News
Reflecting twenty-five years since Sep. 11, 2001, with Professor Mark Desire
Twenty-five years since Sep. 11, 2001, Professor Mark Desire - a full-time faculty member and Forensic Science Advisor of the Rutgers Criminal Justice Program (New Brunswick) - continues supporting 9/11 victims and their loved ones. Using forensic science and improvements in technology, Professor Desire has worked tirelessly with the NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to identify over 1,651 victims. This work continues, and identification breakthroughs have occurred up through the present.
If you or someone you know is still waiting to identify a loved one from 9/11, please visit the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner's website, or call their hotline at 212-447-7884. To learn more about ongoing efforts in support of 9/11 victims, or to consult about careers in forensic science, please contact
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. orThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/wtc/2026/09/07/mark-desire
Some additional 2026 posts:
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/09/sept-11-2001-the-stories-25-years-later/
Dr. Chukwuedo joins the Racial Democracy, Crime and Justice Network (RDCJN) Summer Research Institute at the University of Maryland
This summer, Dr. Chukwuedo will join the Racial Democracy, Crime and Justice Network (RDCJN) Summer Research Institute at the University of Maryland, where he will advance his book manuscript, Brick City Children: The Early Roots of Legal Estrangement. His research sits at the intersection of criminology, existentialist philosophy, and community ethics — exploring how preadolescent children in Newark, NJ confront questions of identity, alienation, and belonging as they navigate early encounters with legal institutions. Drawing on qualitative interviews with children ages 9–11, his work examines how legal estrangement shapes a child's emerging sense of self while raising deeper ethical questions about the obligations communities and legal systems owe to their most vulnerable members.
Criminal Justice major Danasia Kelly has been selected as the School of Arts and Sciences Convocation 2026 Student Speaker
Danasia Kelly is a senior at Rutgers University majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. Originally from the Bronx, New York, she is deeply passionate about advocacy and using her voice to create meaningful change within underserved communities.
As a three-time transfer student, Danasia’s journey to Rutgers was shaped by resilience and determination. She has since found a true home at Rutgers, where she has fully invested herself in both her academic and extracurricular experiences. Throughout her time at the university, she has been actively involved in programs such as EOF and Student Support Services, served as an intern with the Rutgers University Police Department, and held a leadership role on the choir executive board.
Danasia aspires to become a Congresswoman, with a strong commitment to advocating for equitable policies and amplifying the voices of those who are often overlooked. Her time at Rutgers has not only strengthened her academic foundation but has also fueled her dedication to public service and lifelong advocacy.
Program Spotlight: Assistant Teaching Professor Mark Desire Meets King Charles III and Queen Camilla
We are proud to share that Mark Desire, Assistant Teaching Professor and Forensic Science Advisor in our program, was recently invited to attend a special visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum.
During the events of September 11, Professor Desire served as an Assistant Director with the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner. Despite sustaining injuries during the attacks, he returned to work the very next day – reporting on crutches in continued service during a time of immense need.
During this recent memorial visit, Professor Desire had the distinct honor of meeting Their Majesties, representing the strength, resilience, and dedication of those who served in the aftermath of one of the most significant moments in our nation's history.
We are honored to recognize Professor Desire’s service and his continued contributions to our academic community. His real-world experience brings invaluable perspective to our program and inspires the next generation of students.
View highlights from the event and media coverage below:
- https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/video/king-charles-queen-camilla-make-whirlwind-trip-to-nyc/ (CBS covers Mark Desire at minute 4:30)
- https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2026/04/29/king-charles-iii-and-queen-camilla-visit-9-11-memorial (NY1 covers Mark Desire at minute 1:57)
Professor Noura Erakat to receive honorary doctorate for distinguished contributions to advancing Palestinian rights
Noura Erakat, Professor of Africana Studies and Criminal Justice, has been bestowed the title of Doctor Honoris Causa by the University of Antwerp. This honorary doctorate, as described by Rector Herwig Leirs, reflects Professor Erakat’s “relentless commitment to advancing Palestinian rights, both through [her] outstanding scholarly work and [her] tireless engagement in the public and legal arenas.” Professor Erakat’s voice has been “central in connecting rigorous legal and political analyses with broader struggles for justice.” Dr. Erakat will be formally presented with the honorary degree in Antwerp, Belgium.
Announcements:
Honorary Doctorate Ceremony (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZF1YjBeNU4
Honorary Degrees 2026 (w/ video): https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/events/honorary-degrees/honorary-degrees-2026/