2024 AFDE & NADE  SYMPOSIUM

"Staying Current in the Evolving AI and Digital World
- and much more"    

BROOKFIELD, WISCONSIN (outside Milwaukee) 

Friday, October 4 - Monday, October 7, 2024

                

PROGRAM DETAILS
2024 Conference Chairperson
Patricia Fisher
fisherdoclab@gmail.com

The 2024 Symposium theme will be "Staying Current in the Evolving AI and Digital World – and much more." Initial program details are below. The 2024 AFDE/NADE Symposium will cover a broad range of subjects including the opening presentation on AI an d Handwriting Identification, the latest research on Azheimers and signatures, case studies in digitally altered or fabricated documents, a panel providing “Tips for Testimony,”  a presentation on disguised handwriting, poster sessions, and much more.

Opening presentation

The Basics of AI and Its Impact on Handwriting Identification
Tatiana Vazulina, Director Product Managment
Parascript, LLC

Abstract

      In today's rapidly evolving world, the pace of artificial intelligence (AI) development has reached unprecedented levels. AI technologies are driving transformative changes across various industries, reshaping how we work, communicate, and live. From healthcare to finance, transportation to entertainment, AI is revolutionizing processes, enhancing efficiency, and unlocking new possibilities. Understanding the power and limitations of AI is crucial for setting realistic expectations and utilizing it efficiently across various tasks. Forensic document examination, like any other field, is not exempt from the need to understand where and how it can benefit from leveraging AI technology.

      Parascript, a leading developer of AI products specializing in pattern recognition, offers innovative solutions for handwriting analysis and fraud detection. In response to a growing interest from forensic experts, Parascript provides a presentation aimed at introducing forensic document examiners to the application of AI technology in their field. The presentation will delve into the fundamentals of AI technology, trace its evolution, and dispel common myths surrounding its capabilities. Participants will gain insight into the strengths and weaknesses of AI, with a focus on its efficient application within forensic document examination.

      Through real-world examples, attendees will learn how AI technology can enhance their workflow and improve accuracy in handwriting analysis and fraud detection tasks. Specifically, the workshop will showcase Parascript's cutting-edge technology, including SignatureXpert.AI, a powerful tool for signature verification, CheckwashAlert.AI, designed to detect alterations in handwritten text indicative of check washing fraud, and CheckStock, a solution for identifying counterfeit checks.

      Finally, the presentation will address such important topics as the distinction between AI-generated and natural handwriting, limitations of AI in document examination, provide insights into the future direction of AI technology, and delineate practical scenarios for its deployment.

Bio 
      Dr. Vazulina (or Tanya as she likes to be called) was on the ground floor of developing pattern recognition programs for character recognition of handwriting after she received her Masters of Science degree in electrical and electronics engineering from Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas in Moscow. Shortly after graduating in the mid-80s, she became a programmer working in the oil and gas industry. She was then invited to work at Paragraph, the first software company to develop character recognition programs for handwriting at a time that both Russia and countries in the western world were sharing scientific information and advances. Later, the department where she worked separated from Paragraph and became the U.S. software company Parascript, focusing on developing software for handwriting recognition. The company then relocated the team of talented engineers to the United States. Tanya has been with the company all these years and currently is the Director of Product Management and Customer Service and a dual citizen of Russia and the U.S. She also has a doctorate from the Institute of World Economy and International Relations in Business and Managerial Economics.

Workshop

Alzheimer’s Disease and Handwriting –
What does the latest research tell us?
Carina Fernandes
Senior Handwriting and Document Examiner and Laboratory Manager at NC
Forensic Institute in Porto, Portugal.

Abstract

     With the aging of the population, forensic case work involving handwriting of the elderly, such as signatures written in wills or declarations, is becoming more and more frequent. The analysis of handwriting attributed to the elderly can sometimes pose special challenges for Forensic Handwriting Examiners (FHEs), since changes in handwriting due to illness and/or medication may be frequent. Although the influence of illness on writing has been extensively described in the literature, little attention has been given to handwriting changes due to neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, especially regarding signatures and from a Forensic Handwriting Examiner’s perspective.

     In this context, this workshop will present the most recent developments regarding the effect of Alzheimer’s disease on handwriting, including the impact of this illness on static and dynamic features, based on the latest research using digitally captured signatures. In addition to having hands-on contact with handwriting samples produced by individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, participants can also bring their own cases for group discussion.

     If you have had a case or have a family member or friend with Alzheimer’s disease, and would like to share a writing sample for group discussion, please send it to the presenter ahead of the symposium (ncforenses@gmail.com).

Bio
      Carina Pereira Fernandes is a Senior Handwriting and Document Examiner and Laboratory Manger at NC Forensic Institute in Porto, Portugal.  She is currently completing her PhD on Alzheimers and handwriting. Ms, Fernandes is also a team member of the European Network of Forensic Sciences’ (ENFSI) CERTAIN-FORS Project which is currently developing e-learning tools for training and competency of handwriting experts on the examination of traditional and digitally captured signatures.  She was the coordinator of Forensic Document and Handwriting Analysis in the Portuguese Association of Forensic Sciences until 2020.  Her research interests include graphopathopology (with the focus on Alzeimer’s Disease), neuroscience and digitally captured signatures. Ms. Fernandes also serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Forensic Document Examination. 

Current Techniques for the Examination of Inks, Paper and Tone
Al Lyter, III, PhD


Abstract

     This presentation will inform attendees about the materials present in documents, the manufacturers’ processing of documents, the appropiate examinations and methodolgies employed to examine documents.
      The materials that will be discussed will include writing ink, paper, inkjet ink and toner. The techniques will include microscopy, ultraviolet spectrophotometry, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography/mass spectrmetry, scanning electon microscopy and optial profilometry.
      Attendees will gain an appreciation of the available examination techniques and the appropriate conclusions derived from these utilizing these techniques.


Bio
      For over 35 years, Al Lyter has been a practicing document examiner specializing in the chemical and physical examinaton of questioned documents and the materials used in the preparation of questioned documents. These materials include paper, ink, carbon, toner, and printing ink. He has presented his expertise at numerous professional organizations and has served as an expert in courts both in the U.S.A. and internationally.

Determining the Approximate Date of a Questioned Document Based on a Paper Fiber Comparison
Walter Rantanen and J. Michael Weldon

Abstract

     The case centered on an assertion by the Plaintiff, a recently terminated employee, that an undated document in his employee file was not in the file in the late 1990’s when his employment began, but was placed there in 2018. The file also contained other documents that were dated in the late 1990’s. Defendant, a Texas employer, asserted that the undated document was in the original file. The employer who had possession of the original file provided it for analysis.
     The papers were examined with Ultraviolet lighting techniques, removing paper samples, and applying paper chemistry analysis in the laboratory to establish the likely date of the document in question. Based on the testing, the paper fibers in the 1990 questioned document matched those of the other contemporaneous documents in the file. These paper fibers were different from the paper fibers in the later documents.


Bio
      Walter Rantanen is the foremost forensic paper expert in the country. For over 40 years, Walter has analyzed all aspects of paper and has provided classes and seminars on the subject.

     J. Michael Weldon is a Board Certified (BFDE) Forensic Document Examiner with a private practice in Denton, Texas. Michael has been a Research Sponsor for the University of North Texas Forensic Program from 2004 to present. He also served as a Professor for the European Forensic Institute on Forensic Document Examination.

ENFHEX Research Projects: From the Best Practice Manual to the Examination of Digitally Captured Signatures
Tomasz Dziedzic and Carina Fernandes

Abstract

     The European Network of Forensic Handwriting Experts (ENFHEX) has undertaken several research projects aimed at helping Forensic Handwriting Experts face the challenges of the digital world and to promote proficiency, as well as the implementation of best practices in this forensic field. This presentation will focus on the research projects and activities developed by ENFHEX, including the latest version of the Best Practice Manual for the Forensic Examination of Handwriting, the training and competence assessment for Forensic Handwriting Experts in both traditional handwriting examination and in the analysis of digitally captured signatures, and the results of the STEFA G8 project on the examination of digitally captured signatures.


Bio
      Thomasz Dziedzic, PhD, expert in the field of forensic handwriting and document examination at the Institute of Forensic Research in Krakow, Poland. Chairman of the European Network of Handwriting Examiners (ENFHEX), a working group of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI). From 2018 to 2020 the Lead of a team of international researchers who developed the first Best Practice Manual for forensic examination of Digitally Captured Signatures (DCS). Author of research papers and conference presentations, a large part of which was dedicated to DCS, and a trainer in this field. Member of the Advisory Committee for Assessments at the Netherlands Register of Court Experts (NRGD).
Orcid profile: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1942-6007

Carina Fernandes Forensic Handwriting and Document Examiner, as well as Laboratory Manager, at NCForenses Institute (Associated Member of ENFHEX). Team member of the European Network of Forensic Sciences’ (ENFSI) CERTAIN-FORS Project, which is currently developing e-learning tools for training and competency of handwriting experts on the examination of traditional and digitally captured signatures. Former team member of ENFSI’s STEFA G8 project on “Forensic Examination of Digitally Captured Signatures and Handwritten Entries”. Coordinator of the field of Forensic Document and Handwriting Analysis in the Portuguese Association of Forensic Sciences until 2020. Ms. Fernandes also serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Forensic Document Examination.
Orcid profile: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2787-5419

Line Quality and Alterations in Copied or Digitally Processed Documents
Tamara Kaiden and Robin Williams

Abstract

     This presentation will combine by example and description a variety of topics related to line quality in handwriting and printed text in copies and digitally processed documents that will include photocopies, scanned documents, and PDF documents that have been altered.
     The discussion will illustrate unusual backgrounds that are outside of the printed text and what the line quality in handwriting on PDF documents may indicate. An example of digital erasure marks on PDFs will be described followed by a demonstration of how digital erasing is accomplished using scanned documents.
     The presenters will discuss and demonstrate how the digital quality of two or more signatures on the same page of a document with a questioned signature may demonstrate evidence of electronically transferred signatures from different sources.
     Depending on the copier used to make multiple generations of copies of a document, an erroneous conclusion can be reached by a document examiner. The presenters will demonstrate the effects that specific printers have on line quality and demonstrate how specific copiers can create different outcomes when making generational copies of documents.

Bio
      Robin Williams holds a Bachelor of Science degree in the Administration of Justice from American University, a Masters of Forensic Sciences Degree from Georgetown Washington University, a Masters of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin (Whitewater). He is a member of the Association of Forensic Document Examiners holding many offices over the years. He is also Board Certified with the Board of Forensic Document Examiners. He has been both a full and part time police science instructor at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Green Bay and Blackhawk Technical College in Jaynesville, as well as an instructor in the Administration of Justice at Marian College of Fond du Lac.

     Tamara Kaiden is an Associate of OMNI Document Examinations in DePere, Wisconsin. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Northeastern Illinois with a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies. Her work in commercial advertising and design have proven to be of special benefit in preparing visual illustrations for court exhibits. She is the Membership Chair for AFDE and has trained as a Forensic Document Examiner under Robin Williams. 

A Protocol for Examination of Anonymous Writing
Emily Will

Abstract

     While there are standards in the field of forensic document examination addressing topics such as “Examination of Handwritten Items,” “Examination of Typewritten Items,”  Examination of Documents for Alterations,”  “Terminology for the Expressing Conclusions of Forensic Document Examiners,”  there are no standards that expressly relate to Examination of Anonymous Writing.

     There are sufficient and significant differences in the examination of anonymous writing to warrant specific guidelines.  In this presentation a protocol is demonstrated, and the attendees will be encouraged to comment upon and add to this protocol.  Cases will be presented that clarify why this protocol is needed. when making generational copies of documents.

Bio
     Emily Will is a board certified (BFDE) forensic document examiner in private practice in Raleigh, North Carolina with 35+ years of experience. She is an active member of AFDE and NADE, and a past director and past president of the Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB). Emily served on the NIST Expert Working Group on Human Factors in Handwriting Examination and is on the Editorial Board for the Journal of Forensic Document Examination (JFDE).

Disguised Writing – A Complex Case
Adele Thonn

Abstract

     Approximately 100 anonymous notes were distributed over the course of seven years in a small town in northern Louisiana. There were several suspects, some from the same family. Various letter forms often illustrated in texts on handwriting identification were used. To avoid detection, the writings were also written on varying substrates or surfaces. A meticulous analysis of each letter form on every anonymous note revealed the writer’s natural habits, resulting in an identification.

Bio
     Adele Thonn is a certified member of the National Association of Forensic Document Examiners (NADE) with over eleven years of experience in the field. Ms. Thonn has been court qualified in fourteen different jurisdictions in Louisiana, including the U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Middle Districts of Louisiana. She has presented on document examination to the Louisiana Forgery and Fraud Conference, the Louisiana Association of Defense Lawyers and for NADE.

The Unmasking of The Masked Ball
Joseph G. Barabe

Abstract

     Two works of German Expressionists purchased by the client at the same time were of questioned authenticity. The first, a Self Portrait sketch, attributed to Lionel Feininger, was signed and dated 1919; the second, a signed but undated Masked Ball by Emil Nolde, possibly from his “unpainted paintings” period during WWII, during which he was forbidden to paint by the Nazi regime. Both were suspected to be forgeries, as both were acquired at very low cost from a gallery that failed shortly after the sale in 1978. The Feininger was found to contain anachronistic materials and was quickly concluded to be a forgery. The Nolde was more ambiguous; not only was it undated, but all of the materials identified were available during WWII, in 1978 and later. But there was something troubling about the signature. This presentation will discuss the process of uncovering the mystery of this signature and its implications for the possible authenticity – or lack thereof – of this painting.



Bio
     Joseph Barabe studied analytical microscopy under Dr. Walter C. McCrone and, after retiring from McCrone Associates in Westmont, Illinois as Senior Research Microscopist and Director of Scientific Imaging, established Barabe & Associates LLC, specializing in materials analysis of art, historical objects and documents, from ancient to contemporary. Joseph is a frequent presenter at AFDE and NADE conferences and has also contributed significantly to the Journal of Forensic Document Examination and other academic publications. He teaches workshops on microscopy, scientific imaging, artist pigment identification and printing process identification at the Hooke College of Applied Sciences in Westmont, Illinois.

Poster Session

An Adobe Photoshop Tool to Check for Electronic Alterations
Rima Askurava

Abstract

     One of the first steps a document examiner will want to take in examining for an altered or fabricated document is to obtain the electronic files of the originals or the best copies of the evidence.  Once the electronic files are received, the PDF can be imported into Adobe Photoshop and analyzed with a special function that separates the images from the text when the layers are still present in the electronic file.  The challenge is to determine whether the separated images are the result of the defects of the Optical Character Recognition software or are actual alterations of the document.

     This poster session will demonstrate both end results.

Bio
     Rima Askurava was certified as a document document examiner and handwriting expert by the Minister of Internal Affairs for the Republic of Georgia.  She is currently a U.S. citizen working as an Associate Document Examiner for Fisher Forensic Document Laboratory, Inc.

Double Trouble:  Direct and Cross Examination by an Attorney who is also a Subject Matter Expert
Andrew Sulner, MSFS, JD, D-BFDE

Abstract

     Most testifying experts have had the experience of being left “high and dry” by the attorney presenting them in court because that attorney lacked background and understanding in the subject matter, did not remember what was discussed with the expert in pre-trial preparation, or was not willing to take direction from the non-attorney expert.  Combine this with the frustration of watching an attorney ineffectively cross examine an opposing expert, failing to ask follow up questions of his/her own expert, or allowing nonsense testimony - again due to lack of background in the subject matter.  How much better would it be if the attorney were himself/herself a subject matter expert - able to bring out the best in your testimony and the worst in the opponent’s?  That is what this presentation will highlight.

Bio
     Andrew Sulner, MSFS, JD, D-BFDE is a board certified forensic document examiner and attorney who earned a Master of Science degree in Forensic Science and a Juris Doctorate degree (with Honors) from George Washington University. He has over 40 years of experience in examining questioned and disputed documents on behalf of major law firms, banks, insurance companies and financial institutions, as well as federal and state law enforcement and regulatory agencies. Mr. Sulner, who is also a certified fraud examiner and former state prosecutor, has been consulted nationally and internationally as an expert in determining the authenticity of documents, and his testimony as a forensic document examiner has been favorably cited in numerous federal and state court decisions. Mr. Sulner’s state-of-the-art forensic document laboratory is located in the heart of New York City.

In addition to being a Diplomate of the Board of Forensic Document Examiners (BFDE) and its current President, Mr. Sulner is a Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (Academy) and a member of the Association of Forensic Document Examiners (AFDE), the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, and the New York, Florida, California and District of Columbia Bars.  Mr. Sulner is a past Chair of the Jurisprudence Section of the Academy and was the recipient of the 2014 Kenneth S. Field Award for Outstanding Service to the Academy and the 2023 Harold A. Feder Award for Lifetime Achievement of Excellence in Scientific Jurisprudence.
 
Mr. Sulner has authored numerous publications and presentations on the subject of forensic document examination, and he is a frequent speaker and lecturer at universities and continuing education seminars sponsored by forensic science, legal, judicial, and other professional membership associations throughout the United States.  His 87-page 2018 Seton Hall Law Review article has been favorably reviewed and cited by the bench and bar.  Mr. Sulner has been retained as a forensic document examiner in many high-profile cases, and more recently, he achieved a successful verdict as lead trial counsel in a California case involving conflicting opinions of opposing handwriting experts concerning the authenticity of a series of questioned signatures.

Tips for Testimony
Lynda Hartwick, Moderator

Abstract

     Are there questions you have been dying to ask to help improve your testimony, handle an opposing expert, or respond effectively when opposing counsel asks you specific questions? For example, how often have you been asked if you are being paid? One of our attendees unhesitatingly answered this question in a recent jury trial: “I certainly hope so!”  The jury laughed, and the opposing counsel immediately changed the line of questioning.
     You never know when this might be the perfect response in one of your cases. Please take advantage of the cumulative years of experience of experts attending the conference and experts who want to share their many years of experience with attendees. Attendees are requested to email their questions to Lynda Hartwick at DOCSNDISPT@aol.com. 

Bio
     Lynda Hartwick is a board-certified (BFDE) forensic document examiner and owner of Documents in Dispute. After 28 years of service with the St. Louis County police department, Lynda relocated to Lake Ozark, Missouri. Lynda developed an interest in document examination through her work as a crime scene detective and subsequently received training from the U.S. Secret Service. Lynda was restricted to working civil cases while employed by the police department but, upon retirement in 2004, started to accept criminal cases as well. Since 1992, Lynda has worked on various state and federal cases in several states. Her work includes lecturing at banks, colleges, and law enforcement agencies.

Additional programs are being finalized and will be listed ASAP.  We hope you will join us for this very interesting and worthwhile program.