Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
Publications
Presentations
Awards
Generic

Dr. Jennifer Hall Rivera

Burlington

Summary

Dynamic educational leader with 20+ years directing science programs, managing multi-campus departments, and delivering exceptional instruction across science disciplines. Recognized speaker and published author who translates research and real-world forensic experience into innovative curriculum and engaging professional development. Proven track record developing hands-on educational programs, mentoring faculty, and improving student retention through evidence-based pedagogical practices and engaging program design.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience

Work History

Director Educational Programs

Answers in Genesis
07.2017 - Current

Program Design and Development

  • Designed and launched 30+ innovative educational workshops and signature events serving 5,000+ participants annually across diverse learning formats
  • Developed comprehensive curriculum frameworks for multi-level educational programs, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and learning outcomes
  • Spearheaded development of new educational initiatives from concept through implementation, including needs assessment, content creation, and evaluation metrics

Leadership and Staff Management

  • Directed team of X educators and program coordinators, providing mentorship, performance evaluations, and professional development opportunities
  • Recruited, trained, and supervised instructional staff and workshop facilitators, fostering culture of excellence and continuous improvement
  • Led strategic planning sessions and allocated resources across multiple concurrent educational programs and initiatives

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

  • Establish key performance indicators to measure progress and ensure alignment with organizational goals
  • Partnered with marketing, communications, outreach, IT development, audio visual, and operations departments to ensure integrated program delivery and institutional alignment
  • Facilitated interdepartmental working groups to identify collaboration opportunities and maximize effective educational programming across the organization
  • Coordinated with subject matter experts across departments to enhance curriculum quality and expand program offerings

Public Speaking and Presentations

  • Develop policies and procedures to ensure compliance with organizational standards
  • Delivered 100+ keynote presentations and workshops annually at regional and national conferences, establishing organizational thought leadership
  • Presented at major educational conferences including AFHE, CHAP, Answers for Educators, and more, reaching audiences of 100-500+ students, families, and professionals
  • Served as organizational spokesperson at educational forums, panel discussions, and professional development events
  • Developed and delivered engaging presentations on forensic science, biology, paleontology, geology, biblical history, hands-on learning, homeschooling strategies, and more earning consistent 4.5+ rating scores from attendee

Authorship and Content Creation

  • Authored educational resources, program guides, and instructional materials utilized by 1,000+ learners annually
  • Published articles in online journals on forensic science topics, microscopy, fossils, DNA and more, contributing to field advancement and institutional credibility
  • Created comprehensive facilitator guides and participant workbooks for all workshop series and educational programs
  • Developed digital content resources including video tutorials and webinars

Program Evaluation and Impact

  • Established comprehensive assessment frameworks to measure program effectiveness and satisfaction metrics
  • Analyzed program data and participant feedback to drive continuous improvement and evidence-based curriculum refinement
  • Generated detailed reports for leadership demonstrating program impact, including ROI analysis and success metrics
  • Utilized evaluation findings to secure funding, justify resource allocation, and guide strategic program expansion

Budget and Resource Management

  • Managed annual program budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility while maximizing educational impact
  • Identified and secured donor funding and sponsorship opportunities to support program development and expansion
  • Optimized resource allocation across programs to achieve maximum participation and learning outcomes within budget constraints
  • Negotiated vendor contracts and managed relationships with external facilitators and content providers

Online Science Instructor

Excel Education Systems Washington Technical Institute
05.2019 - 05.2022

Course Management & Instruction

  • Managed and facilitated online courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Physical Science for 100+ students across multiple course sections
  • Managed engaging asynchronous learning activities that promoted scientific inquiry and critical thinking skills
  • Maintained organized course structure with clear syllabi, weekly modules, and accessible learning materials
  • Monitored student progress through Canvas analytics and intervention strategies to support struggling learners

Assessment and Grading

  • Evaluated and graded 50+ online assignments, labs, and assessments weekly, providing detailed constructive feedback within a 3-day turnaround
  • Utilized comprehensive rubrics for laboratory reports, research projects, and scientific writing assignments to ensure consistent, transparent grading
  • Maintained accurate grade records and generated progress reports through Canvas Gradebook, ensuring timely communication of academic standing

Student & Parent Communication

  • Responded to student and parent emails daily, addressing academic concerns, technical issues, and course-related questions with professionalism
  • Provided individualized academic support and guidance through Canvas messaging, email, and virtual office hours
  • Maintained professional, timely correspondence with response times averaging under 24 hours during business days
  • Facilitated parent-teacher conferences via video conferencing to discuss student performance and develop academic success plans

Canvas Platform Experience

  • Leveraged Canvas LMS features including Modules, Assignments, Discussions, Announcements, and to optimize online learning experience
  • Utilized Canvas communication tools (Inbox, Conversations, Announcements) to maintain consistent engagement with students and families
  • Monitored student engagement through Canvas analytics and participation tracking to identify at-risk students requiring intervention

Science-Specific Instruction

  • nstructed students in fundamental and advanced concepts across Biology (cell biology, genetics, ecology), Chemistry (atomic structure, chemical reactions, stoichiometry), Physics (mechanics, energy, waves), and Physical Science
  • Incorporated current scientific research and real-world applications to enhance relevance and student engagement

Professional Practice

  • Maintained compliance with institutional policies, academic integrity standards, and regulations in online environment
  • Documented student academic and behavioral concerns following institutional protocols and communicated with appropriate support staff

Science Chair & Instructor

Veritas Classical Schools
07.2012 - 06.2017

Leadership & Department Administration

  • Served as Science Department Chair overseeing operations across three campuses
  • Coordinated professional development initiatives, and collaborative planning sessions for multi-campus faculty team
  • Managed science department budget, including laboratory supplies, equipment purchases, and instructional materials for multiple sites
  • Mentored science teachers across campuses
  • Managed logistics of shared resources, laboratory equipment, and instructional materials between multiple campus locations
  • Served as liaison between campus administrators and science faculty, communicating institutional priorities and advocating for department needs

Curriculum Development

  • Designed laboratory activities, hands-on investigations, and inquiry-based learning experiences across science disciplines
  • Led adoption and implementation of new science textbooks, digital resources, and laboratory equipment across department
  • Established common assessments and grading rubrics to maintain academic consistency and facilitate data-driven instruction

Instructor

  • Instructed courses covering high school level concepts in Biology, Marine. Biology, Forensic Science, Physical Science, Zoology, Anatomy & Physiology
  • Facilitated laboratory investigations including microscopy, dissections, cellular respiration experiments, and DNA extraction, crime scenes, fingerprint analysis, and forensic anthropology, etc.
  • Integrated real-world applications and current research to enhance student engagement and scientific literacy
  • Utilized case study approach to develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and scientific inquiry skills
  • Organized field experiences and guest speakers to provide authentic connections
  • Scaffolds mathematical applications and problem-solving skills essential for success in upper-level science courses

Assessment Analysis

  • Designed and administered formative and summative assessments aligned with course learning objectives organizational standards
  • Analyzed student performance data to identify learning gaps, inform instructional decisions, and guide intervention

Collaboration & Professional Development

  • Mentored new science teachers, providing guidance on classroom management, lesson planning, and instructional strategies
  • Engaged in ongoing professional development focused on science pedagogy, laboratory safety, and content knowledge advancement
  • Presented at professional conferences on effective science teaching practices

Middle/High School Science Teacher

Bethlehem Christian Academy/Maranatha Christian Academy
07.2006 - 06.2012

Curriculum Development

  • Designed laboratory activities, hands-on investigations, and inquiry-based learning experiences across science disciplines
  • Led adoption and implementation of new science textbooks, digital resources, and laboratory equipment across department
  • Established common assessments and grading rubrics to maintain academic consistency and facilitate data-driven instruction

Instructor

  • Instructed courses covering high school level concepts in Biology, Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry, Physical Science, Physics, World History, Geography
  • Facilitated laboratory investigations including microscopy, dissections, cellular respiration experiments, and DNA extraction, crime scenes, fingerprint analysis, and forensic anthropology, etc.
  • Integrated real-world applications and current research to enhance student engagement and scientific literacy
  • Utilized case study approach to develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and scientific inquiry skills
  • Organized field experiences and guest speakers to provide authentic connections
  • Scaffold mathematical applications and problem-solving skills essential for success in upper-level science courses

Assessment Analysis

  • Designed and administered formative and summative assessments aligned with course learning objectives organizational standards
  • Analyzed student performance data to identify learning gaps, inform instructional decisions, and guide intervention

Collaboration & Professional Development

  • Mentored new science teachers, providing guidance on classroom management, lesson planning, and instructional strategies
  • Engaged in ongoing professional development focused on science pedagogy, laboratory safety, and content knowledge advancement
  • Presented at professional conferences on effective science teaching practices

Fingerprint Examiner

Hollywood Police Department CSU
05.1995 - 05.1998

Fingerprint Analysis and Comparison

  • Conducted point-by-point comparisons of latent prints against known exemplars using traditional manual comparison methods and magnification
  • Utilized Henry Classification System and other systematic approaches to classify and file thousands of fingerprint cards
  • Searched local fingerprint card files manually to identify potential matches to unknown latent prints recovered from crime scenes
  • Compared latent prints against suspect fingerprint cards to establish positive identifications or exclusions
  • Evaluated ridge characteristics including endings, bifurcations, dots, and other minutiae to determine fingerprint individualization
  • Documented comparison findings with detailed written reports and annotated photographs indicating matching characteristics
  • Maintained laboratory equipment, supplies, and chemical inventories
  • Maintained professional demeanor and credibility while presenting technical evidence

Database and Management

  • Maintained departmental fingerprint card files organized by classification system for manual searching
  • Logged and tracked evidence submissions, processing results, and case dispositions in departmental records systems
  • Prepared and submitted fingerprint cards to state and federal (FBI) identification bureaus for criminal history checks
  • Filed and retrieved fingerprint records following established protocols and security procedures
  • Maintained chain of custody documentation for all evidence processed and examined

Collaboration and Communication

  • Coordinated with detectives and patrol officers to provide technical guidance on evidence collection and preservation
  • Communicated examination results to investigating officers through written reports and verbal briefings
  • Collaborated with other forensic specialists including crime scene technicians, evidence custodians, and laboratory personnel

Training and Quality Assurance

  • Completed formal training in fingerprint classification, latent print development, and comparison techniques
  • Participated in continuing education programs and workshops to maintain technical competency and knowledge of emerging techniques
  • Followed departmental standard operating procedures and quality assurance protocols for all examinations
  • Participated in proficiency testing programs to verify and maintain examination accuracy
  • Maintained detailed case notes and documentation supporting all examination conclusions

Education

EdD - Education Curriculum And Instruction

Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
09-2018

EdS - Education Curriculum And Instruction

Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
06-2015

Master of Arts - Education

Brenau University
Gainesville, GA
12-2011

Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice

Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL
07-1999

Skills

  • Engaging presentation delivery
  • Research and Analysis
  • Content creation
  • Client engagement
  • Project management
  • Clear communication
  • Team leadership
  • Strategic innovation development
  • Trustworthy interactions
  • Target audience understanding

Affiliations

Passion Life Board Member 2025 - present

Bible2School National Prayer and Curriculum Review Team 2021 - present

Answers Academy Board Member 2018 – present

Council on Undergraduate Research 2017- present

Creation Research Society 2016 – present

International Association for Identification 2015 - present

Golden Key National Honor Society Lifetime Member

Timeline

Online Science Instructor

Excel Education Systems Washington Technical Institute
05.2019 - 05.2022

Director Educational Programs

Answers in Genesis
07.2017 - Current

Science Chair & Instructor

Veritas Classical Schools
07.2012 - 06.2017

Middle/High School Science Teacher

Bethlehem Christian Academy/Maranatha Christian Academy
07.2006 - 06.2012

Fingerprint Examiner

Hollywood Police Department CSU
05.1995 - 05.1998

EdD - Education Curriculum And Instruction

Liberty University

EdS - Education Curriculum And Instruction

Liberty University

Master of Arts - Education

Brenau University

Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice

Florida Atlantic University

Publications

Books

Forensic Science for Kids  New Leaf Publishing 2026

DNA, God, & You! , New Leaf Publishing 2025

Work of Your Hand: Fingerprints, God, and You! New Leaf Publishing   2019

Glass House (authored two chapters) New Leaf Publishing   2019

Curriculum

Educational Guidebooks: The Creation Museum and Ark Encounter   3rd ed. March 2024

Intro to Forensic Science: High School Textbook w/ Lab Manual New Leaf Publishing 2023

Dissertation

Forensic Science Course Student Efficacy, Task Value, and Sense of Community Comparing Traditional and Virtual Classroom Designs, Doctoral Dissertation   September 2018

Articles 

The Race Against Decay: Forensic Decomposition vs. Fossilization, Answers in Genesis September 2025

Detective Hair: Tiny Clues Solve Big Mysteries!, Kids Answers August 2025

Article: God’s Amazing Fingerprint Design, Kids Answers August 2025

Through the Lens: God’s Tiny Wonders, Kids Answers July 2025

Soil Unique Mineral Fingerprints, Answers in Genesis  November 2023

Designed Distinctions in a Single Strand of Hair, Answers in Genesis  September 2023

Four Reasons Why Natural Selection Isn’t Evolution, Answers Magazine    October 2022

Gender of Bones, Answers Magazine October 2021

Marsupial Fingerprints: These Hands were Made for Gripping, Answers Magazine June 2020

Close but not Close Enough: Primate Fingerprints, Answers Magazine   November 2018

A Ticking Clock to Determine Time of Death, Answers Magazine   September 2018

Online Learner Readiness: Strategies for Success, Kappa Delta Pi   April 2018

The Blended Learning Environment: A Viable Alternative for Special Needs Students, Journal of Education and Training Studies  January 2017

Can Forensic Science Trace the World’s Origins?, Answers in Genesis  January 2017

Naturally Occurring Minutiae, Journal of Forensic Identification: March 2016

Science-based Laboratory Comprehension: An Examination of Effective Practices within Traditional, Online and Blended Learning Environments, Open Learning: The Journal of Open, Distance and eLearning July 2016

Presentations

Professional Monthly Speaker: Creation Museum & Ark Encounter KY October 2017- Present

Educational Program Presenter: Creation Museum Petersburg, KY January 2018 - Present

Professional Donor Event Presenter  KY April 2018 - Present

Onsite Conference Presenter KY 2018 - Present

Offsite Conference Presenter 2022 - Present

Community Outreach: How Do I Keep Kids Engaged? IAI International Forensic Conference Reno, NV 2024

Community Outreach: How Do I Keep Kids Engaged? IAI International Forensic Conference Omaha, NB 2023

A Comparison of Human vs. Primate Friction Ridge Skin:  August 2019

Online Learning Consortium Online Education Research Presenter Orlando, FL November 2018

Women’s Retreat West Conference Loveland, CO September 2018

Minutiae in Nature: IAI International Forensic Conference Atlanta, GA August 2017

Human, Primate, & Marsupial Fingerprints: GAIAI State Forensic Conference Atlanta GA, November 2016 

Minutiae in Nature: GAIAI State Forensic Conference Atlanta GA October 2015

Common Core: Implications and Practices In-Service Training July 2015

Technology in the Classroom In-Service Training July 2014

Technology in the Classroom In-Service Training January 2014

Love and Logic Teacher In-Service Training April 2010

Awards

BCA Teacher of the Year Award 2009– 2010

BCA Best Curriculum Award 2010– 2011

BCA Commitment to Academic Excellence Award 2011– 2012