2025 Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists Annual Meeting

Today, we were honored to be part of the 2025 Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists Annual Meeting, hosted in Columbus by the Columbus Police Crime Laboratory.

We are grateful to Erica Miller, Lisa Lucas, and the MAFS Board of Directors for selecting Starfish Assignment as this year’s donation recipient. Their recognition of our mission to bring law enforcement and the community closer together means so much to us.

Our President and Founder, Nicole Banks, had the opportunity to speak about our work and share how this generous gift will allow us to expand our reach, respond quickly to needs, and say yes when officers ask us to help them help others.

The plenary session featured Sergeant Terry McConnell and Investigative Genealogist Amanda Reno, who highlighted how Investigative Genetic Genealogy is transforming violent crime investigations, including the resolution of the Kelly Ann Prosser case. Their presentation showed how science and dogged research can provide closure to families who have waited far too long for answers.

Thank you to everyone at MAFS for your warm welcome and for the important work you do every day to advance forensic science. It was a privilege to be in the same room with so many talented, dedicated, and passionate professionals.