Dear ASCLD Colleagues and Friends,
 
Have you ever had a week where you end up thinking to yourself: “Where did my time go?”. I just had one of those weeks. It was a doozy, but, once again, I came away with a realization of how lucky we are to be in a field that challenges us and is so nuanced. There is always something more to learn.
 
Speaking of learning opportunities, did you know the University of Washington has a 2.5 day Forensic Genetics summer course taught by Mike Coble, Bruce Weir, and Sanne Aalbers? It is a great module for forensic scientists who want to learn more or brush up their knowledge about statistical and population genetic concepts in a forensic setting. More info can be found on their website.
 
Another series of Lightening Talks are being rolled out and are featured in today’s CLM. The ASCLD Forensic Research Committee has been doing a fantastic job of consistently rolling out awesome content which highlight new and emerging research across all areas of forensic science. Each episode may be short- but they are mighty and full of great information. Check out the next few which feature cocaine analysis, isotope ratio mass spectrometry and microbial DNA.
 
As many of you know, the International Forensic Strategic Alliance (IFSA) is a multilateral partnership between regional networks of operational forensic laboratories across the globe. IFSA is seeking volunteers to develop draft Minimum Requirements Documents (MRDs) to assist emerging forensic providers in developing countries to produce scientific services to the Criminal Justice System. The purpose of these documents is to establish a baseline or starting point that must be followed to achieve reliable results.
 
To date three MRDs have been developed: Seized Drug Analysis, Forensic DNA Analysis and Crime Scene Investigation. The MRDs have been translated into the six Interpol languages: English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Russian and Arabic and are also being translated into Malay. A further four MRDs are currently in development: Digital and Multimedia Evidence, Questioned Documents, Latent Prints and Toxicology.
 
IFSA would like to develop the following MRDS: Fire Investigations and Anthropology.
 
If you are interested in drafting the MRD, have suggestions for MRD topics, or would like further information, please contact ASCLD Director and Treasurer Scott Ford (scott.ford@co.anoka.mn.us).
 
 
This week Tim Kupferschmid, Scott Ford, John Byrd and I are meeting in Austin to kick-off the planning sessions for the next Symposium. I am just so excited to be working on this next event which is sure to be a blast. Make sure to mark your calendar for April 30 – May 5, 2023- we will be seeing you at the Renaissance Hotel in Austin, my friends!
 
At the next ASCLD BOD meeting (which is coming up soon!) we are planning on speaking to our friends from CFSO, Matthew Gamette and Beth Lavach. We are taking a moment to learn a bit and discuss some of the issues we as crime laboratory leaders are experiencing. This reminded me of the first committee I signed up for once I became an ASCLD member- it was the Advocacy Committee. Talk about drinking from a firehose! I learned so much from my colleagues across the country and I love being a part of that committee. There is always room for more to join. If interested please consider reaching out to the Chair of Advocacy, Director Claudine Carter Pereira (email: Claudine_CarterPereira@sheriff.org).
 
Well, I could sit here and write all day, but I need to scoot and get my house in order before I head to Austin. Before I go, I do want to acknowledge that this month is Pride Month. I know our agency is recognizing this month through various Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts through our DEI program. As many of you know, Pride Month is held every June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots of 1969 and to celebrate progress. It also serves to commemorate the tragic losses within the community. I leave you with a quote from George Takei:
 
“We should indeed keep calm in the face of difference and live our lives in a state of inclusion and wonder at the diversity of humanity”.
-George Takei
  
 
With gratitude,
 
 
Jen
 
Jennifer D. Naugle
ASCLD President