4th annual forensic sciences symposium is Oct. 31-Nov. 2

The Fourth Annual Forensic Science Symposium Oct. 31-Nov. 2 will address two critical issues confronting forensic science: investigation of mass disasters and medico-legal investigations of child abuse.

The purpose of the symposium, "Forensic Investigation and Management of Mass Disasters," is to provide information for those who serve justice, preserve evidence and save lives. The symposium will be conducted at Hardin Hall, 3310 Holdrege St. on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's East Campus. The symposium is organized by the Nebraska Institute of Forensic Sciences Inc., an affiliate of UNL, and Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha.

The primary goal of the first two days of the symposium is to provide health care professionals, first responders, forensic investigators, attorneys and policy makers with a better understanding of how to determine the root causes -- and prevent future occurrences -- of natural disasters, structural and mechanical failures, and acts of terrorism.

The final day will focus on medico-legal investigating and presentation of evidence in child abuse cases and settings. It will also include investigative techniques in child abuse and the psychology of trauma.

"It's important that we identify the systemic issues and processes that impact forensic science investigations that serve justice and save lives by preserving evidence," said Dr. Matthias I. Okoye, forensic pathologist and director of the Nebraska Institute of Forensic Sciences Inc.

The symposium will open with a presentation by Dr. Henry Lee, chief emeritus director of the Connecticut State Police Forensic Laboratory and University of New Haven forensic science professor, titled "Overview of Investigation and Analysis of Mass Disasters as Potential Crime Scenes."

Participants may register for the entire symposium or on a per-day basis. Registrations received prior to Oct. 15 will be charged a reduced registration fee. For more information on how to register, contact Faye Massa at (402) 472-2423 or visit http://conferences.unl.edu/forensic.

CONTACTS: Dr. Matthias Okoye, Neb. Inst. of Forensic Sciences Inc. (conf. director), (402) 486-3447

p>Debra Carlson, Academic Conferences (conference information), (402) 472-5733

Faye Massa, University Services (registration information), (402) 472-2423