Pathology/Biology

Academy Requirements

Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program that would support a forensic science career.

Section Requirements

NOTE: Applicants who have or are planning a career in a biological science without a doctorate degree level and/or in the forensic application of serology or human DNA analysis, should apply to the Criminalistics Section.

1. AAFS Basic Requirements for Student Affiliate must be fulfilled; and
2. Must be either a full-time medical student or a student enrolled in a graduate program in a biological science, or
3. Must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program with the intent of pursuing a career in forensic medicine or a forensic biological science, and
4. Provide one (1) letter of reference. Reference must be from the department chair, program director, or academic advisor and must be able to confirm the applicant's enrollment status.

Academy Requirements

1. Completed the educational requirements, but not the experience requirements for Associate Member
2. Must be actively working toward completion of the experience requirements through training program/employment that supports a forensic science career 

Section Requirements

NOTE: Applicants who have or are planning a career in a biological science without a doctorate degree level and/or in the forensic application of serology or human DNA analysis, should apply to the Criminalistics Section.

1. AAFS Basic Requirements for Trainee Affiliate must be fulfilled; and
2. Must plan to pursue a career in forensic medicine, veterinary medicine, or biological science.

Academy Requirements

1. Actively engaged in the field of forensic sciences and has made a significant contribution to the cause of advancing forensic science
2. Earned a baccalaureate or higher academic degree from a U.S. college/university accredited by one of the regional accrediting bodies
3. Has earned a baccalaureate or higher academic degree from a non-U.S. college or university bearing equivalent accreditation

Section Requirements

1. AAFS Basic Requirements for Associate Member must be fulfilled; and
2. Applicants must have earned a medical degree (MD, DO, DVM, or International Equivalent that would permit medical licensure in the United States or Canada), or a PhD in a biological science and have been actively engaged in their field of interest for at least one (1) year; and
3. Be actively engaged in the field of forensic science, including: forensic medicine, veterinary medicine, or other biological science at the time of application; and
4. Have made a significant contribution to the literature of forensic sciences, or have been pursuing a course of study as a resident in pathology or the disciplines described in paragraph 3, or have advanced the cause of forensic science in some other significant manner; and
5. Two (2) letters of reference. References must be full Members or Fellows of the AAFS and must be able to comment knowledgeably on the applicant's qualifications.
6. Areas of interest within the Pathology/Biology Section include, but are not limited to, the forensic application of:
   1. Botany
   2. Ecology
   3. Entomology
   4. Microbiology
   5. Palynology
   6. Medicine
   7. Veterinary Medicine

Academy Requirements

1. Attendance at the annual conferences and participation in the program
2. Performs outstanding service in the execution of his/her regular responsibilities
3. Contributions made to the AAFS or latest advancement as service to forensic science research
4. Service in the area of forensic science education or training acquired throughout his/her career

Section Requirements

While serving as an Associate Member, the applicant must:

1. Fulfill the AAFS Basic Requirements for Promotion; and
2. Register and attend a minimum of two (2) annual meetings of the AAFS and Pathology/Biology Section. The meeting at which the title of Associate Member was conferred, if attended, may be counted; however, the meeting at which the title of Member is being considered shall not be counted, and
3. Demonstrate active engagement in a field of forensic science including pathology, forensic pathology, forensic medicine, veterinary pathology; or other biological science.

References not required.

Academy Requirements 

1. Attendance at the annual conferences and participation in the program
2. Performs outstanding service in the execution of his/her regular responsibilities
3. Contributions made to the AAFS or latest advancement as service to forensic science research
4. Service in the area of forensic science education or training acquired throughout his/her career

Section Requirements

While serving as a Member, the applicant must:

1. Fulfill the AAFS Basic Requirements for Promotion; and
2. Register and attend a minimum of two (2) annual meetings of the AAFS and Pathology/Biology Section. The meeting at which the title of Member was conferred, if attended, may be counted; however, the meeting at which the title of Fellow is begin considered shall not be counted; and
3. Demonstrate active engagement in a field of forensic science including pathology, forensic pathology, forensic medicine, veterinary pathology, or other biological science; and
4. Advance the work and purpose of the Pathology/Biology Section by:
   1. Presentation of one (1) or more oral or poster sessions at an annual meeting; or
   2. Publication of one (1) or more articles in the Journal of Forensic Sciences.

References not required.