About the Laura Pettler & Associates International Forensics Institute

Our mission is to leave the world better than we found it by advancing forensic science through research, education, and innovation. We believe every investigator deserves access to evidence-based methodologies, practical training, and the freedom to think critically in pursuit of the truth.

Our Story

Although the Laura Pettler & Associates International Forensics Institute was formally established in 2017, its educational philosophy was shaped years earlier through international teaching, field research, and collaboration with investigators around the world. Those experiences laid the foundation for an institute built on critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and practical application.

At a time when much of forensic education focused on memorization and established procedures, LPAIFI was created to emphasize critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and practical application. Since its founding, the Institute has grown from an online educational platform into a multidisciplinary research and training organization serving investigators, forensic professionals, attorneys, first responders, and students around the world.

Photo: Dr. Laura Pettler teaching forensic investigators in Costa Rica in 2010. International instruction and collaborative learning have been central to LPAIFI's philosophy since before the Institute was founded.
Our philosophy

Teaching Critical Thinkers. Developing Better Investigators.

At the Laura Pettler & Associates International Forensics Institute, we believe great investigators are not born, they are developed through curiosity, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the truth. Technical skills are essential, but they are only part of the equation. The best investigators possess the humility to question assumptions, the courage to challenge conventional thinking, and the integrity to let evidence—not opinion or ego—guide their conclusions.

Our educational philosophy is rooted in critical thinking and scientific inquiry. We encourage students to move beyond memorization and develop the ability to analyze information, evaluate competing explanations, and communicate their findings with clarity and confidence. Every course, methodology, and training program is designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application, preparing professionals to perform effectively in the complex realities of the field.

Innovation has always been central to our work. Forensic science is continually evolving, and investigative practices must evolve with it. Through original research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the development of new investigative methodologies, we strive not only to educate today's professionals but also to contribute to the advancement of the profession itself.

Above all, we believe that every investigation represents a person, a family, and a community seeking answers. Our responsibility extends beyond solving cases; it is about pursuing truth with professionalism, compassion, and scientific integrity. By developing investigators who think critically, act ethically, and remain committed to lifelong learning, we fulfill our mission of leaving the world better than we found it.

LPAIFI Educational Design Philosophy

The Laura Pettler & Associates International Forensics Institute (LPAIFI) employs a competency-based educational framework designed to ensure that every course, lesson, learning activity, and assessment directly supports measurable student learning. Rather than developing courses around content alone, each course is constructed through a structured instructional design process that begins with the Institute's Educational Outcomes, which are founded upon Bloom's Taxonomy of the Cognitive Domain.

Each course objective is intentionally derived from one or more Educational Outcomes. Learning activities, practical exercises, and assessment instruments are then developed to measure those objectives, creating a fully aligned educational system. This design allows student performance to be mapped, tracked, and evaluated from individual assessment items through course objectives and ultimately back to the Institute's Educational Outcomes.

This systematic approach ensures instructional consistency, measurable competency development, and continuous curriculum improvement while providing students with practical, evidence-based education applicable to real-world field operations.

LPAIFI Educational Outcomes
The Laura Pettler & Associates International Forensics Institute (LPAIFI) has established six Educational Outcomes that serve as the foundation for every course offered through the Institute.

Educational Outcome #1 – Foundation
Recognize the historical foundations and contemporary theories associated with the subject matter as they relate to modern law enforcement and investigative practice.

Educational Outcome #2 – Problem-Solving
Analyze scientific principles to solve a variety of complex investigative and operational problems.

Educational Outcome #3 – Laws and Procedure
Analyze the purpose and application of laws, policies, procedures, and professional standards relevant to the subject matter.

Educational Outcome #4 – Research
Analyze research methods for gathering, interpreting, evaluating, and applying information to specific investigative or operational needs.

Educational Outcome #5 – Communication
Communicate analytical, synthesized, and accurately evaluated information effectively through oral, written, and technological means.

Educational Outcome #6 – Utilization
Integrate knowledge from diverse disciplines, technologies, and information sources to enhance professional judgment, operational performance, and lifelong learning.

Who we are

The LPAIFI launched in 2017 to provide education in forensic criminology for death investigation.

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