Registration Open Now!
The 2026 Student Animal Forensic Investigations Symposium is a one-day event, offered in Gainesville, Florida. The symposium will be hosted by the University of Florida’s Veterinary Forensic Sciences Laboratory, in collaboration with multiple UF Student groups including:
- The Forensic Science Association
The symposium is open to undergraduate (including veterinary technology students) and graduate students (including veterinary and law students) interested in learning about the animal forensic sciences, animal law, and animal welfare. This unique learning opportunity will teach students about investigating crimes against animals from multiple perspectives. Sessions will be taught by animal cruelty investigators, prosecutors, veterinarians, and forensic scientists. This symposium will raise awareness about animal cruelty, educate participants on the role of animal forensic science in criminal investigations, and provide resources for further study on this important topic. Attendees will also have the opportunity to network with experts in the animal forensic sciences.
There is no cost to attend the symposium.
Date
Saturday, April 18, 2026 (10:00 am to 3:00 pm)
Lunch will be provided
Location
University of Florida
College of Veterinary Medicine
Small Animal Hospital Building (Banfield Meeting Rooms A/B), 2089 SW 16th Ave. Gainesville, Florida
Confirmed Speakers
- Dr. Adam Stern – Professor of Forensic Pathology, University of Florida
- Dr. Samantha Polk – Clinical Instructor of Veterinary Forensic Pathology, University of Florida
- Jamie McManus – Adjunct Clinical Professor, University of Florida
- Dr. Eileen Roy-Zokan – Research Scientist, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Agenda
- 10:00 am – 10:30 am – Dr. Adam Stern, Introduction to Animal Forensic Science
- 10:30 am – 11:00 am – Jamie McManus, Animal Law
- 11:00 am – 11:30 am – Dr. Eileen Roy-Zokan, Forensic DNA Analysis
- 11:30 am – 12:00 pm – Dr. Samantha Polk, Screening and Confirmation Toxicology Testing
- 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – Lunch Break (lunch provided)
- 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm – Dr. Adam Stern, Forensic Photography
- 1:30 pm – 2:00 pm – Dr. Eileen Roy-Zokan, Photogrammetry in Forensic Investigations
- 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Dr. Adam Stern, Forensic Pathology