Abstract

Qualified forensic entomologists are increasingly called upon to analyze entomological evidence in legal investigations. Insects and other arthropods associated with human remains can provide valuable information about the postmortem interval, circumstances surrounding death, and the possible movement or treatment of a body after death. Patterns of insect growth, behavior, activity, and distribution on remains may also provide clues regarding sites of trauma.The entomological fauna associated with human remains can be evaluated to determine whether it is consistent with the environmental conditions and geographic location of the death scene. Differences in insect species and developmental stages may provide evidence that a body was moved between geographic areas. In addition, insect activity and distribution can provide clues concerning the wrapping or concealment of remains in materials such as rugs, carpets, or other coverings, including circumstances involving transportation or disposal. In some cases, insect succession and developmental patterns may also provide evidence that remains were subjected to freezing or refrigeration prior to disposal at another location.This lecture introduces the core principles of forensic entomology and the use of entomological evidence in death investigations. Case histories will demonstrate how insect evidence can help determine the postmortem interval and evaluate body movement, environmental exposure, concealment, and postmortem storage conditions. Attendees will also learn about laboratory methods for examining and identifying forensic insect evidence, as well as best practices for collecting, preserving, packaging, and shipping insects and other arthropods to a qualified forensic entomologist. These practices are essential for maintaining specimen integrity and evidentiary value.

Biography

Dr. Jason H. Byrd is a Board-Certified Forensic Entomologist and Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Entomology, with more than two decades of experience applying entomological evidence to death investigations and criminal and civil cases. His work has focused on insect development, postmortem interval estimation, and the application of arthropod evidence in forensic investigations. He has consulted on cases throughout the United States and internationally and has provided specialized forensic entomology training to law enforcement, medical examiners, coroners, death investigators, attorneys, and other forensic professionals. Dr. Byrd is an Associate Professor and the Director of Research at Westcliff University. He has served as President of the American Board of Forensic Entomology and the North American Forensic Entomology Association. He is a Subject Editor for the Journal of Medical Entomology and an editor for Insects. He has authored numerous scientific publications and book chapters and continues to advance forensic entomology through research, education, case consultation, professional leadership, and standards development.

Abstract

Chemical Clues: Enhancing and Detecting Blood at Crime Scenes is a practical lecture designed for forensic personnel working at crime scenes. 

Forensic personnel use several chemicals to locate, visualize, enhance, and detect blood evidence at crime scenes, particularly when stains are faint, diluted, partially cleaned, or difficult to see under normal lighting. Common approaches include luminol-based reagents, leuco crystal violet (LCV), Amido Black and more. These techniques are generally considered presumptive or enhancement methods rather than definitive identification tests. Forensic personnel should therefore document the scene and sampling context carefully, consider potential false positives and follow their agency's validated procedures and applicable laboratory protocols.This lecture will explore the role of chemical methods in locating, visualizing, and enhancing blood evidence, including challenging or faint stains. The lecture emphasizes the scientific principles behind these techniques, appropriate application at crime scenes, interpretation of results, and considerations for preserving evidence for subsequent forensic analysis

Biography

Sharon holds an Ed.D. in Education, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. She has been a certified crime scene investigator since 2006 in North Miami for over 20 years, where she investigated thousands of cases ranging from burglary to homicide in a crime scene capacity. She continues to assist police agencies with crime scene work. Sharon is currently employed as an Associate Professor Senior at Miami Dade College in Florida and is an adjunct faculty member at universities in Florida. Sharon is a fellow with the American Academy of Forensic Science and a member of the International Association for Identification and the International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts. She is also a member of FEMORS (Florida Emergency Mortuary Operations Response System- state) and DMORT (Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team- federal). Sharon has taught law enforcement personnel locally, statewide, and internationally.

Abstract

I was first introduced to mutilated fingerprints in the United States by a friend, Casey Wertheim. At the time, he was working for the FBI, and he wrote a paper on what he had learned.In 2017, after retiring, I was brought back to the Massachusetts State Police as a IAI Certified Latent Print Examiner to work on a special project on a major problem involving immigration and criminals mutilating their fingerprints to thwart the AFIS systems. The schemes became so elaborate that criminals were paying thousands of dollars to have their fingerprints altered. I will detail how to search for and locate the original fingerprint files in AFIS systems. During this time, I read that Europe was having a similar problem with immigration and criminals mutilating their fingerprints. The computers at that time could not properly search and find the criminal records of these individuals who had previously been arrested numerous times.

Biography

Brian M. OHara: I have over forty-six years in the field of forensics, starting with the Massachusetts State Police in 1980 and retiring in 2006. Brian held the rank of Detective Lieutenant and was a homicide scene supervisor assigned to the Crime Scene Services Section of the Bureau of Forensics. Duties included supervising 45+ troopers assigned to seven labs across Massachusetts. He responded and investigated hundreds of homicides and other major crimes within Massachusetts. I have recently published my first book on Forensics and Homicides on Amazon Kindle called “The Rest of the Story.” It details fifteen homicide cases solved with different forensics: Fingerprints, Footprints, Foot Tracks, Tire Tracks, Blood, DNA, AFIS, NGI, and Photography.

Abstract

Founded in 2016, the International Coalition against Electronic Torture and Robotization of living beings (ICATOR) is a Belgian-registered human rights NGO dedicated to exposing and ending electronic harassment. This phenomenon is dynamically classified as Havana Syndrome, Anomalous Health Incidents (AHI), and, as of early 2026, Directed Energy BioEffects (DEBE). Since the initial 2016 case involving a U.S. diplomat in Havana, Cuba, over 2,000 individuals have reported synthetic, remotely induced symptoms. This prompted the U.S. government to establish the HAVANA Act congressional committee, conduct extensive investigations, and acknowledge the utilization of Directed Energy Weapons (DEW).

To combat these violations, ICATOR actively raises awareness and lobbies politicians, the media, the UN, and international organizations, while concurrently pursuing an international class action lawsuit. In this presentation, ICATOR’s Australian and UK board members will share their experiences with severe health complications resulting from concentrated DEW and electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure. Crucially, both presenters have secured medical reports confirming Havana Syndrome/DEBE as the root cause of their diagnoses. This clinical evidence represents a critical advancement in demonstrating that civilian victims deserve the same recognition, investigation, and medical validation as affected diplomatic and governmental personnel.

Biography

A motivated, reliable, and courteous individual and victim of electronic harassment and nonconsensual targeting. ICATOR - Currently I am UK board member and representative for Icator – International coalition against electronic torture and robotization of living beings. Icator is a Belgin based human rights association representing victims of electronic harassment – AKA – “Havana Syndrome” - on an international basis. We advise, make referrals and are working towards an international class action lawsuit and working with technical and medical experts. Our legal representatives are Droits Libertes – “Rights & Freedoms”, a Belgian legal firm, who take on only public interest cases. We are also in partnership with other international groups, including a medical association who we are creating a clinic for our members to receive health care, and the CHD –“Child Health Defence” group, who were founded by Mr Robert Kennedy Jr. My duties for Icator include – liaising with medical and technical experts, creating new opportunities and partnerships, maintenance of our members and website, promotion, organising scanning events, and administration. Amy Holem – “Aimee’s Audios” – I work for Amy Holem, who is Icator’s technical advisor and digital forensics expert. I aid her in conducting audio analysis of radio communications of criminals committing an array of crimes to victims of electronic harassment. Other - I worked as a salesperson & head of the Hi-Tech department for a music retail chain –duties - sales, customers, demonstrations, deliveries, specialist training from product manufacturers such as – KORG, ROLAND, MOOG, STEINBERG. I have worked in studios & did workshops & teaching in studio environments. Duties Recording, mixing, editing, mastering, composition, DSP, production, studio design. I have been a drum & guitar tutor on and off. I worked providing debt advice and in collections for banks and debt recovery companies, duties - debtors, negotiation, payment arrangements, account management & referrals to solicitors. From young I worked as an assistant chef in care homes. Education – 9 GCSE’s - school Music Technology BTech Diploma – College Production, Engineering & Sound creation - BA Hons – University

Abstract

In this presentation, I will discuss the signs of honesty in handwriting analysis from a graphological perspective.
Signs of Honesty in Handwriting 
From a graphological perspective, honesty and authenticity are not defined by a single stroke, but by graphic harmony, natural spontaneity, and the absence of artificial control.
A handwriting that reveals integrity demonstrates a healthy balance between form, movement, and space: 
● Clarity and Simplification: Letterforms are legible, unpretentious, and free of unnecessary flourishes, masks, or excessive ornamentation. The writer expresses ideas directly without needing to hide behind complicated structures. 
● Transparent Ovals ( a, o, d, g ): The middle zone—the social and emotional core—features clean ovals that are naturally closed or slightly open at the top. They lack deceptive inner loops, double coiling, or secret knotting ( bucles internos ). 
● Firm, Flexible Baseline: Lines maintain a stable, horizontal, or gently ascending trajectory without abrupt dropping words, snake-like waviness, or erratic fragmentation.
 ● Fluid Spontaneity and Ductile Pressure: The writing flows with natural speed and even, consistent pressure. It shows neither the rigid, mechanical tension of someone calculating their image nor the hesitation, tremors, and retouching ( repasados ) typical of concealment. 
● Receptive Connections (Garlands): Connective strokes frequently use open, cup-shaped garlands ( guirnaldas ), reflecting empathy, receptivity, and an accommodating, open approach to interpersonal relations.

Objectives

Differentiate Spontaneity from Graphic Inhibition: Identify how unconstrained neuromuscular flow reflects genuine intent, contrasting it with the hyper-controlled rigidity often used to mask evasion. Examine Middle-Zone Micro-Structures: Analyze the integrity of emotional and communicative structures—specifically clean ovals and smooth connective strokes—to detect candor versus calculated omission. 
Evaluate Global Graphic Rhythm: Synthesize stroke pressure, line stability, and spatial distribution using Gestalt graphological methodology to confirm consistency across the entire graphic field. 
Distinguish Authenticity Indicators from Evasive Red Flags: Correlate genuine markers against classic signs of ambiguity, such as excessive threading, retouching, sudden baseline collapse, or contradictory slant shifts

Learning Objectives 
● Core Objectives: 
○ Understand the neuro-motor and psychological foundations of expressive movement. 
○ Identify specific graphological traits associated with openness, emotional stability, and honesty. 
○ Contrast authenticity indicators with red flags (evasion, distortion, over-control). 
○ Synthesize findings using Gestalt principles rather than isolated sign analysis. 
● Key Takeaway: Honesty in handwriting is an ecosystem of dynamic balance, not a single isolated feature.

Theoretical Foundation: The Gestalt & Motor Expressive Framework
 ● Concepts: 
○ Spontaneity vs. Graphic Inhibition: How natural motor flow reflects uninhibited thought.
 ○ The Writing Triad: Form (structure), Movement (speed/rhythm), and Space (layout/organization). ○ Integrity of the Baseline: Symbolic grounding and reality adherence. 
● Talking Points: The subconscious nature of neuromuscular strokes; why forced deception disrupts natural rhythm.

 

Biography

Abstract

Effective use of the patient intake medical history, to learn if history of PTHD, past physically assaulted, abused as a child, TBI from domestic violence, human trafficked history. It will also be discussed how to render treatment for these patients will be given, considering their past life events.

Biography

Dr. James graduated from a one-year course, McGill University, Dental Forensics Program; part on-campus training with the Surete du Quebec Forensics Team. Dr James is focusing on Child Abuse, Elderly Abuse, Human Trafficking, and Intimate Partner Violence. He also gives educational PowerPoint presentations on these topics. Also, trained at University of Tennessee, Body Farm, and Clandestine Grave Recovery. Dr Frizzell’s motto is: “The Power of Observation”, in the forensic’s world.

Abstract

This will be a presentation of real crime scenes and the management of efforts bringing together the forensic experts and the investigative personal to solve real cases. Having lead the Homicide Department department unlike CSI and other programs, police fail to collect and properly analysis a crime scene which I will demonstrate. We need to in terpret crime scenes. Sloppy police investigations, lazy forensic personnel team up to reduce the ability to solve cases with solid evidence. The research profession needs to catch up with policing, corrections and juvenile jus tice, and define a role for itself in the problem solving process. The research community needs to find ways to bring its analytical skills, its objectivity, its rigor, its independence, its ability to link theory and practice, into the messy arena of contemporary practice. Although we have made progress, the need is tremendous.

Biography

Anthony Schembri is a respected law enforcement and academic professional with over four decades’ experience in the field. Over the years, he has drawn praise from such varied sources as New York City Mayor, President Jimmy Carter, Florida Governor Jeb Bush, and New York Governor Mario Cuomo. First appointed to the Brooklyn District Attorneys Office he advanced to Deputy Chief of the Narcotics Bureau, then to Director of Training at the District Attorneys Police Academy. Anthony Schembri has served as the city’s Deputy Inspector General, investigating cases of major crime and corruption. He was appointed by the Mayor of New York as Corrections Commissioner, a position putting him in charge of 12,000 uniformed officers and 20,000 inmates at 19 separate jail facilities. Today, the Citrus County, Florida, resident serves as a Visiting Professor at Oxford and Sheffield Hallam University and named Outstanding Professor of the Year at the University of Florida.

Abstract

Every criminal investigation begins with evidence, yet every investigation is conducted by human beings whose perceptions are influenced by cognitive shortcuts, emotion, prior experience, and social influence. In today's digital environment, criminal narratives spread globally within minutes, often shaping public opinion long before investigators complete evidence collection. This keynote explores how cognitive psychology, criminology, forensic science, and investigative psychology intersect to influence investigators, witnesses, jurors, media organizations, and the public. Drawing upon contemporary research in cognitive bias, false memory, social identity, algorithmic amplification, and investigative decision-making, the presentation demonstrates why understanding human psychology has become as essential as understanding physical evidence in modern forensic science.

Biography

Dr. Michael Gurley: Confirmed as Lecturer of Criminal Justice at University of Tennessee at Martin (UTM) since 2023. Previously at University of Memphis (2016-2023). Holds Ph.D. from Northcentral University, M.S. from Saint Leo University, B.A. from Ashford University. Has 32 years of law enforcement experience and a graduate of the University of Tennessee National Forensics Academy

Abstract

The detection of semen at a crime scene can provide crucial investigative and evidentiary information,particularly in cases of sexual assault, where the identification and localization of seminal traces may contribute to the reconstruction of events and guide subsequent DNA analysis. Rapid presumptive testing at the crime scene can therefore facilitate the targeted collection of biological evidence,especially when stains are small, partially degraded, or located on complex surfaces.
STK Spray (AXO Science) is a presumptive forensic reagent designed for the rapid detection of semen on hard surfaces through the detection of acid phosphatase, an enzyme highly concentrated in seminal fluid and associated with a visible color reaction. However, crime scene samples may contain mixtures of biological fluids or be contaminated by household substances, potentially affecting test performance and leading to false-positive or false-negative reactions. This study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of STK Spray under controlled conditions and in the presence of common interfering substances.

Biography

Senior Lecturer in Forensic Biology and Genetics and in Forensic Medicine, with consolidated academic experience in undergraduate and postgraduate university programs in Italy and internationally, including Spain, Colombia, Bolivia, Malta, and Costa Rica. Academic activities are primarily focused on university teaching, international scientific collaboration, and participation in multidisciplinary research and applied forensic science projects.Extensive international collaborations have been established across Europe and Latin America,including Italy, Spain, and Chile, involving universities, forensic laboratories, research institutions,and industry partners. These activities have been developed within both academic and applied frameworks and include collaborative research initiatives and projects aimed at technology transfer and methodological innovation in forensic science. This work has contributed to strengthening interactions between academic research, forensic practice, and industrial stakeholders, with particular emphasis on the development and implementation of innovative analytical approaches.Previous professional roles include Director of the Forensic Genetics Department at SIMEF (Italy) and forensic DNA expert consultant for Italian civil and criminal courts, with contributions to forensic casework in collaboration with national and international law enforcement agencies, including Italian Police Forces and UK Police. Additionally, activities include service as expert evaluator for the European Research Executive Agency (REA) of the European Commission.Author of more than 200 scientific contributions, including 84 publications indexed in Scopus, with regular involvement in peer-review activities for international scientific journals and publishers,including Springer, Elsevier, and Taylor & Francis. Scientific evaluation activities also include the assessment of book proposals, research projects, and contributions to editorial activities as Editor-in-Chief, Editorial Board Member, and reviewer for international journals in forensic science.Active participation in the organization and scientific development of international conferences,courses, and webinars in forensic science, including roles as scientific committee member, session chairperson, and invited speaker. Participation has also included doctoral examination committees and international scientific award panels.Recipient of several international awards and recognitions in the field of forensic biology and genetic.