9/11 Remembered: A Quarter Century of Progress & Preparedness

Join the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science for the 34th Annual Arnold Markle Symposium as we commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and reflect on a quarter century of progress in forensic science, emergency response, disaster victim identification, and national preparedness.

This special symposium, "9/11 Remembered: A Quarter Century of Progress & Preparedness", will honor the lives lost on 9/11, recognize the extraordinary service and sacrifice of first responders, investigators, and recovery personnel, and examine the lasting impact of the attacks on public safety, forensic investigations, emergency management, and homeland security.

Through presentations and discussions led by distinguished experts and practitioners, attendees will gain valuable perspectives on the lessons learned from one of the most significant events in modern history and explore how those lessons continue to shape current practices and future preparedness efforts.

We look forward to welcoming you to this important day of remembrance, reflection, education, and professional engagement.

Speakers include:

Brian Gestring;

Brian Gestring is a forensic science professional with more than 30 years of experience spanning crime scene investigation, laboratory leadership, and forensic policy. He responded to the World Trade Center on 9/11, where he was seriously injured in the South Tower collapse, and later contributed to the victim identification efforts while continuing to shape national standards in forensic practice and education.

Mark Desire

Mark Desire is the Assistant Director of Forensic Biology at the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner. A key member of the forensic response at Ground Zero, he contributed to evidence recovery efforts and later led DNA identification initiatives that became central to the post‑9/11 victim identification process. Twenty five years later, he is still leading the charge with the implementation of advanced DNA technologies to identify victims, with the most recent 9/11 victim identification made in August 2026.

Elissia Conlon

Elissia Conlon serves as the Assistant Commissioner for Forensic Operations & Investigations at the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner. She oversees critical forensic response, investigative coordination, and operational readiness across the nation’s largest medico‑legal death investigation system.

Nick Petraco

Nick Petraco Sr. is a renowned forensic scientist and former NYPD Criminalist whose career spans more than four decades of analytical excellence. A specialist in trace evidence and microscopy, he contributed pivotal scientific work following 9/11, including the study of World Trade Center dust and the forensic examination of the 9/11 flag. His expertise, mentorship, and enduring impact on forensic practice have shaped generations of investigators and criminalists.

Gary Beals

Master Gunnery Sergeant Gary Beals began his Marine Corps career in 1999 as a nuclear, biological, and chemical defense specialist. For more than two decades, he has dedicated himself to preparing Marines and interagency partners for operations in CBRNE environments. His work with U.S. and international federal agencies has been central to improving coordination and readiness for emergency response.

The agenda/schedule of presentations for the symposium will be posted soon!

Who Should Attend?

• Law enforcement professionals

• First responders and emergency management personnel

• Forensic scientists and laboratory professionals

• Medical examiners and healthcare professionals

• Attorneys and legal professionals

• Educators and students

• Public safety officials

• Community members interested in the lasting impact of 9/11

What You'll Gain

• Insights from professionals with firsthand experience related to the events and aftermath of 9/11

• An understanding of the advances in forensic science and disaster victim identification since 2001

• Perspectives on emergency preparedness, mass fatality management, and interagency collaboration

• Lessons learned that continue to influence public safety and national resilience

• Opportunities for professional networking and discussion

Many thanks to Philip Qiu and Rossa Gatti from their generous support of the Annual Markle Symposium!

This symposium is in person only. There is no virtual option to attend.

Registration is required. Space is limited.

The symposium will be held in Bucknall Theater (Dodds Hall), on the grounds of the University of New Haven, located at 300 Boston Post Rd, West Haven, CT 06516.

Certificates of Attendance will be emailed to registered attendees (must check-in at registration) within one week after the event.

For state agencies who wish to purchase tickets via a purchase order, please email our Training Director, Tom Grimaldi, at tgrimaldi@newhaven.edu, to request a purchase order, with the names and email addresses of each attendee.