By Hazel Scott/ASU
Two Alabama State University students in the Forensic Science Program have won travel
awards to attend the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Emerging Researchers National
(ERN) Conference on Feb. 9-11, 2023, in Washington, D.C.
Graduate students Arris Thornton and Zoe Hayes’ winning abstract is their collaborative
postmortem microbiome work. The microbiome is the genetic material of all microbes
– bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses – that live on and inside the human body.
The students conducted their research in ASU’s Thanatos Laboratory under the supervision
of nationally acclaimed forensic science researcher Dr. Gulnaz Javan.
“Our forensic science students are being exposed to some of the most advanced research
projects, which prepare them for successful careers in the field of forensics,” Javan
said.
Dr. Sheree Finley, a faculty member in ASU’s Department of Physical and Forensic
Sciences, said the travel awards represent the hard work and dedication Zoe and Arris
have put into their research.
“I am delighted to have our students once again showcase the innovative forensic science research that is happening here at ASU,” said Finley. “Their hard work has
produced results that highlight their remarkable efforts on a national level.”
The students join at least 10 other students from the Forensic Science program who
have received this coveted prize to represent ASU at this meeting with their outstanding
research.
“I am so proud of our two students who will continue to allow ASU and our forensic
program to shine on a national level,” Javan added.
ERN is an annual conference that highlights the research of undergraduate and graduate
students who participate in NSF-sponsored research programs.