The field of forensics has grown far beyond catching criminals by finding their fingerprints or footprints at crime scenes, techniques first popularized in Sherlock Holmes’ mysteries 100-plus years ago. Over the decades, investigative advancements in forensics have made significant progress and solved untold numbers of crimes. They have become a part of popular culture, including various TV programs.
Recognizing how the field of forensics can be applied to apologetics, Dr. Jennifer Rivera leads popular hands-on forensics programs at AiG’s attractions as the Director of Educational Programs. In addition to over 15 years of teaching experience in the sciences, Dr. Rivera holds an education doctorate in curriculum and instruction, an MAT with a science concentration, and a BA in criminal justice, with hundreds of training hours in the forensic disciplines. Dr. Rivera used to work in a crime scene unit in southern Florida (no, it wasn’t of CSI: Miami TV fame!) and has had multiple speaking engagements for the International Association for Identification, the largest organization for crime scene personnel.
Today, Dr. Rivera declares she’s thrilled to educate children, teens, and adults as she presents “the truth of God’s Word using science, showing how science confirms the Bible.” In addition, she leads Explore Jr., Explore Days and Exploration. These are hands-on programs (for ages 5–10, 11–18, and 18+) at the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter. Dr. Rivera also presents free Discover programs for daily guests at the museum. Topics include forensic fingerprint basics, forensic DNA fingerprinting, forensic hair analysis, and more. Dr. Rivera directs and teaches high school labs, such as the popular High School Lab Forensic Science program, in the new state-of-the-art laboratory at the Ark Encounter and in the lab at the Creation Museum.
Dr. Rivera’s writings include the book Work of Your Hand: Fingerprints, God, and You!, a high school textbook titled Intro to Forensic Science from a Biblical Worldview, and articles in professional journals.
On days when Dr. Rivera is not hard at work teaching or writing, she enjoys hiking and traveling.
Interested in reserving a private presentation with a speaker during your visit to the Creation Museum or Ark Encounter?
Request a Private Speaker PresentationHave fun watching videos about cool places and animals while you learn more about the Creator and His marvelous creation!
Justin and Jessie learn when to use the word "awesome."
Matt's brother and his brother's friend Dan keep teasing Matt for being a Christian.
Ellie has problems listening to instructions and obeying.
Jessie practiced her pirouettes every day after school. Soon it was time for the girls to perform the ballet for their parents.
Making a volcano for a science experiment is hard. Justin and Jessie feel like quitting.
Jessie is having a bad day, but is it bad luck or God's will?
Justin stared at the cloud. It seemed to be glowing, then blam! A streak of lightning flashed from the cloud.
Will Justin be chosen for more classroom responsibilities if he learns to obey?
Justin jerked up on his fishing pole. “I think I got one!” Justin goes on his first fishing trip with his dad and learns about good stewardship.
The girls fall asleep on the job and make a mess of things.
Jessie wants to take revenge, since Olivia tripped her. But what does the Bible say about mercy?
Last year, a pink star was all Ellie wanted. But this year she wants a snowman. Can she understand the true meaning of Christmas?
Matt burst out of his house and darted across the street to Justin’s house. He couldn’t wait to tell his friend the good news!
Oh dear! Baby Jesus is missing from Jessie’s manger scene.
Mom stepped back with a sigh of satisfaction to admire the beautiful cake she’d been working on almost all afternoon.
Jeremy goes on a mission trip to Mexico and meets a new friend.
Matt wants Justin to watch a scary movie that has bad language. What will the boys decide?
Jessie and her cousin Emily wait for their grandparents to get back from vacation.
Answers in Genesis is an apologetics ministry, dedicated to helping Christians defend their faith and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.