24th Annual Forensic Science Symposium

On Saturday, March 28, 2026, the Forensic Science Student Organization (FSSO) will host its 24th Annual Forensic Science Symposium. The event revolves around interesting cases and experiences that forensic scientists have encountered throughout their journeys.

Our speakers include: Carol Ritter, M.S., Professor at Cedar Crest College; Mike Garvey, Ph.D., Philadelphia Police Department; Julia Garofalo, M.S, DNA Technical Leader Pennsylvania State Police Forensic DNA Division; Nick Petraco, M.S, Professor of Forensic Science, John Jay College of Criminal Justice; Heather R. Dover, MSFS, Senior Forensic Chemist, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department; all have interesting presentations in the field of Forensics.

Schedule of Events

For more information about this year’s symposium, including a list of all presenters, please contact Janine Kishbaugh by email at , or contact MacKayla Reed at 814-937-4263 or by email at .

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Forensic Science Symposium

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Schedule of Events

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Registration

9:00 a.m. – 9:10 a.m.
Welcome
Larry Quarino, Ph.D.
Forensic Science Program Cedar Crest College

9:10 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Bloodstain Pattern Reconstruction: A Case Approach
Carol Ritter, M.S., D-ABC
Instructor, Forensic Science Program, Chemical & Physical Department

10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.
From Tragedy to Identification: The DVI Response to the January 2025 Philadelphia Crash
Mike Garvey, Ph.D.
Deputy Managing Director, Philadelphia Police Department
Executive Director, Office of Forensic Science

10:50 a.m. – 11:10 a.m.
Morning Break

11:10 a.m. – Noon
The Penn State Serial Rapist
Julia Garofalo, M.S
Forensic Services Program Manager
DNA Technical Leader Pennsylvania State Police Forensic DNA Division
Bureau of Forensic Services

Noon – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch

1:10 pm – 2:00 p.m.
A Factual Account of the Forensic Authentication of the Missing 9/11 ‘Ground Zero‘ American Flag
Nick Petraco, M.S
Professor of Forensic Science, Criminalistics Laboratory, Instrumental Laboratory,
Microscopy and Trace Evidence, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY

2:00 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.
Cut to the Bone: Forensic Toolmark Analysis on Skeletal Remains in a Complex Homicide Investigation
Heather R. Dover, MSFS
Senior Forensic Chemist, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department