Georgia Southern and Shimadzu to host second annual forensic science symposium

Georgia Southern University’s College of Science and Mathematics (COSM) is teaming up with Shimadzu Scientific Instruments to host the second annual Forensic Science Symposium Sept. 30. This year’s event offers an expanded list of speakers, poster presentations and a panel discussion covering a broad range of topics.

“We have something for everyone interested in this field,” said Ed Mondor, Ph.D., interim director of the Georgia Southern Center for Forensic Sciences and coordinator of the event. “Forensics isn’t limited to just one area, it spans multiple disciplines: anthropology, biology, chemistry, criminal justice. We have it all.”

The keynote speaker will be Animal Crimes Resource Prosecutor Jessica Rock from the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia. Other invited speakers will discuss topics such as forensic pathology, forensic palynology, forensic nursing, forensic psychology and more. Panelists include Interim Statesboro Police Chief Jared Akins, Georgia Bureau of Investigation Region Five Special Agent in Charge Lindsay Smith, Chatham County Police Department Crime Scene Investigator Matthew Diggins and Ogeechee Judicial Circuit District Attorney Catherine Sumner.

Mondor sees the event as a forum connecting all corners of the forensic science community. He hopes the annual event continues to serve students, faculty and investigators.

“From students who want to know what these careers look like, professors who want to know  how their knowledge can serve a case, to law enforcement who need access to specialized knowledge and the public who just want to know how all this works, everyone can come away with something,” said Mondor. “Forensics impacts everyone, and it excludes no one. There’s a role for all of us.”

The symposium is part of a continuing partnership with Shimadzu, which has provided world-class equipment and learning opportunities to Georgia Southern students. Speakers from Shimadzu will highlight how cutting-edge technology is being applied to cases today and how agencies from metropolitan cities to rural communities can access it.

“Shimadzu has been a great partner by providing everything from advanced lab equipment to funding for student research internships,” said Michael Huggins, Ph.D., dean of COSM. “They have shown us firsthand how reliable industry partners can make an impact in science.”

The free event is open to the public and will take place at the Military Science Building on the Statesboro Campus from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A catered lunch will be provided. Registration is required and limited to the first 100 applicants. Register at https://dub.sh/4cFkSHu