By Hazel Scott/ASU
Christina Harris, a dedicated forensic science master’s student at Alabama State University, has won first place in the graduate-level oral presentation category at the prestigious Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference. Held from March 19 to 21, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia, the event gathered top young scientists from across the nation.
Harris, who previously earned a double major in Forensic Biology and Forensic Chemistry at ASU, impressed judges with her research on thanatomicrobiome — the community of microbes present after death — in substance abuse disorder cases. She analyzed postmortem tissues from 20 overdose deaths compared to 20 non-overdose cases, using samples from the University of Pavia, Italy. Her work sheds light on complex biological processes with implications for forensic investigations.
Prof. Gulnaz Javan, coordinator of ASU’s forensic biology program and Christina’s faculty advisor, expressed immense pride: “Christina continues to help ASU and our forensic program shine on a national level.”
Christina described the ERN conference as inspiring and insightful, appreciating the chance to connect with peers who represent the future of science.
Dr. Robert L. Green, chair of ASU’s Department of Physical and Forensic Science, emphasized that Christina’s achievement not only highlights her research capabilities, but it also strengthens the national reputation of ASU’s forensic science program.
The ERN Conference, hosted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science in collaboration with the National Science Foundation, supports diverse STEM students in developing their careers, underscoring ASU’s commitment to fostering the next generation of scientific leaders.