6th Annual Forensic Science Symposium
Forensic Evidence in Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Cases
October 17, 2025: Seminar (in-person & virtual)
October 18, 2025: Workshop (in-person)
An in-person and virtual seminar will focus on the role of sexual assault nurse examiners in victim examination, evidence collection and expert testimony. The afternoon session presents the use of emerging forensic technologies. An in-person, hands-on workshop on Saturday, October 18 will demonstrate the use of Alternative Light Sources (ALS) for enhanced documentation of injuries.
October 17 Seminar
Please join our speakers as they discuss the challenges faced by practitioners in the field and how forensic technologies can aid investigations and in the courtroom. CLE Credits for newly admitted and experienced attorneys are pending approval from the New York State Continuing Legal Education Board (for the morning seminar portion only).
9-10am: Six Impossible Things Before Breakfast: Forensic Nursing in Uncertain Times
Keynote Speaker: Jenifer Markowitz, ND, RN, WHNP‐BC, SANE‐A, DF‐IAFN, Interim Senior Director, International Association of Forensic Nurses
10am-12pm: Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners as Expert Witnesses
"The Art of Forensic Nursing: Balancing Victim Care and Scientific Rigor," Amy Smith, DNP, APRN, AGACNP‐BC, FNP‐BC, NY‐SAFE. Hofstra University, Northwell School of Nursing and PA Studies
"Courtroom Challenges: How Forensics Shapes the Prosecution and Defense of Sexual Assault (and other) Cases," Melissa Mourges, JD, Senior Assistant District Attorney (retired), Manhattan District Attorney’s Office
Lunch
1-3pm Emerging Forensic Technologies in Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Investigations
"Illuminating the Evidence: Clinical Forensic Application and Legal Implications of Alternate Light Source Technology," Katherine Scafide, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAAFS, Associate Professor, School of Nursing, George Mason University
"Confirmatory Proteomic Body Fluid Identification in Sexual Assault Cases: Informative Value & Court Admissibility," Iyman Almubarak, MS, Criminalist Level III, Department of Forensic Biology, Office of Chief Medical Examiner, New York
Hosts
- Mechthild Prinz, PhD, Professor, Department of Sciences, John Jay
- Jack Hietpas, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Sciences, John Jay
The symposium will be held in a hybrid modality with online live stream participation available. Seats for in-person attendance are limited. Symposium access details will be provided after registration. Click here for more information & to register
