Dr. Jennifer Hall Rivera

Director of Educational Programs, Speaker and Author

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.

Fun Facts

Favorite verse: Proverbs 3:5–6
Favorite forensic show on TV: Forensic Files
Food she most misses in southern Florida: Authentic Cuban cuisine
Most unusual vacation: The Arctic Circle of Alaska with her daughter; they saw the Northern Lights, went dogsledding, etc.
How she first connected to AiG: Watching a video of Ken Ham
Favorite book (excluding the Bible): Lord of the Rings trilogy

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Latest Articles by Dr. Jennifer Hall Rivera

Video Collection
Vídeos
Topic
Stem Cells

Do the potential benefits of embryonic stem cell research justify the destruction of human life? Or is there a viable alternative?
Video Collection
Caricaturas
Topic
Evidence of Evolution

Evolution is often presented as a fact proven by science. If this is true, there should be mountains of evidence supporting evolution—but is there?
Topic
Biology

Biology, the study of living things, is a rich science filled with intricacy and complexity that demands the presence of an intelligent Creator God.
Topic
Mammals

Great diversity exists within the mammal group. From koalas to deer to bats to primates to whales to cheetahs, mammals declare the glory of their Creator.
Book
Fish out of Water

If you are a Christian heading to campus for the first time, there are several things you need to know about living your faith while surrounded by atheistic professors. This wonderful guide for college students who find their faith and values under assault will help them navigate through classes while maintaining a good GPA and a positive college experience.
Page
Ken Ham, Præsident
Book
The New Answers Book 2

People complain about The New Answers Book. They say that it’s so good at giving short, substantive answers that they want more. Well, we listened! In The New Answers Book 2 you’ll find 31 more great answers to big questions for the Christian life. Many view the original New Answers Book as an essential tool for modern discipleship. Both of these books answer such questions as: Can natural processes explain the origin of life? Can creationists be real scientists? Where did Cain get his wife? Is evolution a religion? and more!
Video Collection
視頻

Videos
Topic
Disease

Disease, an enemy in a once-perfect creation, does not provide evidence of evolution but rather shows the destructive and often deadly effects of sin.
Page
Answers VBS Testimonials
Page
De gode nyheder
Topic
Types of Fossils

The fossil record shows more biodiversity than our current ecosystems. This incredible diversity clearly demonstrates the handiwork of the Creator!
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Απαντήσεις στην Γένεση

Answers in Genesis Ελληνικά
Topic
Creation Vacations

Opportunities to see and explore God’s amazing creation abound, whether at a national park, a Christian-themed venue, or a natural history museum.
Just Be Good for Goodness’ Sake: Is Being Good Good Enough?

Why should we be good? Without God, is there any reason why anyone should be good? And who defines what is right or good, anyway?
Book
Wonders of Geology

Answers in Genesis wants you to get the full story behind some of the most famous parks and geological wonders before you pack up to go see them.
Biography
John Rendle-Short

Dr. John Rendle Short was a paediatrician in Australia for 24 years.
Book
Evolution Exposed: Earth Science

Learn how to respectfully counter the evolutionary bias and indoctrination in astronomical and geological evolution.
Topic
Genesis

The Book of Genesis is the first book of the Bible. It was named by the Septuagint (LXX) translators because it gives an account of the origin of all things.
Topic
Cain

One of the most asked questions by skeptics and Christians alike is, “Where did Cain get his wife?” Genesis provides the simple answer!
Book
El libro de las Repuestas 2

People complain about The New Answers Book. They say that it’s so good at giving short, substantive answers that they want more. Well, we listened! In The New Answers Book 2 you’ll find 31 more great answers to big questions for the Christian life. Many view the original New Answers Book as an essential tool for modern discipleship. Both of these books answer such questions as: Can natural processes explain the origin of life? Can creationists be real scientists? Where did Cain get his wife? Is evolution a religion? and more!
Book Chapter
About the Author

from Taking Back Astronomy
Dr. Jason Lisle’s biography