Faculty Member
Having spent over a decade as a crime scene investigator then unit supervisor, Julissa has extensive experience in crime scene investigation and has been considered an expert in both local and federal courts.
She began her career as a forensic technician with the City of Virginia Beach in 2011. In her time there she processed thousands of crime scenes ranging from property crimes to violent crimes, suicides, officer involved shootings, and homicides. Julissa also specialized in video evidence recovery and processing and became a LEVA certified technician (the first in the history of the Virginia Beach Police Department) and court expert in crime scene investigation and video forensics. Julissa transitioned to supervising the crime scene unit of the Suffolk Police Department - an ISO 17020 accredited crime scene unit. While there, she was responsible for the oversight of crime scene technicians performing crime scene investigations, latent fingerprint examinations, digital forensic examinations, and was responsible for scene investigation of officer involved incidents. Julissa was also the quality and technical manager, responsible for ensuring the unit kept up with the requirements set forth by the international standard.
Julissa has also provided, created, and coordinated training in crime scene investigation and scene processing to a variety of professionals in law enforcement and forensic science including multiple police agencies, medical examiners, death investigators, and for the US Navy. She also had the opportunity to instruct a forensic investigation summer camp for students in India. She serves as the chair of the Chesapeake Bay Division of the IAI’s student development committee, is a peer reviewer for Forensic Science International and the Journal of Forensic Identification, and is an ANAB certified technical assessor in the crime scene investigations field. She is an HEA associate fellow. Julissa is currently pursuing a Doctor of Forensic Science degree from Oklahoma State University.
Major: Forensic Science
Major: Applied Forensic Sciences
Crime Scene Investigation Techniques I, Spring 2025
Current Topics in Forensic Science, Spring 2025
Forensic Photography, Spring 2025
Research in Forensic Investigations, Spring 2025
The HEA Associate Fellow (AFHEA) distinction is awarded by the Higher Education Academy (HEA) to individuals who demonstrate a solid understanding of teaching and learning practices within higher education. It recognizes those who contribute to enhancing student learning, typically early-career academics or those with limited formal teaching responsibilities, but who have made an impact on their students' educational experiences.
Adjunct Faculty Teaching Achievement Award_ Awarded to members of the adjunct teaching faculty whose performance in the classroom or other instructional environment best exemplifies effectiveness in promoting student achievement.
The Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award is based on these criteria_ Maintaining high standards of academic achievement, Possessing superior knowledge of the subject matter, Displaying interest in teaching, Relating classroom learning to real-world situations, Producing well-organized and clear presentations, Motivating students to excel and pursue further study, Using innovative teaching techniques, Creating a positive learning environment both in and outside of the college
