at any level) of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. This year, the FSF Research Committee has awarded one Field Grant and six Lucas Grants totaling $30,969.

We are pleased to announce the following recipients:

Victoria M. Dominguez, PhD—$1,500 for An Interdisciplinary Approach to Improving Multifactorial Aging Methods.

Jared A. Estevanes, BS—$5,194 for Investigating the Capability of DART-QTOF for the Analysis of Common Homemade Explosives.

Ting-Yu Huang, MS—$5,796 for The Development of Carbon Nanotubes Assisted Headspace Chemical Analysis and Artificial Intelligence for Fire Debris Analysis.

Julianne J. Sarancha, MS—$5,806 for Evaluating the Effects of Chemical Maceration on Isotope Analysis of Bone.

Ashley Moo-Choy, HBSc—$4,806 for The Evaluation, Transfer, Persistence, and Recovery of DNA on Common Objects Through Touch.

Stacie Terry, BS—$5,806 for The Evaluation of Evidence MultiSTAT for Detection of Opioids in Urine & Oral Fluid.

Alexis L. VanBaarle, BA—$2,061 for A Statistical Evaluation of Kerf Shape and Size Variation With Implications for Saw Mark Analyses.

Congratulations to all recipients!

And a big thank you to the FSF Research Committee—Laura Fulginiti (Chair), William Johnson, Carl McClary, Andrew Seidel, Claire Shepard, and Kathryn Pinneri.​

Victoria M. Dominguez, PhD

Jared A. Estevanes, BS

Ting-Yu Huang, MS

Julianne J. Sarancha, MS

Ashley Moo-Choy, HBSc

Stacie Terry, BS

Alexis L. VanBaarle, BA

The Forensic Sciences Foundation (FSF) is proud to announce that Tori L. Schaffer, BS, has been awarded the 2022–23 FSF Jan S. Bashinski Criminalistics Graduate Thesis Assistance Grant for her paper, Separation of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide and its Analogs by High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography. The grant consists of $1,850, a plaque, complimentary meeting registration at a future AAFS meeting, and up to $1,400 for travel and per diem expenses toward the future meeting attendance.

Tori is a master’s student in the forensic science program at Cedar Crest College. She holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Weber State University. Her graduate research focuses on using high-performance thin-layer chromatography to separate lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and LSD analogs.

Congratulations, Tori!

And a big thank you to the FSF Bashinski Committee—Lucy Davis (Chair), Sandra Sachs (Co-Chair), Patrick Buzzini, and Steven Lee.

The Forensic Sciences Foundation (FSF) is pleased to announce the recipient of the FSF Henry C. Lee Scholarship! Jose P. Baraybar, PhD, of Paris, France was selected based on his abstract submission, BRSSA: A Mobile Application Designed to Support Collection of Appropriate Biological Relatives in the Field. The Henry C. Lee Scholarship will award Dr. Baraybar with $1,000 to assist with continuing his growth in the field of forensic science.