19th Annual Forensic Science Symposium

March 20, 2021

8 a.m. — 5 p.m.

On Saturday, March 20, 2021, the Forensic Science Student Organization will host the 19th annual Forensic Science Symposium.

The virtual event is themed around interesting cases that forensic science professionals have investigated as well as the experiences of crime victims. Paul Holes, a lead forensic science investigator, will be speaking about his involvement in the notorious Golden State Killer case. He will discuss the importance of genealogical testing and how the Golden State Killer was apprehended.

Debbie Smith, a sexual assault survivor, will be sharing her own story and how she has created the Debbie Smith act to advocate for other victims of sexual assault. Additionally, Bruce Goldfarb, the author of “18 Tiny Deaths”, will be discussing Frances Glessner Lee and her role in modern day crime scene investigation with her Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Deaths. 

For more information about this year’s symposium, including a list of all presenters, please contact Janine Kishbaugh at 610-606-4666, ext. 3643 or by email at jmkish@cedarcrest.edu.   

Register Here

Please Note: Registration will close March 18                                          

Schedule of Events

Session 1:

8:25 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Welcome
Larry Quarino, Ph.D.
Forensic Science Program Cedar Crest College

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
The Impact of DNA on Victims of Crime
Debbie Smith, Sexual Assault Victim
(Ret.) Lt. Detective Rob Smith, B.A.

9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Investigating Frances Glessner Lee
Bruce Goldfarb B.S.
Author, 18 Tiny Deaths

10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a,m,
Break

Session 2:

10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Blood Evidence, from the Crime Scene to the Courtroom
Carol Ritter M.S., D-ABC
Instructor, Forensic Science Program
Chemical & Physical Department
&
The Honorable Mark Powell
Lackawanna County District Attorney

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
DNA Databases - Solving Crimes and Saving Lives – A Mother’s Story
Jayann Sepich B.S.
Cofounder, DNA Saves

12:30 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Lunch

Session 3:

1 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
The Impact of a Victim’s Last Words and a 1981 Serology Report on a 37 Year-Old Cold Case Homicide Investigation
Kristin Allard Canko
Cedar Crest Alumna
BS ‘09, MSFS ‘10
Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Services Bureau

2 p.m. – 2:15 .m.
Break

Session 4:

2:15 pm – 5:00 pm
Golden State Killer Case
Paul Holes
(Ret.) Cold Case Investigator

Forensic Science Symposium

The annual Forensic Science Symposium at Cedar Crest has been organized and led by our forensic science students-particularly those involved in the Forensic Science Student Organization (FSSO)-since the inaugural event in 2002. The symposium, which is open to anyone with an interest in forensic science, includes presentations by regional and national experts, as well as our forensic science alumnae.