By Brianna Brinker, Arts & Culture Editor
Every May to August, college students get a summer break, which means professors do as well. Have you ever wondered how professors use their time off over the summer?
Dr. Sarah Mormino is an assistant professor of the Department of Criminal Justice. She recently finished her first year teaching as a professor at Saint Leo University. She teaches numerous courses such as, “Introduction to Crime Scene Investigation,” “Forensic Science & Criminal Justice,” “Bodily Fluids as Evidence,” and a specialty course called “Death Investigation.”
Dr. Mormino was a field investigator for four years and a field supervisor for three years. She worked 24/7 and had to always be on duty, even during the holidays. She has worked on 1,600 criminal investigations total. Today, Mormino still works as a trainer and consultant for aquatic forensic cases.
This is Mormino’s first summer as a professor, and she explained how big an adjustment it has been.
“Transitioning from a schedule that made it extremely difficult for me to manage my time to one where flexibility is much more achievable has been a huge blessing,” said Mormino. “Already, I have been able to spend more time with my family … I have also been able to plan some fun dives in Venice to search for fossils and shark teeth.”
Mormino is experiencing her first summer where she can take time to do things she hasn’t done in a while. Being a professor gives her more free time to enjoy her family and hobbies.
“However, summer is not all play,” Mormino said. “I am still consistently working, whether for an online class, shaping the curriculum for the fall, or training and consulting through my Forensic Diver business. Additionally, I am laying the foundation for forensic research I plan to complete in 2027.”
Mormino’s summer is exciting. Whether it is her diving for shark teeth or collecting forensic research, she stays busy, whether it is work or fun, because of her passion and love for what she studies and teaches.
Due to her hands-on experiences through her job as a forensic investigator, she uses what she has learned in the real world and the skills gained and applies them to her teachings for her students to get the best possible learning experience.
“My time working as a forensic investigator and supervisor has allowed me to experience numerous types of events that make the classroom a practical-based learning environment,” said Mormino.
Her real-life stories and crime scenes she has witnessed are brought to the classroom through her teaching methods.
“Many of my classes are structured as 50% lecture, 50% hands-on, which allows me to teach methodologies and best practices and then have students apply that knowledge to real-world scenarios. This not only creates an efficient and effective learning environment, but one that students enjoy,” said Mormino.
Even though Mormino is now a professor, she enjoys learning new things. The summer gives her a chance to be a student instead of a teacher.
“I have participated in a few training sessions on shooting reconstruction and blood spatter to stay up to date and to help me create new labs for the fall classes. Now that I have completed my first year, much of my time has been spent on finding ways to make the next one better,” said Mormino.
Mormino is already prepping for the fall semester and plans hands-on labs for the students to get experience with. Summer break is filled with excitement as she continues to learn and grow, preparing for another semester filled with new opportunities she finally gets to experience again.
