Lynn Henson earned her undergraduate degree from Florida State University and was then employed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) in the Tallahassee Regional Crime Laboratory for 21 years. She began her career with the FDLE as a Microanalyst (Trace Evidence) specializing in a variety of subdisciplines (Fibers and Textiles, Paints and Coatings, Footwear and Tire Tracks, Fracture Matches, and Headlamp filament analysis). Lynn performed the fiber and footwear analyses in the case of the murder of Kimberly Leach, which led to the conviction of serial murderer Ted Bundy. Due to her extensive work in that case, she was later invited to serve as a fiber expert on an advisory panel reviewing the fiber evidence in the Atlanta murdered and missing children’s cases in which Wayne Williams was ultimately convicted as a serial murderer. She supervised the Microanalysis section in the Tallahassee Crime Lab and later was hired by the United States Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory in Atlanta, GA where she finished her career. Lynn was an early supporter of certification by the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) and became certified in Paints and Polymers. She served on the Board of Directors of the ABC for many years and as the Secretary of the organization. Lynn was heavily involved as a member of the Southern Association of Forensic Scientists where she served as President from 2000-2001. Lynn was a strong advocate of professional certification for forensic scientists and gave freely of her time to support the forensic science community. She died March 12, 2013, at the age of 60 after a long battle with breast cancer.

Given Lynn’s devotion to SAFS and the ABC, a scholarship has been named in her honor. This scholarship will be given annually to a member in good standing to assist in achieving personal certification in forensics, such as certification through the American Board of Criminalistics. The scholarship will cover one application and sitting fee to take an examination, if deemed appropriate by the SAFS Board. The scholarship will be valid for two years and it is non-transferable.

To apply, please complete the application form below. Application includes a personal statement about the importance of personal certification in the field of forensic science and for you personally. You must be an Associate Member of SAFS, at a minimum, to apply. Applications are due by March 1st each year. Awardees will be announced at the SAFS Annual Business Meeting.”