On Wednesday, Sept. 2, the Joni Berner, Esq. ’75 Expert Witness Training Center at Cedar Crest College will host 9/11 The Forensic Response: A Commemorative Symposium, featuring members of the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner who will share firsthand accounts of the unprecedented forensic response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
The program will explore the scientific, logistical, and human challenges of the response at the World Trade Center—from the initial deployment and recovery of victims to the complex death investigation that followed.
“The human mandate of forensic science is to provide answers and dignity to victims and their families,” says Dr. Lawrence Quarino, Director of the Expert Witness Training Center. “This symposium honors those who were lost, recognizes the professionals who responded, and preserves their firsthand knowledge while preparing the next generation of forensic scientists.”
Presenters will discuss the collaboration and innovation that helped identify victims and provide answers to thousands of families. The symposium also will examine the identification process and the critical roles of forensic odontology and DNA analysis in establishing victim identities.
And, more than two decades later, that work continues. Advances in DNA technology are helping forensic professionals identify additional victims from previously unidentified remains, underscoring the ongoing importance of the scientific and investigative work that began after the attacks.
Through these presentations, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the forensic response to 9/11 and the continued commitment of the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner to scientific excellence, compassionate service, and providing answers to families affected by the tragedy.
The symposium will be held from 1 to 4:30 p.m. in Cedar Crest College’s Alumnae Auditorium, located at 100 College Drive, Allentown, PA 18104.
All are welcome to attend this free event; however, registration is encouraged.
For more information, including registration, the full agenda, and speaker bios, please visit https://ewtc.cedarcrest.edu/911-symposium/.
About the Joni Berner Expert Witness Training Center
The Joni Berner, Esq. ’75 Expert Witness Training Center and Crime Scene Laboratory provides an interdisciplinary, real-world training environment that brings together law enforcement, first responders, legal, healthcare, laboratory, and social service professionals, bridging the gap between fields to move cases forward. Through collaboration, hands-on learning, and expert-led instruction, the Center equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and ethical practices needed to conduct effective investigations and deliver quality service to the public.
About Cedar Crest College
Cedar Crest College has been empowering women to smash glass ceilings and achieve their educational goals since 1867. Today, the College continues to open the doors to opportunities for its diverse student body, both in the undergraduate women’s college and in the co-ed School of Adult and Graduate Education. Located in Allentown, Pa., Cedar Crest is ranked by U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best College Rankings as #16 in Social Mobility, is among the top 100 colleges and universities in the region, and is ranked by Newsweek among the top 28% of all colleges nationwide for benefiting women.