Embry-Riddle forensic professor Kelly Crockett advances cold case work and mentoring

Kelly Crockett, an assistant professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona, is combining cold case investigation, forensic education and victim-centered advocacy. Her work with the university’s Cold Case Task Force highlights growing attention to both unsolved crimes and the mental health needs of forensic professionals.

Why it matters: - Kelly Crockett’s work connects forensic education with real-world cold case investigations, giving students direct experience on unsolved cases while supporting law enforcement and victim advocacy. - Her focus on ethical, evidence-based practice reflects a broader push in forensic science toward more victim-centered investigations and stronger support for practitioners. - Crockett also represents a growing pipeline of women shaping forensic science through technical expertise, mentoring and interdisciplinary problem-solving.

What happened: - Kelly Crockett is an assistant professor of forensic science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona. - Crockett founded and serves as supervising faculty member of the university’s Cold Case Task Force. - The task force works with law enforcement agencies to analyze unsolved cases, apply forensic methods and support victim advocacy efforts. - Crockett is also involved in developing academic programming in forensic psychology and investigative methodology. - Influential Women highlighted Crockett on Oct. 23, 2026.

The details: - Crockett’s career in forensic science and law enforcement began in 2010 in civilian law enforcement roles in Northern Arizona. - She has worked as a Sheriff Security Officer, an Instructional Specialist in a correctional setting and an Evidence Technician with the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office. - Her experience includes crime scene processing, evidence collection and preservation, forensic photography, latent print development, biological evidence analysis and courtroom testimony. - Crockett completed advanced training through the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. - Her specialties include crime scene investigation and reconstruction, evidence analysis, handling and chain of custody. - Crockett holds a Master of Science in Forensic Science with a specialization in Investigations from National University. - Her additional training includes medicolegal death investigation, forensic psychology and crime scene science. - She is a member of the Council of Forensic Science Educators, the International Association of Identification and the International Homicide Investigation Association. - Crockett is a trainee member of the American Academy of Forensic Science. - She collaborates with organizations including the Sherry Black Foundation and other cold case research networks. - More information is available in her Influential Women profile.

Between the lines: - Crockett’s comments point to an ongoing challenge in forensic work: practitioners often face prolonged exposure to traumatic scenes and victims without the same psychological support given to other first responders. - She sees increased attention to mental health in the profession as a positive shift. - Her emphasis on women’s perspective in investigations suggests the field is still working through old stereotypes even as more women enter forensic science. - The Cold Case Task Force model shows how universities can serve as both training grounds and contributors to active investigative work.

What's next: - Crockett plans to keep mentoring students while helping law enforcement and cold case networks pursue unresolved cases. - Her work will continue to center on victim dignity, evidence-based analysis and interdisciplinary collaboration. - Ongoing attention to practitioner well-being may shape how forensic programs train and support the next generation of investigators.

The bottom line: - Crockett’s profile shows how forensic science can blend technical rigor, teaching and empathy in work that aims to deliver answers, accountability and closure.