Director of STEM & Workforce Development
Carrie Barron is the Director of STEM & Workforce Development at the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education (CFSRE), where she leads a broad portfolio of educational and training programs designed to prepare the next generation of forensic scientists. She oversees all high school, undergraduate, and master’s-level programming, including the Forensic Science Mentoring Institute (FMI), undergraduate internships, and graduate partnerships. Carrie also supports the development and delivery of CFSRE’s continuing education courses for working forensic professionals, ensuring that training remains aligned with emerging trends, technologies, and workforce needs across the field.
Under her leadership, CFSRE has expanded its impact through significant new initiatives and partnerships. Most recently, she helped secure a PA Smart Grant with Lincoln University to launch a two-week, in-person laboratory course in forensic biology, chemistry, and toxicology, offering students hands-on experience with professional instrumentation. Carrie plays an essential role in workforce development efforts across the region—building pipelines between students, higher education, and forensic laboratories; strengthening relationships with school districts and universities; and growing CFSRE’s portfolio of STEM programs to increase access for learners from diverse backgrounds.
Carrie originally joined CFSRE as Director of Operations, where she managed organizational systems, student programs, and external partnerships before transitioning into her current STEM leadership role. Prior to her time at CFSRE, she spent more than twenty years in the nonprofit sector in education and communications roles with the National Aquarium in Baltimore, the Philadelphia Zoo, and Audubon Pennsylvania. She also served as Center Manager for the John James Audubon Center, overseeing public programs and community engagement.
Outside of her professional work, Carrie coordinates the community gardens at her residential complex and teaches nature-based craft classes with her son, Parker
