Forensic Sciences Unit at Chaminade University

Kylie Santos came from the Bay Area in California to Honolulu to pursue her dream of becoming a forensic scientist.

During her four years at Chaminade University, she consistently demonstrated a passion for forensic sciences. She achieved the highest level of academic performance in her major and excelled in extracurricular activities, service, leadership, ethics, and professionalism.

Kylie has demonstrated their interpersonal skills in the classroom and stands out as a respected leader among peers and instructors. She was one of the laboratory assistants in the Forensic Science Unit, where she continued showing her forensic skills and knowledge.

Kylie’s graduation was on Saturday, May 9th, and during the Commencement Ceremony, she was recognized as the Outstanding Forensic Science Student for the Class of 2026.

Congratulations, Kylie! We are confident that you will have a bright future in forensic sciences.

🎓✨ Congratulations to the FS Class of 2026! ✨🎓

Tonight at the Graduation Ceremony, we celebrate your hard work, dedication, and accomplishments. Wishing each of you success and happiness in your next chapter! 🌟

👏 Congratulations to:

• Aili Itoga
• Nathaniel Mendez
• Hannah Alicto
• Akasha Youn
• Randrielle Yola
• Harlee Wong
• Brenyn Weaver
• Tianna Staveris
• Kylie Santos
• Jett Jones
• Jin Hyun
• Autumn Garlutzo
• Anissa Florendo
• Jessica Dixon
• Molly Cookman
• Raquel Chavez
• Claire Carse
• Micahella Butardo
• Alexis Bambino

Your future is bright. Keep striving, leading, and inspiring! 🎉🎓

❤️

🔬🕵️‍♀️ STEMMY’s Award Spotlight: Forensics Competition 🕵️‍♂️🔬

The 17th Annual Hawaii 2026 STEM Conference held its very first Forensic Sciences Competition.

The STEMMY’s Award celebrates the exciting field of Forensic Science! Students demonstrated their investigative skills by analyzing evidence, interpreting crime scenes, and estimating the manner of death through a virtual case study. ⚖️🧪

This year’s event was made possible through our partnership with the Forensic Sciences Unit at Chaminade University of Honolulu!

In this inaugural forensic competition, Kylie Santos, the 2026 Outstanding Forensic Sciences Student, and Dr. Carlos Gutierrez served as judges, announcing the winners during the Conference.

Participants examined virtual crime scenes and analyzed evidence to determine if the case was:

🔎 Homicide
🔎 Su***de
🔎 Natural
🔎 Accidental

Their critical thinking, teamwork, and scientific reasoning were truly impressive!

And the winners are:

Middle School Category:
Zoe Lorna Danner, Samuel Ikaika Lund, Katherine Eleurtaria Galicinao; from Kihei Charter Middle School

High School Category:
Leah Nguyen, Kaden Anthony, Raquel Cabusas; from H.P. Baldwin High School

Congratulations futureforensic scientists!!

Last week marked the excitement of Finals week in the lab!
All FS-233L Physical Evidence Laboratory students showcased their cumulative knowledge through a series of thrilling forensic tests. 🔬🫆🥼 Armed with these skills, you're ready to tackle your next forensic adventure. Looking forward to seeing everyone next academic year in FS 340/L CSI! 🕵️🏽

We were excited. Last Wednesday and yesterday, the Forensic Science class from Waiʻanae High School visited our Forensic Sciences Department at Chaminade University! 🔬🧪
The High School students had the opportunity to explore our beautiful campus and gain hands-on experience in Labs and our Crime Scene House. They also had the opportunity to interact with our FS Students and Dr. G. From crime scene investigation basics to lab demonstrations, it was an engaging and inspiring experience for everyone involved.
Mahalo to the students and teacher Kaleo of Waiʻanae High School for visiting us. We hope to see you again soon as future members of our Forensic Ohana! 🌟

We are proud to celebrate our students, including our forensic sciences students Kylie Santos, Micahella Butardo, Faith Slansky, Julia Barbieri, and Sophia Hayes, who presented their research at the 24th Annual Nā Liko Naʻauao Conference on April 24th with the guidance of their faculty mentor our Dr. G! 🌿✨
Their presentations showcased not only academic excellence, but also a deep commitment to ʻike (knowledge), culture, and community. From innovative research to meaningful storytelling, our students represented us with confidence, passion, and purpose.
Mahalo to the organizers, mentors, and everyone who supports these incredible learning opportunities. And a special congratulations to our presenters—we are so proud of you! 💚

Last Friday was a special day; we celebrated our FS 2026 Ho’olaule’a (Jubilee).

During the ceremony, we honored 30 years of the Forensic Sciences Program and recognized all the students, staff, faculty, and Directors who have contributed to its success.

We also celebrated the FS 2026 Class; all seniors received the FS challenge coin, a bullet buddy (coin holder), and the CUH Alumni Pin.

Every year, Chaminade University honors the Outstanding Student from each program. This year, it was a tough decision, and for the first time, we also recognized the second-place winner. Congratulations, Micahela Butardo🎉

The Forensic Sciences Unit is proud to announce that the 2026 FS Outstanding Student is KYLIE M. SANTOS, well deserved 🥳🎉

Finally, congratulations to all the volunteer FS students, without you, this celebration wouldn’t have been possible 👏🏽👏🏽

🎉Congratulations Class of 2026!!🎊

This week in Physical Evidence Lab, our students explored the world of forensic microanthropology 🔬
They learned how to prepare properly and sand samples for observation under a polarized light microscope, and applied their skills to distinguish between human and non-human bone.
A hands-on look at microscopic evidence, showing that even the smallest details can play a critical role in forensic analysis!

We can’t wait to see you tomorrow!🤩💙 While lighter rain is expected, please plan for wet conditions and wear comfortable clothing and shoes with good grip.

If conditions in your area are unsafe, we encourage you to stay where you are. Please email [email protected] if you need to cancel or have any questions/concerns. Mahalo!