'Amazing opportunity' for students at forensic sciences conference in New Orleans
A group of LJMU students and graduates spent time in New Orleans in February at the Annual Scientific Conference of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), presenting their research and gaining significant experience in the professional world.
The influential global event helps to shape the future of forensic science and LJMU is believed to have sent the largest delegation from a UK university to the meeting.
Attendance was arranged by Principal Lecturer and MSc Forensic Anthropology Programme Leader Dr Mateo Borrini, who is a Fellow of the Academy, alongside lecturer Dr Satu Valoriani from the School of Biological and Environmental Sciences.
Several of the current and former postgraduate students who flew to America for the event were given the opportunity to present the results of their university research during the conference proceedings.
Their work focuses on the forensic analysis of cut marks resulting from knife crimes—an area in which Dr Borrini’s research group has been active at LJMU for over a decade, developed in response to the UK’s national knife crime emergency. This important research addresses urgent domestic issues while contributing to the advancement of global forensic standards.
I always appreciate the challenge of presenting to a larger audience. It pushes you to organise your work clearly, concisely, and respect the time limit. Thankfully, the timed presentations during my master’s programme prepared me well for that. Overall, it was a great experience and another good step in building confidence and improving how I communicate my work.
Giada Steiger, current PhD student
Dr Matteo Borrini said: “I am so proud of my students, they did an incredible job presenting their research at the most important scientific meeting in the sector. The aim of our MSc programme is to prepare them to become colleagues, and attending the AAFS meeting with a valuable contribution to the discipline represents their first step into the professional world.”
Dr Borrini also delivered two presentations at the conference. The first explored the investigations into Jack the Ripper, examining their influence on the development of modern investigative approaches to knife-related crimes. His second contribution formed part of the plenary session ‘Last Word Society’ delivered under the conference theme ‘Back to Basics’. In his lecture he talked about his research into the medieval and post-medieval inquisitorial process, identifying within it the early foundations of what would become the modern, evidence-based forensic investigation, arguing that to understand how modern forensic science developed, we need to look at these changes in their correct historical setting to understand how ideas and procedures evolved at the time.
Together, these contributions support LJMU’s position as a leader in forensic science research, education, and innovation.
Other students’ feedback about the opportunity to attend the conference
Shivani Sanger, current PhD student, said: “Attending AAFS was a valuable experience for me both academically and professionally. I presented which was a great opportunity to share my journey, research interests, and outreach work with an international audience. The conference helped me build my confidence in presenting and networking, and it has been very useful for my future development as it allowed me to make new professional connections and represent my work in forensic anthropology more widely.”
Ellen Shakeshaft, former MSc Forensic Anthropology student, said: “This is my second time attending, presenting and volunteering at the annual AAFS meeting. As an international attendee it’s always really important for me that I get the most out of the conference, attending all the talks, seeing all the posters, and engaging with all the receptions. It is always so much fun to reconnect with old friends, see familiar faces and make new connections. Being in rooms full of the most interesting, educational people shows where hard work can get you!
“I hope to keep attending future meetings, to broaden my knowledge, meet new people and share my future research. It’s an amazing opportunity that I would suggest to anyone that is able to go.”
It was an amazing experience, and I was able to discuss my research with so many people from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines; sparking interest in collaborations and further ideas for the project. I am really grateful for the staff at LJMU for encouraging me to take this opportunity.”
Jade Ryan, former MSc Forensic Anthropology student
Mariah Morris, MSc Forensic Anthropology, said: "Getting the opportunity to present my dissertation research at the AAFS 2026 conference was incredible! I really enjoyed getting to discuss my findings with many individuals involved in forensic science. I am grateful to LJMU and my dissertation supervisor Dr Matteo Borrini for helping make this possible."
Mariana Brito, MSc Forensic Anthropology, said: "Presenting my dissertation at the American Academy of Forensic Sciences conference was an opportunity that I never imagined for myself. I am incredibly grateful of Dr Matteo Borrini's support and guidance throughout this journey. I truly enjoyed sharing my research, learning from others in the field, and being part of such an amazing experience."
