Welcome to “Ask a Forensic Scientist”!
Mar 16, 2026
Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. (Psalm 111:2)
Have you ever wondered how investigators use science to solve crimes for the glory of God? Dr. Jennifer Hall Rivera wants to answer that question! She is a forensic scientist and educator who loves sharing how forensic science confirms the Bible with kids just like you! If you’re interested in becoming a forensic scientist or have a question about forensic investigation, you can send Dr. Rivera your forensic question here.
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Dr. Rivera with Forensic Students
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Dr. Rivera with Hollywood Police Crime Scene Unit
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Kids Learning About Forensics at the Creation Museum
Dr. Rivera’s passion for forensic science started when she was young. Her father was a well-known fingerprint expert, and growing up around his work sparked a curiosity in her that never went away. From an early age, her dad taught her that unique fingerprint patterns reflect the glory of God in that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made.
In college, she studied criminal justice and criminology and completed hundreds of hours of special training in forensic science techniques. She went on to earn a master of arts in teaching with a focus in science, and an education specialist and doctorate in curriculum and instruction.
Before becoming a teacher, Dr. Rivera worked in a real crime scene unit in South Florida, where her expertise was dactyloscopy. Dactyloscopy is the scientific study of fingerprints. She later became a published educator, sharing her research in professional journals and speaking at major forensic science conferences in the United States.
Today, Dr. Rivera is the Director of Educational Programs for Answers in Genesis, where she teaches kids, teenagers, and adults at the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter. She oversees and teaches exciting hands-on programs covering topics like fingerprint analysis, DNA fingerprinting, hair analysis, and much more.
She has also written books for kids just like you:
- The Work of Your Hand: Fingerprints, God, and You!
- DNA, God, and You!
- Intro to Forensic Science from a Biblical Worldview
Do you have a question about forensics or how forensic scientists pursue God’s desire for justice? Ask your parents to help you submit your question today! Dr. Rivera looks forward to answering your questions here on this blog.
