Fairmont State Forensic Science Students Present Research on National Stage at AAFS Annual Conference

Eight forensic science students from Fairmont State University recently attended the 2025 American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Annual Conference. This premier event draws leading forensic professionals, researchers, and students from across the nation. The conference, held earlier this year, provided an invaluable platform for students to present their work, engage with experts, and explore diverse career pathways within the field of forensic science. 

Amongst the student attendees where McKenzie Lamm (Stonewood, WV), Katie Long (Yawkey, WV), Dariana Adkins (Hamlin, WV), Chelsie Blake (West Hamlin, WV), Ryley Martin (Braxton, WV), Jessica Cotta (Martinsburg, WV), Maeghan Fisher (New Cumberland, WV), and Kaitlyn Bolin (Poca, WV). 

Attending the AAFS conference marked a significant milestone for students in Fairmont State’s growing forensic science program. The group was accompanied by Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator of Forensic Science Kristy Henson. Henson reflected on the importance of the experience, stating, “I believe that attending scientific conferences provides students with invaluable real-world experience and critical networking opportunities. It reinforces their identity as emerging professionals and demonstrates how their education at Fairmont State equips them for successful careers.”  

Each student found the experience both educational and inspiring. Lamm emphasized the benefit of speaking directly with criminalists, DNA specialists, and other professionals, which helped her better understand the breadth of career paths in forensic science. Long highlighted the importance of undergraduate research in building professional connections and enhancing her understanding of the field. Others, like Adkins and Blake, noted the value of meeting peers from other institutions and learning how to communicate research at large professional events. Cotta and Fisher found the event helpful for identifying future internship and graduate school opportunities, while Bolin and Martin appreciated the chance to explore new ideas and attend talks that expanded their knowledge beyond the classroom. 

Long, Lamm, and Henson all presented research posters during the conference. Long’s presentation, titled “The Extraction, Amplification, and Analysis of Human DNA Recovered from Carrion Larvae and Adult Flies (Sarcophaga bullata),” explores the extraction of human DNA from carrion flies (Sarcophaga bullata) and their larvae after feeding on blood. Her study examined whether DNA could be successfully recovered and analyzed from both life stages using forensic DNA extraction techniques. This research offers a promising alternative for crime scenes where traditional DNA evidence is degraded or absent, demonstrating the potential for forensic entomology to aid in victim and suspect identification. Preliminary results confirmed the presence of human DNA in both larvae and adult flies, suggesting that this non-traditional method could be a valuable tool in forensic investigations. 

Lamm’s research, “The Impact of Different Environments on DNA Degradation in Decomposing Mammalian Specimens,” analyzes environmental influences on forensic evidence collection. Her study involved monitoring mammalian specimens placed in different sealed environments, tracking variables like temperature and humidity, and collecting tissue samples weekly to assess DNA quality. Using extraction, amplification, and sequencing techniques, the research found that DNA quality declines significantly over time, often resulting in poor sequencing outcomes as decomposition advances. These findings highlight the importance of understanding DNA degradation when estimating postmortem intervals and support the use of degraded DNA in identifying victims in forensic and archaeological contexts. 

Henson’s presentation, “Using Historical Biocultural Variables and Vitamin D Deficiency to Assist with Biological Profiles,” focuses on the examination of 177 historical individuals from the 1830s to 1940s in the U.S., analyzing skeletal remains alongside genealogical and environmental data to explore correlations with vitamin D deficiency. Statistical analyses revealed significant relationships between deficiency and variables such as geographic location, climate, age, sex, occupation, and social race. Individuals with active vitamin D deficiency were more likely to be White males from the northern U.S. who worked in physically demanding jobs. These findings suggest that integrating biocultural data into biological profiles can provide deeper insight into a person's life history and improve the identification of unknown remains when traditional methods like DNA analysis fall short. 

The trip to the AAFS Conference was made possible through the generous support of the STaR Opportunity Grant, the S-STEM Grant, and the WV NASA Space Grant, which helped fund travel and participation expenses for both students and faculty. 

Fairmont State’s strong presence at the AAFS conference reflects the university’s commitment to hands-on learning, faculty-mentored research, and preparing students for success in impactful STEM-driven careers. 

To learn more about Fairmont State’s Forensic Science program, visit the program webpage.