FSIO Meeting Minutes 2024
Meeting Minutes for the Forensic Science Institute of Ohio
A Meeting of the FSIO was called to order at 10:06 am, on March 14, 2024, at the Ohio Fire Academy, Room 2303, 8895 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio. President-Elect Dan Baker (Franklin Co.) presided over the meeting.
The following Members and guests were present in person or via Microsoft Teams:
Bob Budgake (Canton/Stark-Retired), Nasir Butt (Cuyahoga Co.), David Cogan (Toledo), Brooke Ehlers (Miami Valley), Angela Farrington (Columbus), Eric Fashano (Central Ohio Regional Crime Lab-Newark), Michele Foster (Canton-Stark Co.), Kylie Graham (BCI-Richfield), Mark Hiatt (Central Ohio Regional Crime Lab-Newark), Harmeet Kaur (Cuyahoga Co.), Laura Kimble (Hamilton Co.), Kaitlyn Nicholson (Montgomery Co.), (Heather Sheskey (OSHP), Meredith Sweeney (Columbus), Jennifer Watson (Miami Valley), Emily Weber (Hamilton Co.), Michelle Welch (Montgomery Co.), Chad Wissinger (State Fire Marshal) and Jennifer Yoak (Miami Valley). A quorum was present. Twelve (12) of the eighteen (18) eligible voters attended.
Secretary Budgake presented the minutes of the December 7, 2023, Annual Meeting. The minutes were reviewed and approved. Motion, Chad Wissinger; Second, Dan Baker. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Treasurer Chad Wissinger proffered the Treasurer’s report. Chad disclosed that the FSIO has a checking, PayPal and savings account balance of $29,766 and a Tong Award’s Fund balance of $37,430.
Old Business:
Dan Baker announced that he and Brooke Ehlers will offer a free virtual 30-minute workshop regarding lab efficiency. This is tentatively scheduled for 11 am, June 27, 2024. Dan requested that this offering be open to others (i.e. administrators) not directly associated with FSIO. The membership concurred. Dan indicated that an advertisement will be forthcoming.
No update was available regarding a future Ohio firearm examiner’s meeting. At our December 2023 meeting, Chad Wissinger volunteered their facility to host this event. Also, Mike Trimpe (Hamilton Co.) requested that the lab directors send a list of their firearms/NIBIN examiners, to aid in organizing this event, to Bridget.chambers@hamilton-co.org . Additionally, the FSIO previously approved providing up to $500 for lunch regarding this meeting.
Emily Weber announced that there are currently no vacancies for the free trace evidence workshop entitled, Basic Tapes, sponsored by the American Society of Trace Evidence Examiners (ASTEE), being offered April 16-18, 2024, at Hamilton County Coroner’s Lab. The FSIO previously voted to provide up to $500 for lunch on one of the workshop days.
Heather Sheskey (hsheskey@dps.ohio.gov) stated that OSHP will sponsor a free drug chemistry training program on November 7, 2024, at OSHP academy. OSHP will provide lunch for all the attendees. Tentatively, they intend to have the following topics covered:
- Drug K9 demo
- OSHP conversion to hydrogen as an instrument carrier gas
- OSHP new LC procedures
- OSHP toxicology section update
- Field agent perspective of clandestine labs
- Officer perspective regarding drug use recognition
- Nitazene compounds, Dr. Donna Lula, of Cayman Chemical,
Motion by Heather Sheskey for FSIO to pay Dr. Lula’s travel expenses, who is traveling from Michigan, not to exceed $1,000; Second, Chad Wissinger. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Brooke Ehlers confirmed that they are collaborating with MAFS to present a “Building a Positive Team Culture Workshop”, May 7-9, 2024, in Dayton. The workshop fee is $450 for MAFS members and $550 for non-members. Brooke stated she just forwarded the course flyer to Secretary Budgake for distribution.
LeAnne Suchanek (Lake Co.) was not present to discuss organizing a meeting of the Ohio DNA labs. This meeting could be used to discuss individual lab grant allocations and other topics of interest. Angela Farrington asked Secretary Budgake to reach out to LeAnne to determine where she is at regarding organizing this meeting.
Bob Budgake revealed the Tong Award Fund Trustees (Rebecca Barlag (Ohio U.), Bob Budgake, Sonja Rawn (Ohio U./State Fire Marshal), Larry Rentz (Retired BCI) and Chad Wissinger met virtually, in January, to discuss increasing the scholarship awards given to qualifying Ohio University Forensic Chemistry students. The Trustees increased these scholarships from $150 to $250.
New Business:
Bob Budgake presented the Member applications of the following, all from Miami Valley Crime Lab/Coroner’s Office:
- Kaitlyn Nicholson, QA Manager Coroner’s Office
- Jennifer Watson, Crime Lab Chemistry Technical Leader
- Dora Michelle Welch, Morgue Supervisor
- Jennifer Yoak, Crime Lab Latent Print Technical Leader
Brooke Ehlers highly recommended all these candidates. Motion to approve these applications, Bob Budgake; Second Angela Farrington. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Bob Budgake presented the Associate Member application of Morgan Shuttleworth, Assistant Toxicologist, Franklin County Coroner’s Office. Jennifer Hobbs highly recommended this candidate. Motion to approve this application, Bob Budgake; Second Chad Wissinger. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Bob Budgake stated that he had an Associate Member application from Attorney Michael R. Moran. This candidate was recommended by Rebecca Barlag. Since Rebecca was not present to discuss this application, this was tabled until our June meeting.
Bob Budgake revealed that he received the blessing from the Tong awards Fund Trustees to pursue the following: On December 7, 2000, FSIO entered into contract with James Tong, to manage this fund, created for the purpose of providing four scholarships for Ohio U. forensic chemistry students and students with the top forensic science themed projects at the State science fair. Dr. James Tong (Ohio U.) donated $20,000 for this cause. Subsequently, Bill Dean (Retired-Hamilton Co.) also gave a generous donation. This fund now has a current balance of $37,430. FSIO has invested these monies and uses the proceeds to fund these awards. The last line of the Tong contract reads as follows, “The Board of Trustees may also consider giving recognitions to students in our significant graduate and undergraduate degree programs in forensic science in Ohio if the income in the Fund warrants such addition.” Bob stated that for FSIO to expand this scholarship program to other schools in Ohio, we will need to seek donations. After a lengthy discussion, Bob made the following motion:
- FSIO actively seek donations from members and others to expand our scholarship program to other FEPAC accredited forensic science programs in Ohio, which at this time would include Bowling Green U., Defiance College, Malone U., Ohio Northern U., Ohio U. and Youngstown St. U. Also, Bob further motioned to have FSIO match any size donation for a three-year period, expiring 12-31-2026. Additionally, FSIO’s maximum liability for this match is capped at $10,000.
Chad Wissinger seconded this motion. All Members voted in the affirmative. Dan Baker and Jennifer Hobbs suggested that when we send out the annual dues’ invoices, that an option to donate be made available. Bob indicated that we would need a minimum of $20-30K to generate enough income to expand this scholarship program. Considering the FSIO match, this drops the needed donations to $10-20K. Chad said that any donation checks should be made to the FSIO and sent to him (FSIO Treasurer, State Fire Marshal, Forensic Lab, 895 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-3399) or he can send a PayPal invoice for the donated amount cwissinger@com.state.oh.us . Bob also advised, that since we are an incorporated non-profit, these donations are tax deductible, if you can use this deduction.
Brooke Ehlers wanted to ascertain the membership’s interest in a four-hour workshop entitled, “Evidence-Based Education: How to Improve Your Teaching Based on the Science of Learning. This is targeted for those you do training. The course would be hosted at Miami Valley, in the Fall of 2024. The instructor will be Dr. Bobbi Conner, Clinical Associate Professor and Service Chief, Emergency and Critical Care Director, of the Intensive Care Unit, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Brooke stated that the instructor’s fee will be the cost of travel and a $2,000 honorarium. There was sufficient interest from the Members to move forward. Brooke indicated that the cost of the workshop would depend on the number of attendees. The instructor asked for a sixty-attendee cap. Brooke indicated that she would send out an inquiry email to determine interest and report back.
Bob Budgake revealed that Angela Farrington and Meredith Sweeney were in the process of completing the annual audit of the FSIO financial records for 2023.
The next meeting of the FSIO will be 10 am, Thursday, June 13, 2024. Dan Baker asked to host this meeting at the Franklin County Coroner’s Office, 2090 Frank Rd. SW, Columbus, OH 43223, with the option of attending via Microsoft Teams. Motion, Dan Baker; Second, Chad Wissinger. All Members voted in the affirmative. Dan offered to give a tour of this facility at this meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 11:24 am. Motion, Chad Wissinger; Second, Bob Budgake. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert E. Budgake, Secretary, FSIO
Meeting Minutes for the Forensic Science Institute of Ohio
A Meeting of the FSIO was called to order at 10:05 am, on June 13, 2024, at the Franklin County Coroner’s Office, 2090 Frank Rd. SW, Columbus, Ohio 43223. President-Elect Dan Baker (Franklin Co.) presided over the meeting.
The following Members and guests were present in person or via Microsoft Teams:
Bob Budgake (Canton/Stark-Retired), David Cogan (Toledo), Brooke Ehlers (Miami Valley), Angela Farrington (Columbus), Peter Harrington (Ohio U.), Mark Hiatt (Central Ohio Regional Crime Lab-Newark), Laura Kimble (Hamilton Co.), Gillian Person (Lorain Co.), Sonja Rawn (State Fire Marshal), Brian Scowden (Hamilton Co.), Morgan Shuttleworth (Franklin Co.), Heather Sheskey (OSHP), Jami StClair (Retired- Columbus), Lynne Strainic (BCI-London), Meredith Sweeney (Columbus), Shaena Taylor (Cuyahoga Co.) and Brandon Werry (OSHP). Emily Weber (Hamilton Co.) and Chad Wissinger (State Fire Marshal) were represented by proxy. A quorum was present. Twelve (12) of the seventeen (17) eligible voters attended.
Secretary Budgake presented the minutes of the March 14, 2024, Meeting. The minutes were reviewed and approved. Motion, Angela Farrington; Second, Mark Hiatt. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Sonja Rawn proffered the Treasurer’s report. Sonja disclosed that the FSIO has a checking, PayPal and savings account balance of $29,311 and a Tong Award’s Fund balance of $35,843.
Old Business:
Angela Farrington revealed that Meredith Sweeney and herself conducted an audit of the FSIO 2023 financial records, on March 14, 2024 and found everything in order.
Dan Baker stated that he and Brooke Ehlers will offer a free virtual 30-minute workshop regarding lab efficiency. Dan asked that this workshop be pushed back from June to later in the year.
Brian Scowden divulged that a state firearms examiner’s meeting took place on June 7th and all went well. Over twenty attendees participated. Angela Farrington highly recommended that ALL future state meetings should have an agenda created for administrative purposes. The membership concurred.
Brian Scowden revealed that the trace evidence workshop entitled, Basic Tapes, sponsored by the American Society of Trace Evidence Examiners (ASTEE), was held at their facility April 16-18, 2024. The FSIO previously voted to provide lunch on one of the workshop days. Brian indicated that this course was video recorded and will be available via ASTEE in the future.
Heather Sheskey affirmed that OSHP is still sponsoring a free drug chemistry training program on November 7, 2024, at OSHP academy. OSHP will provide lunch for all the attendees. Tentatively, they intend to have the following topics covered:
- Drug K9 demo
- OSHP conversion to hydrogen as an instrument carrier gas
- OSHP new LC procedures
- OSHP toxicology section update
- Field agent perspective of clandestine labs
- Officer perspective regarding drug use recognition
- Nitazene compounds, Dr. Donna Lula, of Cayman Chemical,
Previously FSIO agreed to pay Dr. Lula’s travel expenses, who is traveling from Michigan, not to exceed $1,000.
Brooke Ehlers reported the “Building a Positive Team Culture Workshop”, May 7-9, 2024, in Dayton, went well. There were approximately seventeen (17) attendees. Heather Sheskey attended and spoke very highly of the presentation.
Bob Budgake, via LeAnne Suchanek (Lake Co.), divulged that a meeting of the Ohio DNA Technical Leaders took place April 24th. At least one attendee per Ohio DNA lab were in attendance. The meeting was most informative and productive. They discussed a variety of topics including DNA CEBR grant funding allocations. The attendees concurred that this meeting should be organized annually.
Brooke Ehlers ehlersb@mcohio.org advised that the workshop entitled, “Evidence-Based Education: How to Improve Your Teaching Based on the Science of Learning, is proceeding. This is targeted for those who do training. The course will be in Dayton, August 5th, from 10am to 3pm. There will be an hour for lunch. The instructor will be Dr. Bobbi Conner, Clinical Associate Professor and Service Chief, Emergency and Critical Care Director, of the Intensive Care Unit, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Brooke indicated that they have fifteen registered for this offering. Angela Farrington motioned that FSIO pay the $50 registration fee for up to two attendees per FSIO member organization; Second, Brandon Werry. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Bob Budgake updated the membership regarding extending the Tong scholarship funds to students of other FEPAC accredited schools in Ohio. Bob stated that at this time, there are only two programs with such accreditation, those being Bowling Green and Ohio U. Bob reiterated that FSIO needs a minimum of $20-30K to generate enough income to expand this scholarship program to Bowling Green students. At our last meeting the FSIO agreed to match any donation, capped at $10,000, Any donation checks should be made to the FSIO and sent to Chad Wissinger, FSIO Treasurer, State Fire Marshal, Forensic Lab, 895 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-339) or he can send a PayPal invoice for the donated amount cwissinger@com.state.oh.us .
New Business:
Bob Budgake presented the Member application of Cody Braley, PhD, the new Director of the Canton-Stark County Crime Lab. Cody is replacing Michele Foster, who has recently retired. Michele Foster highly recommended this candidate. Motion to approve this application, Bob Budgake; Second Sonja Rawn. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Bob Budgake stated that he had an Associate Member application from Attorney Michael R. Moran. This candidate was forwarded by Rebecca Barlag. Bob Budgake motioned that since Rebecca was not present to discuss this application, the membership table it until our September meeting; Second Dan Baker. All Members voted in the affirmative.
The next meeting of the FSIO will be 10 am, Thursday, September 12, 2024, at the Ohio Fire Academy, 8895 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio, with the option of attending via Microsoft Teams. Motion, Bob Budgake; Second, Dan Baker. All Members voted in the affirmative.
The meeting adjourned at 10:32 am. Motion, Dan Baker; Second, Bob Budgake. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert E. Budgake, Secretary, FSIO
Meeting Minutes for the Forensic Science Institute of Ohio
A Meeting of the FSIO was called to order at 10:02 am, on September 12, 2024, at the Ohio Fire Academy, Room 2303, 8895 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio. President LeAnne Suchanek (Lake Co.) presided over the meeting remotely, with Treasurer Chad Wissinger (State Fire Marshal) being the onsite coordinator.
The following Members were also present in person or via Microsoft Teams: Rebecca Barlag (Ohio U.), Cody Braley (Canton-Stark Co.), Bob Budgake (Canton/Stark-Retired), David Cogan (Toledo), Brooke Ehlers (Miami Valley), Angela Farrington (Columbus), Jeff Lynn (BGSU), Brian Scowden (Hamilton Co.), Heather Sheskey (OSHP), Brandon Werry (OSHP) and Jennifer Yoak (Miami Valley). A quorum was present. Eleven (11) of the seventeen (17) eligible voters attended.
Secretary Budgake presented the minutes of the June 13, 2024, Meeting. The minutes were reviewed and approved. Motion, Bob Budgake; Second, Angela Farrington. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Chad Wissinger proffered the Treasurer’s report. Chad disclosed that the FSIO has a checking, PayPal and savings account balance of $28,772 and a Tong Award’s Fund balance of $37,607.
Old Business:
Previously, Dan Baker and Brooke Ehlers offered to organize a free virtual 30-minute workshop regarding lab efficiency. Brooke Ehlers had no update regarding this offering.
Heather Sheskey affirmed that OSHP is still sponsoring a free drug chemistry training program at 8am, on November 7, 2024, at the OSHP academy, 740 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, OH. OSHP will provide a free lunch for all the attendees. The tentative agenda is as follows:
- K9 demo
- OSHP conversion to hydrogen as an instrument carrier gas
- OSHP new LC procedures
- OSHP toxicology section update
- Field agent perspective of clandestine labs
- Officer perspective regarding drug use recognition
- Nitazene compounds
Previously, the FSIO approved paying Dr. Lula’s (Cayman Chemical) travel expenses, not to exceed $1,000, regarding the Nitazene presentation. Dr. Lula is not able to attend, due to a schedule conflict. Heather motioned to amend this previously approved expenditure, for the substitute speaker from Cayman Chemical, Danielle St. Germaine, for travel expenses, not to exceed $1,000; Second, Chad Wissinger. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Brooke Ehlers reported that the workshop entitled, “Evidence-Based Education: How to Improve Your Teaching Based on the Science of Learning”, was held August 5th, in Dayton. The target audience for this workshop was for training instructors. Brooke received good feedback from her employees who attended. Also, one of her employees created a training manual based on the information conveyed. The membership notified Brooke that no one has yet received an invoice for this training. Brooke indicated that she would look into this. The FSIO previously approved paying the $50 registration fee for up to two attendees per FSIO member organization. Four attendees took advantage of this offer. Their invoices will be sent directly to FSIO Treasurer Wissinger. Brooke indicated that this course may be a possible offering at next year’s MAFS meeting in Columbus.
New Business:
The next meeting of the FSIO, which is our Annual Meeting, will be 10 am, Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the Ohio Fire Academy, 8895 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio, with the option of attending via Microsoft Teams. Motion, Chad Wissinger; Second, Bob Budgake. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Bob Budgake advised that at our December meeting we will need to vote for next years FSIO officers. Namely President-Elect (takes office in 2026), Secretary and Treasurer. Bob indicated that Jen Duvall (BCI), who is the Past-President, is responsible for developing a slate of candidates. Anyone interested in serving should contact Jen jennifer.duvall@ohioago.gov or Bob rbudgake@neo.rr.com .
The meeting adjourned at 10:18 am. Motion, Chad Wissinger; Second, Bob Budgake. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert E. Budgake, Secretary, FSIO
Meeting Minutes for the Forensic Science Institute of Ohio
The Annual Meeting of the FSIO was called to order at 10:05 am, on December 12, 2024, at the Ohio Fire Academy, Room 2303, 8895 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio. President-Elect Dan Baker (Franklin Co.) presided over the meeting.
The following Members and guests were also present in person or via Microsoft Teams: Rebecca Barlag (Ohio U.), Cody Braley (Canton-Stark Co.), Bob Budgake (Canton/Stark-Retired), David Cogan (Toledo), Jennifer Duvall (BCI-London), Brooke Ehlers (Miami Valley), Tim Elliget (Central Ohio Regional Crime Lab-Newark), Kylie Graham (BCI- Richfield), Jeff Lynn (BGSU), Kaitlyn Nicholson (Montgomery Co.), Heather Sheskey (OSHP), Jim Smith (OSHP), Lynne Strainic (BCI-London), Brandon Werry (OSHP), Chad Wissinger (State Fire Marshal) and Jennifer Yoak (Miami Valley). A quorum was present. Ten (10) of the seventeen (17) eligible voters attended.
Secretary Budgake presented the minutes of the September 12, 2024, Meeting. The minutes were reviewed and approved. Motion, Bob Budgake; Second, Chad Wissinger. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Chad Wissinger proffered the Treasurer’s report. Chad disclosed that the FSIO has a checking, PayPal and savings account balance of $28,067 and a Tong Award’s Fund balance of $37,453. Chad shared that checking account expenditures included a $200 charge for FSIO members attending the Evidence-Based Education Workshop sponsored by Miami Valley and $504.71 charge reimbursing instructor Danielle St. Germaine (Cayman Chemical), who presented at the OSHP Drug Chemistry Training Program.
Old Business:
Previously, Dan Baker and Brooke Ehlers offered to organize a free virtual 30-minute workshop regarding lab efficiency. They agreed to get together in the next several weeks to organize.
Heather Sheskey revealed that the OSHP Drug Chemistry Training Program was held on November 7, 2024, at the OSHP academy with lunch and tuition provided at no cost to the attendees. Approximately forty (40) attended plus OSHP staff. Heather shared that all attendees received a framed certificate of attendance. Dan Baker mentioned that the members of his staff that attended spoke very highly of the training with kudos to the OSHP organizers.
New Business:
Bob Budgake presented the Membership application of Lynne Strainic, Chemistry Supervisor at BCI-London. Lynne has been an Associate Member since 2013. Also, Bob presented the application of Mengliang Zhang, Associate Professor of Forensic Chemistry at Ohio U. Motion to approve the applications, Bob Budgake; Second, Chad Wissinger. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Past President Jennifer Duvall presented the following slate of officers for year 2025: President-Elect – Lynne Strainic will become President in 2026; Secretary – Bob Budgake; Treasurer – Chad Wissinger. Motion to close the nominations and approve the presented slate of candidates, Jennifer Duvall; Second, Jim Smith. All Members voted in the affirmative. Dan Baker (Franklin Co.) will become President on January 1, 2025. Current President LeAnne Suchanek (Lake Co.) will remain on the Board and serve as the Advisor.
Treasurer Wissinger advised to be on the lookout for FSIO 2025 dues invoices which can be paid via PayPal. Bob Budgake suggested that we add an option to the invoice allowing for donations to the Tong Scholarship Fund.
Bob Budgake revealed that FSIO was due for its annual audit of the Treasurer’s records for 2024. Dan Baker and Brandon Werry volunteered to do this audit prior to our March 2025 meeting.
A discussion ensued regarding future training proposals. Dan Baker suggested that the use of artificial intelligence in forensics might be a possibility.
Bob Budgake mentioned that Mark Hiatt, who left Newark for a position in New Orleans. wants to continue his relationship with the FSIO. Bob advised that he could do so with an Associate Member designation. Brandon Werry mentioned that Cathy Dasenbrock, Lab Director, FDA’s National Forensic Chemistry Center, expressed interest in joining the FSIO.
The next meeting of the FSIO will be 10 am, Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the Ohio Fire Academy, 8895 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio, with the option of attending via Microsoft Teams. Motion, Chad Wissinger; Second, Bob Budgake. All Members voted in the affirmative.
The meeting adjourned at 10:30 am. Motion, Chad Wissinger; Second, Bob Budgake. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert E. Budgake, Secretary, FSIO
Updated: 11/14/2025 04:38PM