Student Membership

The IAAI is committed to welcoming the next generation of fire investigators, law enforcement officers, forensics professionals, engineers, lawyers, insurance professionals, and other related industry professionals.  The IAAI Student Membership and student program are designed to help prepare current students to enter the field of fire investigations, and related fields, and make meaningful connections with current industry professionals.  Below you will find some of the benefits and highlights of IAAI Student Membership, currently scheduled Student Member Meetings, and feedback from current and former Student Members.  We encourage you to reach out to the IAAI Student Committee at students@firearson.com with any questions you may have.

If you are a current IAAI Active Member or IAAI Chapter Representative, please check out the opportunities to support the IAAI Student Members below.  As always, the Student Committee thanks you for your support of the next generation of fire investigation professionals.

What do the Student Members and recent graduates have to say about the IAAI Student Program?

Why should a student join the IAAI as a Student Member?

“Students should join the IAAI not just to build their resume, but also to join a tight knit community before they enter the workforce. Since graduation, the network of professionals that I have met through the IAAI had assisted me tremendously in being successful as I begin my career”

“A student should join the IAAI as a student member because of the opportunities provided by the Student Committee.  Being a Student Member provides students access to networking, quarterly training, and scholarship opportunities.”

How would you describe your experience attending the IAAI-ITC?

“Attending the ITC as a student was one of the highlights of my undergraduate experience.  While attending the ITC you are surrounded by curious professionals that are passionate about the same thing you are.  It is an experience that opens a student’s eye to the broad career paths and opportunities as a fire investigator.”

“I think attending the IAAI-ITC as a Student Member is very valuable.  We were able to attend networking events, take classes from experienced investigators, and present our research projects.  I was able to meet and learn from people all around the world.”

Why should a Student Member attend the IAAI-ITC?

“Students should attend the ITC because it allows them a unique learning experience.  There are few other times in an undergraduate degree program where you are empowered to present research, learn from experts, and meet professionals from all over the globe.  For a student, the ITC is more than just a conference, it is a place where internships can be established, jobs can be obtained, and your network can grow.”

“Attending the IAAI-ITC as a Student Member is a great opportunity to network with professionals and take classes taught by experienced investigators around the world.  Attending the IAAI-ITC not only helps students to expand their knowledge, but also build valuable relationships with other members of the IAAI.”

“Why would you recommend conducting research and presenting it at the IAAI-ITC?”

“Conducting research and presenting it at the IAAI-ITC shows that you’re passionate and eager to contribute to the field of fire investigation.  It is a great opportunity to learn more about something you’re interested in, and present it to professionals.”

Student Meetings/Webinars

These virtual meetings are designed to provide students with updates on the IAAI related to Student Membership, as well as introductions to various topics related to fire investigation.  If you are not a current Student Member we invite you to join us on our next meeting and see what the IAAI student program has to offer.

 https://iaai.jotform.com/261626146101952

IAAI Student Committee Meeting

September 30, 6:30 PM ET: https://firearson.zoom.us/j/84692965760

IAAI Student Meeting - IAAI/AAFS Forensics Series - Forensic Anthropology & Fatal Fire Investigation

Guest Speaker: Elayne Pope

Description: Fatal fire death investigation starts with an understanding of the effects of fire on the burned tissues of the human body and how it relates to what survives of the victim for investigators to find and recovery at the fire scene among the ashes. Your fatal fire investigation gives a voice to the deceased and provides answers that speak for the victim, to family members, and for the community. This presentation will show current research and field testing with burned human cadavers and case studies to fill in gaps of information that helps to improve an investigation of the fatal fire event. Topics will include common types of thermal damage on a burned body, old myths in fatal fire investigations, scene documentation, evidence preservation, and postmortem examinations.

October 7, 6:30 PM ET: https://firearson.zoom.us/j/89188588022

IAAI Student Meeting – Student Research Opportunities

Description: This meeting will provide an overview of the IAAI-ITC Research Poster Contest, research ideas and opportunities, what support is available to students to help with their research projects, and information about the IAAI Foundation research grants.  We encourage all students to attend and learn how conducting research can be both manageable and significantly benefit your career.

October IAAI/AAFS Forensics Series – Topic TBD

Guest Speaker: TBD

Date: TBD

November IAAI/AAFS Forensics Series – Topic TBD

Guest Speaker: TBD

Date: TBD, 6:30 PM ET

December IAAI/AAFS Forensics Series – Topic TBD

Guest Speaker: TBD

Date: TBD, 6:30 PM ET

March 24, 6:30 PM ET: https://firearson.zoom.us/j/88064107509

Description: This meeting will provide student with helpful tips for putting together your CV and business cards, networking, and everything you need to know to make a good impression and land the job.  This meeting will also provide helpful information to maximize your experience at the IAAI-ITC.

Frequently Asked Questions About Student Membership:

Who can join the IAAI as a Student Member?
Full time students who are currently pursuing a degree related to fire investigation, criminal justice, engineering, law, forensics, anthropology, chemistry, or any other degree program related to fire investigation who are not currently working as a fire investigator.

What is the cost of Student Membership?

The annual cost of Student Membership is $50.

What are the unique benefits to Student Membership?

-Virtual meetings throughout the year covering various topics for Student Members

-Discounted rate to attend the IAAI-ITC

-Access to the IAAI-ITC Student Sponsorship Program

-Access to IAAI Virtual Webinars for free

-Access to research opportunities, research ideas, and research guidance/support

-Student opportunities with IAAI Chapters

-Direct support from the IAAI Student Committee

-Tuition scholarship opportunity through the IAAI Foundation

What are the general IAAI member benefits that apply to Student Members?

-Access to the IAAI Membership portal

-Discounted HASWOPER and Asbestos training and education

-Access to an electronic copy of the quarterly Fire & Arson Investigator Journal

-Discounted application fees for IAAI certifications

-Discounted rates to IAAI professional development training courses

-Accidental Death Fund Benefit

-Local training and networking opportunities with IAAI Chapters

-Representation on NFPA committee relating to fire investigation

-Support for testing and research projects relating to fire investigation

-Training scholarship opportunities through the IAAI Foundation

IAAI-ITC Research Poster Contest

The IAAI hosts a research poster contest at the IAAI-ITC as an opportunity for students to present research that they have conducted.  The posters will be on display throughout the IAAI-ITC, where the student researchers will have the opportunity to discuss their research with industry professionals.  These in-formal presentation sessions are a great opportunity to network and discuss opportunities for further research and career options.  There will also be a formal presentation of the research to conference attendees, with will provide an opportunity to really explain your research and gain valuable experience providing a professional presentation.

Two awards will be presented for the poster contest:

The Judges Choice Award – Awarded to the best research poster as selected by selected judges of the poster competition, based on technical content and visual presentation.

The Members Choice Award – Awarded to the best research poster as selected by the general attendees of the ITC

Poster Requirements:

• Posters must be the original work of the author.
• Abstracts are limited to one page maximum.
• All posters and poster abstracts must be in English.
• Posters should be 36” high x 48” wide.
• You will be required to provide a high-quality PDF of the poster.
• You will be required to provide a 20 minutes professional presentation of your research
• Authors are expected to be in attendance during all poster sessions, which will be during breaks, meals and vendor events.

Deadline is February 15^th.

Submit your research poster abstract to students@firearson.com

Student Member Highlights for Active Members & Chapters

IAAI Student Sponsorship Program:

The IAAI is seeking donations for the Student Sponsorship Program.  The purpose of this program is to help offset the cost of IAAI Student Members attending the IAAI-ITC.  It has been generally recognized that it is an invaluable experience for IAAI Student Members to attend the IAAI-ITC.  Cost of attendance, and additional expenses incurred to attend the IAAI-ITC, is a common reason student members are unable to attend.  Donations received through this program would be for the reimbursement of some of the expenses incurred by IAAI Student Members to attend the IAAI-ITC. 

The Student Members are the future of our industry.  Your donation to this program helps welcome the IAAI Student Members into our industry, and promotes training and education of the next generation of fire investigation professionals.

All donations to this program are tax-deductible donations.

(General note: The Student Sponsorship Program is not a scholarship program and is not intended to compete with any scholarships available to attend the IAAI-ITC. The purpose of the program is to help offset some of the costs of Student Members attending the IAAI-ITC. Please contact the IAAI Student Committee at students@firearson.com with any questions about the program.)

DONATE HERE: http://spot.fund/xjsfmvbsc

Student Member Opportunities Survey:

If you have information about any opportunities for IAAI Student Members (Chapter Student Programs, Chapter Training Scholarships, Schools/Universities the Student Committee should be aware of, and internship/mentorship opportunities, etc.) please take a minute and fill out the survey below.