The WVU Forensic & Investigative Science Club is a recognized West Virginia University Student Organization. The club started in 2001 and currently has over 180 members. Students may join the club at the beginning of the fall semester.
The club meets on one Thursday of every month during the academic year at 5:00 p.m. in Ming Hsieh Hall, room G20. All students majoring or minoring in Forensic & Investigative Science are encouraged to join the club and participate in the many professional and social events offered by the Club. The Club Advisor, Mrs. Tiffany Edwards, Teaching Assistant Professor, can be reached at 304-293-8606 or tiffany.edwards1@mail.wvu.edu.
Visit the club website at https://forensicclub.orgs.wvu.edu/.
Spring 2026 Events and Meetings
- January 15th at 5:30pm in MHH G21
- Michael Hadsell (and Splash, the first operational recovery otter) from Peace River K9 Search & Rescue Association
- February 5th at 5:30pm in MHH G21
- Quinn Embrey: Forensic Biology in New York OCME, WVU Alumni
- March 5th at 5:30pm in MHH G21
- Bill Dundon: U.S. Marshall's Service
- April 2nd at 5:30pm in MHH G21
- Speaker TBA
- Follow us on Instagram for updates!
Club Dues
- Semester dues: $15
- Annual dues: $25
- Annual dues + short-sleeve T-shirt: $35
- Annual dues + long-sleeve T-shirt: $40
You can pay for merchandise via Venmo, cash or check.
Venmo: @WVU-FIS-Club
Already a member? Make sure you've done the following:- Requested membership through our WVUEngage page
Merchandise
Please visit our office hours in OGH 105 or come to different meetings/events if you are interested in purchasing merchandise. You can pay for merchandise via Venmo, cash or check.
Events and Activities
The Club sponsors and supports various events and activities throughout the year such as:
- Speakers on various forensic science subjects. Past meeting presenters were experts in their field including an FBI agent, Forensic odontologist, Innocence Project attorney, motivational speaker, DNA scientist, crime scene investigator, a psychologist speaking about dealing with stress and a Crime Scene reconstructionist.
- Educational conferences such as the American Academy of Forensic Science, Chesapeake Bay Division of the International Association for Identification and the Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Scientists.
- Social activities such as hosting a ‘welcome back’ picnic within the first two weeks of the fall semester, Fright Farm night, Zombie Walk, bowling, movie night and other fun outings.
- Community projects such as filling stockings for children served by the Salvation Army, Special Olympics, Bartlett House, Nursing Homes, WVU Children’s Hospital, County School System Science Fairs, Fingerprinting Children at Mountaineer Week Family Fun Day and Trunk or Treat Night.
- The Club also partakes in field trips throughout the academic year. Past trips have included The FBI CJIS Headquarters in Clarksburg, FBI Headquarters/Laboratory in Quantico, VA, West Virginia State Police Crime Laboratory, Medical Examiner’s Office, Forensic Laboratories and Police Stations.
- Designing and selling WVU forensic science merchandise including t-shirts, jackets, and other items.
To join the WVU Forensic & Investigative Science Club, come to a meeting or contact us at the following email wvufisclub@gmail.com or visit https://forensicclub.orgs.wvu.edu/.
Follow Us
Officers & Contact
President: Estella (Reece) Miller
Email: erm00028@mix.wvu.edu
Forensic Examiner, Senior
Biography: Estella Miller, also known as Reese, is from Charleston, West Virginia and is a senior pursuing a degree in forensic examination and a minor in criminology. She has been a member of the forensic club since the second semester of her freshman year, and being a member of the FIS club has taught her about the different career paths that someone can take in the world of forensic science as well as allowing her to meet and connect with members of that community. Outside of school, she likes to hang out with her friends and family, watch a good movie/show, and travel. She is very excited to be the president for the club and get to meet and connect with the members and speakers that come to its events. She is very excited for this year!
Vice President: Amber Morgan
Email: am00221@mix.wvu.edu
Forensic Examiner and Psychology, Junior
Biography: Amber is a junior Forensic Examiner and Psychology dual major. Originally from Temecula, California, her parents both worked for California Highway Patrol, which sparked an interest in crime scene investigation, criminal psychology, and forensics as a whole. She first came to WVU in high school to participate in FIS summer camp, where she fell in love with the school and its forensic science program. In addition to acting as the FIS Club Vice President, she is a member of Professor Edwards's WVU Unsolved Case Research group. She is also part of Alpha Omega Epsilon sorority representing women in STEM and male-dominated fields.
Treasurer: Jordyn Houck
Email: jah00058@mix.wvu.edu
Forensic Examiner, Senior
Biography: Jordyn is a senior forensic examiner major with a minor in criminology who will be graduating in the spring. Outside of classes she enjoys working at the Kidzone at the Rec Center and the Crafts Section at Up All Night. Jordyn is originally from Douglassville, PA and her hobbies include shopping, hanging out with friends, and traveling. She is very excited to be Treasurer of forensics club!
Secretary: Hayley Lane
Email: hll00010@mix.wvu.edu
Forensic Chemistry, Junior
Event Coordinator: Jake Howard
Email: jlh00031@mix.wvu.edu
Forensic Examiner, Senior
Biography: Jacob Howard is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is a senior pursuing a degree in forensic examination with a minor in psychology. Jake is a recent active member of the Forensics Club, but is excited about the opportunity to make connections and friendships with other students under the forensics program. Upon graduation, he plans on going into the FBI or BCI. Outside of class, Jacob enjoys sports such as golf, pickleball, and volleyball along with spending time with his friends and family. He is super excited to have the honor to continue to plan fun and exciting events for the Forensics Club!
Parliamentarian: Alissa Silva
Email: aks00029@mix.wvu.edu
Forensic Examiner and Criminology, Junior
Biography: Alissa Silva is from Lewes, Delaware, and is a junior dual majoring in Forensic Examiner and Criminology programs. Alissa has been a member of the club since the spring of 2024 and has enjoyed the interesting and educational opportunities it has provided her. During her free time, Alissa is a member of the WVU Club Swim team and serves as a safety officer in the club. She likes to stay active during the school year to prepare for the summers in Delaware as an ocean lifeguard. She is looking forward to providing club members with fun merchandise for the 2025-2026 school year!
Club Advisor: Tiffany Edwards
Email: tiffany.edwards1@mail.wvu.edu
Please contact Professor Edwards with questions regarding the club.
Biography:
Professor Edwards graduated with a B.S in Criminal Justice with minors in Chemistry and Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and a M.S with an emphasis in Technical Investigations from the University of Central Oklahoma. She has worked as a certified Medicolegal Death Investigator for the Shelby County Medical Examiner’s Office in Memphis, TN. Professor Edwards is a former sworn Special Agent with South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) who worked in Crime Scene Investigation, Latent Print Examination, and the Special Victim Unit for Child Fatality. Professor Edwards is currently a teaching assistant professor at WVU in the Crime Scene Investigation I and II and Forensic Death Investigation courses. She also leads Undergraduate Research with the WVU Unsolved Case Project. Professor Edwards is also the WVU Forensic and Investigative Science Club Advisor.
WVU FIS Office Hours
Be sure to stop by Oglebay Hall (OGH) 105 to attend office hours. Ask questions or purchase merch!
Past Events and Meetings include
- Mark Lambert - West Virginia State Fire Academy, Director of Fire Extension Services
- Heather Mahalik - WVU FIS Alumna, Digital Evidence
- Dana Johnson - Mon. Co. Canine Adoption Center - Warden
- S.J. McLaughlin & Kendall Perkinson - Appalachian Mysteria - Podcast Host
- Justin Van Tromp - WVU Alum working at the Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Alisha Simoson and Lexine Kallish - Dauphin County Coroner's Office
- Living Learning Community Event: Tour of FBI CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Services) Facility
- Quinn Embrey - New York OCME
- Holly Dunn - Sole Survivor of the Railroad Serial Killer
- Ken Sanford - Biometric Research
- Nathan Weston - Foster and Freeman
- Tony Hussion - Intelligence Specialist at US Attorney's Office
- Jason Baltic - WV Deputy State Fire Marshall, Chief Investigator
- Det. Chelsey Simonds and Det. Adam Lusk - Prince George's County Police Department
- Kialee Bowles, Meredith Goebel, Rachel Newton, Brant Bandow - Miami Valley Regional Crime Laboratory
- Lt. Erica Budd - Charles County Sheriff's Office Crime Lab
- Detective Amy Johnson - Kane County Sheriff's Office
- December Forensic Formal
- Welcome Back Picnic
- WVU Decide Day
- Trunk or Treat
- Fright Farm
