Maria Pettolina

Maria C. Pettolina is a Professor of Forensic Science at Syracuse University, affiliated with the Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute. Her expertise spans Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), Medicolegal Death Investigations, and Forensic Professional Wellness. She holds a Doctorate of Management in Higher Education (2020), M.S. in Forensic Medicine (2007), and B.A. in Criminal Justice (2005).

Her research focuses on implicit bias in forensic professions, emotional wellness of practitioners, and practical challenges like latent blood reagent efficacy post-wash. She has contributed to over 1,200 hours of specialized training and serves as a national educator for TriTech Forensics.

Recent publications explore property room drug evidence management, CSI burnout mitigation, and forensic technology reviews. She has provided expert testimony in high-profile cases like the Aurora Theater Shooting investigation with the FBI.

• Service: Task Group Leader for OSAC CSI/CSIR Subcommittee, Editorial Review Board Member at National Institute of Justice, Committee Member at International Association of Identification.
• Awards: Police Citation of Excellence (2021) for exceptional service.

She advises students in the Forensic Institute at Syracuse and teaches advanced courses on Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, Crime Scene Photography, and Practical CSI Research. Current roles include Undergraduate/Graduate Advisor and Curriculum Committee membership.