Marshall University logo
Common Search Terms:
admissions, apply now, online learning, request information, schedule of courses, academic calendar, bert, registrar, library, human resources, housing, hr, work order, registration, jobs, mubert
Green cyber background graphic
Institute for Cyber Security

Converged Forensic Summit Agenda

Register for Converged Forensic Summit
CONVERGED FORENSIC SUMMIT 2026 
Graphic for the Converged Forensics Summit: Stronger Cases Through Shared Science Green and White text and design on a black background

Sept. 29 – 30, 2026 | Marshall University Memorial Student Center

Converged Forensics: Stronger Cases Through Shared Science

A two-day conference bringing together forensic genetic genealogy, DNA science, digital forensics, and multi-agency case coordination — from the scene through the courtroom.

Tuesday, Sept. 29

Wednesday, Sept. 30

Tuesday, September 29

Day 1

Time Topic Name

8 – 9 a.m.

Registration

9 – 9:20 a.m.

Welcome & Opening Remarks

Marshall University Institute for Cyber Security & Marshall University Forensic Science Center

Keynote Introduction

Alys Smith | First Lady of Marshall University

9:20 – 9:55 a.m.

Keynote Address | Forensic Genetic Genealogy

CeCe Moore | Parabon NanoLabs

Transition Break

10 – 10:30 a.m.

Rapid DNA Across the Forensic Landscape: From Investigation to Identification

Melissa Schwandt, Ph.D. | ANDE

Transition Break

10:35 – 11:05 a.m.

Probabilistic Genotyping & Mixture Deconvolution – Casework with Law Enforcement

Jeremy Curto | Cybergenetics

Transition Break

11:10 – 11:55 a.m.

Panel Discussion: From Lab to Verdict — The Courtroom’s View of Forensic Evidence

Judge Chad Lovejoy
Judge Joseph Barki
Tanner Wall | Assistant Public Defender, Cabell and Wayne County Public Defender Corporation
Kent Bryson | Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Cabell County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office

Lunch

12:55 – 1:25 p.m.

From DNA to Identity: Leveraging AI in Forensic Genetic Genealogy

Steve Bush | Indago.ai

Transition Break

1:30 – 2:00 p.m.

Turning Uncertainty into Readiness: Leading a Mass Disaster Response

Gina Wells | Kentucky State Police

Transition Break

2:05 – 2:35 p.m.

Closing Remarks

Please join us for our Converged Forensic Summit Networking Reception — details to be confirmed
Wednesday, September 30

Day 2

Time Topic Speaker

9 – 9:20 a.m.

Welcome & Opening Remarks

Marshall University Institute for Cyber Security & Marshall University Forensic Science Center

9:20 – 9:50 a.m.

OpenText / EnCase — Digital Forensics Platform

Craig Porter | OpenText

Transition Break

9:55 – 10:25 a.m.

Federal Prosecution Perspective

Erik Goes | U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of West Virginia

Transition Break

10:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Spyder Forensics: AI Forensics

Damien Attoe | Spyder Forensics

Transition Break

11:05 – 11:50 a.m.

Panel Discussion: West Virginia FIGG Commission Panel — FIGG Overview & Agency Roundtable

Meredith Chambers | West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory
Bob Workman | Fusion Center
Matt Izzo | Chief Administrator, West Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Sergeant Jillian Yeager | Director, West Virginia State Police Intelligence Unit
Philip W. Morrison, II | Counsel, West Virginia Prosecuting Attorneys Institute
Connie Bormans | NGS Technical Lead, Marshall University Forensic Science Center

11:50 a.m. – 12:50 p.m.

Lunch

12:50 – 1:35 p.m.

Lessons Learned and the Road Ahead: West Virginia’s SAKI and the Emergence of the WVSP VCCTF

Larry Hasley | WV SAKI Area 1 Coordinator; Retired Sergeant, Morgantown Police Department
Sergeant Jillian Yeager | Director, West Virginia State Police Intelligence Unit

Transition Break

1:40 – 2:00 p.m.

Closing Remarks

Summit Sponsors