Title: Forensic Scientist
Company: District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences
Location: Washington, D.C., United States
Cindy Marisa Frederick, PhD, Forensic Scientist at the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Scientists for dedication, achievements and leadership in Forensic Photography.
Dr. Frederick has established herself as a leading forensic scientist with the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences, a position she has held since 2025. In this capacity, she handles a diverse array of cases, including weapon recovery, stabbings, robberies, shootings, murders and death investigations. Her responsibilities require her to expertly document crime scenes through photography, an area in which she has achieved notable expertise. Dr. Frederick’s commitment to staying current with technological advancements and best practices is evident in her ongoing pursuit of professional development and certification renewal, as required by the International Association for Identification.
Before her current role, Dr. Frederick served as detention legal library coordinator at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in Ocala, Florida, from 2024 to 2025. In this position, she managed legal resources for detainees and ensured access to critical information within the correctional environment.
Between 2021 and 2024, Dr. Frederick served as a crime scene investigator with the City of Miramar Police Department in Miramar, Florida. During this period, she was responsible for processing crime scenes, collecting evidence and supporting law enforcement investigations. Dr. Frederick’s work demanded precision and adaptability, skills that were further honed by her ability to adjust to new environments and cultures.
Before pivoting into this sector, Dr. Frederick excelled as a foreign-language supervisor at the Wuxi Korean School from 2016 to 2020. She oversaw language instruction programs and supported students in acquiring new linguistic skills. Dr. Frederick’s adaptability was particularly tested during this time as she navigated life in a foreign country where she initially did not speak the language. By her second year, she had learned basic common words and confidently managed daily interactions, demonstrating resilience and cultural sensitivity.
Dr. Frederick’s earlier experience included teaching English as a second language at EF English First and Signum International AG from 2015 to 2016. She also taught at Yongin Idong Elementary School between 2011 and 2015.
Dr. Frederick’s academic background has been instrumental in shaping her career trajectory. Her foundational knowledge stems from a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice with a concentration in forensic science from American InterContinental University, awarded in 2009. Years later, she returned to college, earning a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction from Walden University in 2020, which enhanced her instructional abilities and informed her approach to training others in forensic techniques. Furthermore, Dr. Frederick obtained a Doctor of Philosophy in criminology and criminal justice from Pennsylvania Western University in 2025. This advanced study provided her with a comprehensive understanding of forensic methodologies and criminal justice systems.
In addition to her formal education, Dr. Frederick’s commitment to ongoing education is demonstrated by specialized certifications. In 2023, she achieved certification as a crime scene investigator through the International Association for Identification. In 2025, she completed instructor development coursework through the Pennsylvania Center for Investigative and Forensic Science at Pennsylvania Western University. Dr. Frederick also regularly participates in courses covering crime scene photography, bloodstain pattern analysis, vehicle reconstruction and shooting reconstruction.
Throughout her career, Dr. Frederick has maintained active memberships in several professional organizations. She is a member of the International Association for Identification and the Florida division of the International Association of Identification. She is also affiliated with the National Society of Leadership and Success and Alpha Phi Sigma. Beyond her professional pursuits, Dr. Frederick is civically engaged as a volunteer with Feeding South Florida, contributing to efforts that address food insecurity within the community.
An accomplished author, Dr. Frederick has published books and poetry reflecting both creative expression and professional insight. Her career is distinguished by adaptability, continuous learning and dedication to advancing forensic science through both practice and education.
Looking ahead, Dr. Frederick intends to further develop her photography skills toward becoming a certified forensic photographer, design innovative crime scene development programs for technicians, write another book about crime scenes and create a virtual reality program for teaching crime scene investigation. She also aspires to establish her own school dedicated to offering more affordable forensic science courses.
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