CJI Employee Spotlight: RACHEL GANLEY
As CJI’s Forensic Sciences and Computer Program Coordinator, Rachel Ganley is always behind the scenes keeping our forensic and computer courses running like clockwork. She makes sure every detail is covered so our law enforcement and crime scene investigators can focus on learning and sharpening their skills.
From managing logistics to assisting during classes, Rachel helps ensure our training runs smoothly and provides law enforcement and crime scene investigators with high‑quality educational experiences.
Raised in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Rachel earned both her B.S. in Forensic Science–Chemistry in 2014 and her M.S. in 2015 from Eastern Kentucky University. She began her career at the Arkansas State Crime Lab, where she spent nearly nine years in the Physical Evidence Unit conducting serology and trace analysis before transitioning into forensic education by joining CJI.
What do you do at the Criminal Justice Institute?
I am the Forensic Sciences and Computer Program Coordinator – my main role is to schedule and coordinate logistics to facilitate the forensic and computer classes, while also providing support for the classes.
How long have you been with the Criminal Justice Institute?
I have been with the Criminal Justice Institute for about a year and a half.
What do you enjoy most about working with law enforcement?
I really enjoy having the opportunity to help provide quality forensic education with our law enforcement officers and crime scene investigators. Being able to help expand the knowledge of how to process scenes, collect evidence, and even how to process evidence will help our law enforcement partners solve cases, which can keep our communities safer. Having this small role in providing that education, resource, and tools to our law enforcement partners is a very rewarding career path for me.
Do you have a favorite CJI course or program to work on?
The Crime Scene Technician Certificate Program is a fantastic program. All the classes in the program have several hands-on practical components, which is the best way to learn. I really enjoy creating the mock scenes for the officers to process and assisting in the lab while they practice processing the evidence that they collected.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Progress is progress – be proud of the small steps. Sometimes it’s hard to see the big picture when you’re working towards your goals. Every bit of progress, no matter how big or small, is a step towards completing whatever it is what you want to achieve. Small steps are better than no steps.
What’s one word your coworkers would use to describe you?
Passionate
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love to travel, explore new cities and countries (15+ countries and counting!). I also like a balance of introvert and extrovert activities – a good game night with friends or trying out a new brewery/winery, but also quiet nights in reading or crocheting while enjoying the company of my two cats.