ORISE Featurecast

Author: Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education

This is the ORISE FeatureCast. Join host Michael Holtz for conversations with ORISE experts on STEM workforce development, scientific and technical reviews, and the evaluation of radiation exposure and environmental contamination. Youll also hear from ORISE research program participants and their mentors as they talk about their experiences and how they are helping shape the future of science. Welcome to the ORISE Featurecast.
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Language: en-us

Genres: Government, Natural Sciences, Science

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'Once I saw how science can help solve a crime, I was hooked:' A conversation with Valisha Edwards, FBI Visiting Scientist Program
Episode 11
Wednesday, 10 September, 2025

Valisha Edwards is an ORISE Fellow in the FBI Visiting Scientist Program. At the time of this conversation, Edwards was in the Counterterrorism and Forensic Science Research Unit where she managed multiple projects ranging from primary explosives to toxicology, overseeing analytical techniques and instrumentation that pertains to these projects. "I typically map out the research in general in its entirety, and then I just do the testing that's required for each project," she said. Edwards has previous experience as a forensic chemist and a police laboratory criminalist. Still, like many of us, she struggles with imposter syndrome. Learn more about Edwards and her research during this thoughtful and engaging conversation. Learn more about the FBI Visiting Scientist Program here: https://orise.orau.gov/fbi/profiles/index.html