Ask A Scientist: Translating Science into Operation

You’ve got questions, I hopefully have the answers. The goal of this class is to help you navigate what science supports, what anecdotally has been observed, and theories that might need a little more investigation as you incorporate.

Wednesday
,
Aug 27, 2025
9:00 am
-
11:00 am
Instructor(s):
Katylynn Sloan
View full class scheduleRegister for HITS 2026
Katylynn Sloan presenting Ask A Scientist: Translating Science into Operation at HITS.
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Class overview

You’ve got questions, I hopefully have the answers. The goal of this class is to help you navigate what science supports, what anecdotally has been observed, and theories that might need a little more investigation as you incorporate science into your operations to become a better canine team. This will be an interactive session, a choose your own adventure if you will, diving into the topics that have the most value to you. Generalization, odor movement, training aids, bias, orthogonal detections, standards… these are all topics I routinely discuss with the working dog community and will be up for discussion. However, the goal of this session is for the attendees to get the most “bang for your buck” so if you submit specific questions ahead of time to caninesciencequestions@gmail.com the session will be tailored to specifically address your questions.

This session explains:

  • You’ve got questions, I hopefully have the answers.
  • The goal of this class is to help you navigate what science supports, what anecdotally has been observed, and theories that might need a little more
  • This will be an interactive session, a choose your own adventure if you will, diving into the topics that have the most value to you.
  • Generalization, odor movement, training aids, bias, orthogonal detections, standards… these are all topics I routinely discuss with the working dog
Light beige paper texture background with subtle fibers and creases.Light beige paper texture background with subtle fibers and creases.Light beige paper texture background with subtle fibers and creases.Light beige paper texture background with subtle fibers and creases.Light beige paper texture background with subtle fibers and creases.
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About the instructor

Katylynn Sloan

Dr. Katylynn Sloan is a chemist with the United States Secret Service working in the Advanced Research and Capabilities Division. She received her Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from Florida International University working on building non-hazardous, non-controlled training aids for bomb dogs and patenting a universal detector calibrant. Because of her background, she currently focuses on the explosives detection program running R&D projects spanning from detectors to canines. She is also a member of the ASB and OSAC Dogs and Sensors committees working on developing standards for the various detection canine disciplines. While she primarily focuses on explosives detection, over the years she has worked with several organizations to assist in developing their detection programs for a wide variety of threats.

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What past attendees say

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Go to HITS. It's a great class. Great conference. This is the third one that I've been to. I try and go every time. They change up the classes. It's offered for detection and apprehension or patrol canines. All the classes are great. You should definitely check it out. I'm going to try and come back next year.

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Greg Edlund
Broward Sheriff Office

Hi, this is Brian Laas. I'm from Arvada, Colorado. This is about my second or third time with HITS, and I've enjoyed it greatly. I like the vast amount of instructors' backgrounds, so even though I've come once or twice before, I'm always gaining a lot of knowledge. This is a great seminar for both the new and the old handlers. I think you can't go wrong coming here. It's a good time and well-spent money for your department.

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Brian Laas
Arvada Police Department

Hi, my name is Neil with U.S. Park Police. This is the first time I ever attend HITS and it's great training. A lot of different courses that definitely benefit my career. I've been a handler for 14 years now. I'm still learning and I recommend people to come down here and learn something.

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Neil
US Park Police

Been to hits a couple times, keeps getting better every time. This year it's been amazing, a lot of people, a lot of great classes, great camaraderie between all the agencies here. It's a good time, I highly recommend it.

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Unknown Attendee

Hi, Mark with BCBK9 here at HITS 2017, lets you know what a success it was. Tons of handlers, tons of great classes. We're really glad that we drove all the way out from Missouri and we're looking forward to 2018 being in DC and we hope to see you all there.

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Mark
BCB K9

Yeah, this is my first time it hits. It was a great time. Actually, I've been to a lot of conferences before. This is definitely the best.

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Attendee
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Secure your seat at HITS 2026

Legal defensibility is not theoretical. It is tested in court.

This class helps handlers and agencies prepare before that moment arrives.

Register for HITS 2026
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Explore other HITS classes

The Drug Canine Legal Update is one part of a broader HITS program designed to strengthen deployment judgment, detection reliability, and operational decision-making in the field. Additional sessions expand that learning across tracking, behavior, detection science, and tactical leadership.

View full class schedule
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