Turning the Tide… On Individual, Domestic, and Community Violence

April 17-18, 2024

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Continuous Research Poster Session
7:15 – 8:00 Research Poster and Exhibitor Set-UpSellers Auditorium
7:30 – 8:30 Registration and BreakfastSellers Lobby
8:30 WelcomeSellers Auditorium
9:00 – 10:30 Opening SessionSellers Auditorium

“Addressing Gender Based Violence and Sex Trafficking in Alabama: A Collaboration between Community Partners and Researchers”
Brenda Maddox, Tuscaloosa SAFE Center
Gracie Avery, MPH, Graduate Student, University of Alabama
Brandy Martinez, Turning Point Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services
Gregory Bott, PhD, Associate Professor, The University of Alabama
Moderator: Tiffany Marcantonio, PhD, Assistant Professor, The University of Alabama
10:30 – 11:00 Break and Visit ExhibitorsSellers Lobby
11:00 – 12:00 Keynote SpeakerSellers Auditorium

Mass Fatality Incident Management – The Next 30 Days
Frank DePaolo, PA-C, ABMDI-D
Former Deputy Commissioner
NYC Office Of Chief Medical Examiner (Retired) 
12:15 – 12:45 Lunch and Visit ExhibitorsSellers Lobby
12:45 – 1:45 Keynote SpeakerSellers Auditorium

The Effects of Violence within Communities
Chief Eddie P. Compass, III
Retired Superintendent of New Orleans Police Department
1:45 – 2:00 Break and Visit ExhibitorsSellers Lobby
2:00 – 3:00 Breakout Sessions

PreventionBirmingham/Central Room

“SALT”
Glenn Davis, NRP
Travis Parker, NRP
Emergency Management Services

PreparednessLackey Room

“Managing the Police/Media Relationship to Tell YOUR Story”
Truman Fitzgerald
Assistant Public Information Officer, Birmingham Police Department

RecoveryWilson Room
“Forensic DNA Testing in Alabama – Recent Advances in Sexual Assault, Homicide, and Cold Case Efforts”
Jason Kokoszka, PhD
Forensic Biology Discipline Chief,
Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences
3:00 – 3:10       Break
3:10 – 4:10       Breakout Sessions
PreventionBirmingham/Central Room

“Sexual Assault Forensic Response”
Melissa Hanks MSN/Ed, SANE-A
Alexus Edwards BSN, Forensic Nurse
Tuscaloosa SAFE Center

PreparednessLackey Room

“Spotting a Mental Health Crisis”
Vanessa Vega
Internationally Published Author;
Motivational Speaker

RecoveryWilson Room
“Child Deaths in Alabama – Emerging Trends from 12 months of Forensic Science Cases”
Rebekah Boswell
Forensic Pathology Manager,
Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences
4:20 – 5:00 Poster Session with Authors & ReceptionSellers Auditorium
5:00 Adjourn – see you tomorrow!

Thursday, April 18, 2024

8:30 – 9:00 BreakfastSellers Lobby
9:00 – 10:00 Opening PanelSellers Auditorium

“Protecting our Future”
Mark Cline, Director of Security, Shelton State Community College
Tyrone U. Blocker, Director of Student Services, Tuscaloosa County School System
Deron Cameron, Superintendent for Operations, Tuscaloosa City School System
Shane Dorrill, Director of Communications, Department of Public Safety, The University of Alabama
10:30 – 11:30 General SessionSellers Auditorium

Gun Present: Inside a Southern District Attorney’s Battle Against Gun Violence
Brittany VandeBerg
Associate Professor and Associate Department Chair
Criminology & Criminal Justice
The University of Alabama
11:30 – 12:30 Keynote SpeakerSellers Auditorium

Beyond Bruises and Blades: An Intimate Look Inside the Mind of a Self-Injurer
Vanessa Vega, MS
Internationally Published Author and Motivational Speaker
12:30 – 12:50 Lunch and visit ExhibitorsSellers Lobby
12:50 – 1:00 Poster Awards Sellers Auditorium
1:00 – 2:00 Keynote SpeakerSellers Auditorium

The Psychology of Incarceration
Ameer Baraka
Author, Emmy Nominated Actor, and Activist
2:00 – 2:50 Making Prevention a RealitySellers Auditorium

Lt. Craig Parker
Tuscaloosa Police Behavioral Intervention
Commander, Tuscaloosa Police Department
3:00 – 3:50 General SessionSellers Auditorium

Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA) – An Overview and Emerging Trends in Alabama Communities
Curt Harper, PhD
Chief Toxicologist, Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences
4:00 – 4:50 Self Defense TrainingSellers Auditorium

Officer Castro Javine
Officer Kandice Harbin
University of Alabama Police Department
5:00 Adjourn – See you next year!
24th Annual Rural Health Conference – April 8–9, 2025