The Forensic Nursing Science Section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences held its inaugural business meeting as part of the AAFS Conference in Orlando, Florida. The first Virginia Lynch Forensic Nurse Innovator Award, recognizing a forensic nurse actively engaged in forensic nursing leadership, practice, service, and/or education, was presented to AFN Founding Board Member Dr. Patricia Speck. The Forensic Nursing Scientist Award, recognizing a forensic nurse scholar actively engaged in advancing the science, was presented to Dr. Julie Valentine.

In addition to a contingent of AFN members and the Forensic Nursing Certification Board, Virginia Lynch – considered the founder of forensic nursing as a scientific discipline – was in attendance. Over the course of two days, forensic nurses presented various topics on research, certification, and quality improvement.

In 2022, Forensic Nursing Science became the 12th section of AAFS, a professional organization with more than 6,600 members, dedicated to advancing the application of science to the law. The AAFS Conference, February 13-18, celebrated the organization’s 75th anniversary.

Hope to see everyone at the 2024 AAFS Conference in Denver, Colorado!

– Diana Faugno, MSN, RN, ANF-BC, SANE-A, DF-AFN

AFN Advisory Board

AFN Founding Board Member Diana Faugno (left) with Dr. Michael Thali, Professor MD, director of the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the University of Zurich.

(left to right) Nancy Cabelus, Virginia Lynch and Pat Speck.

AFN members at the AAFS included Laurie Charles, Pat Speck, Diana Faugno, Jessica Volz, and Katie Wells.