John R. Cencich

Dr. John R. Cencich is a Professor at Pennsylvania Western University, specializing in law, constitutional policing, organized crime, and international criminal justice. He previously served as Chair of the Criminal Justice Department and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research. He holds a Doctor of Juridical Science (JSD) from the University of Notre Dame.

• Education:
• Doctor of Juridical Science (JSD), University of Notre Dame

Research Interests: Focuses on threat assessments, cold-case homicide strategies, wrongful convictions, and international criminal investigations. His work integrates legal, investigative, and forensic methodologies.

Awards:

• Faculty Merit Award for Teaching
• President’s Distinguished Award for Service
• Foundation’s Job Johnson Award
• Alumni Association’s W. S. Jackman Award of Distinction
• University President’s Medal for Patriotic Service

Professional Contributions: Directed the Pennsylvania Center for Investigative and Forensic Sciences. Authored The Devil’s Garden: A War Crimes Investigator’s Story. Served as a consultant for the UN’s International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, the National Institute of Justice, and the UN Development Programme. Advised PennWest’s Mock Trial Team, which earned national acclaim.

Labs/Teams: Oversees the Pennsylvania Center for Investigative and Forensic Sciences, focusing on advanced investigative techniques and interdisciplinary collaboration.