Sharon Plotkin
Dr. Sharon Levin-Plotkin is a seasoned forensic professional, educator, and Certified Crime Scene Investigator with more than three decades of experience in criminal investigations and forensic education. She currently serves as a full-time faculty member at Miami Dade College, where she teaches courses in crime scene investigation and contributes to academic committees and curriculum development. Sharon’s expertise spans a wide range of forensic disciplines—including crime scene photography, bloodstain pattern analysis, shooting reconstruction, and courtroom testimony—and she is an active member of multiple professional forensic organizations.
Before transitioning to academia, Sharon spent over 20 years with the North Miami Police Department, where she handled investigations ranging from burglaries to homicides. In addition to her law enforcement background, she has served since 2010 as a Security Specialist with the Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team (DMORT), helping to identify victims of mass fatalities and reunite them with their families—a role that underscores her deep commitment to public service and compassion in the field of forensic science.
Sharon holds a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Strategic Teaching from Northcentral University and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Florida International University. She is also the co-author of two widely used forensic textbooks, Crime Scene Reconstruction and Investigations (Pearson, 2017) and Fingerprints: Analysis and Understanding the Science (CRC Press, 2021). Renowned for her passion, precision, and ability to inspire the next generation of forensic professionals, Sharon Levin-Plotkin continues to elevate standards in both forensic practice and education through her leadership, mentorship, and lifelong dedication to justice.
• Northcentral University- Ed.D.
• Florida International University- M.S.
• ASPCA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the unwavering support of my family, the invaluable mentorship of Dr. Henry Lee, and the constant inspiration I receive from my twin sister, Bonnie, who has been both a mentor and a guiding force throughout my career.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is simple: If you want it, go for it.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the field is to follow your passion wholeheartedly and always make time to care for yourself and your mental health.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in this field is the emotional toll of the work—it's incredibly demanding, and there needs to be far more support and awareness around mental health for professionals in forensic science.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Ethics are the cornerstone of both my professional and personal life, guiding every decision I make and ensuring integrity in all that I do.