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 an exclusive presentation with a speaker during your visit to the Creation Museum or Ark Encounter?
Request an Exclusive Speaker Presentation“Come here, Jessie,” Justin said as he led the way into the family room. “See what I’m going to build?” He showed her the picture on the box.
Emily’s dad just wants to help out at Emily’s birthday party. But he doesn’t know the whole plan. Will he ruin the party?
Justin goes fishing with his dad, but everything seems to go wrong.
Jessie ran into the kitchen to see what was making all the noise. Oh no! Freckles was up on the counter—and he was eating the banana bread!
Jessie is excited to help out at church, but she's disappointed with the job given to her. After an injury, she realizes every little job matters.
Justin has to choose: should he wait for Mom, or should he believe Matt and eat some of the warm, chocolatey cookies piled high on the kitchen counter?
Jessie’s cousin Jeremy is worried. He has to move away from his school and his friends on the soccer team. But what will happen in the new place?
Justin and Jessie visit the Ice Age exhibit at the zoo. But is it true what the signs say? Were these animals really living a million years ago?
Justin learns that just because a person speaks in a different language doesn’t mean what they’re saying isn’t important.
Justin is so confused! Everyone keeps using the word mercy. Will Justin ever find out what mercy means?
Justin helps his dad clear the area to build his new fort and finds out about “Pokes & Prickles”—the hard way.
When a thunderstorm hits, Justin and Jessie are worried there might be another flood like Noah’s. But the kids learn about God’s rainbow promise.
Justin and his dad finish the fort—just in time—in “Sudden Storms & Slippery Slides.”
In “Plain Rice & Piggy Banks” Jessie can help the missionary or buy her doll. Which will she choose to do?
Answers in Genesis is an apologetics ministry, dedicated to helping Christians defend their faith and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.