Fall 2020 Course Offerings:
CJUS 110 049Y Survey of Criminal Justice (online-term 2)
CJUS 330 000A Research Methods (campus-semester)
CJUS 340 000A Criminal Procedures and the Courts (campus-semester)
CJUS 410 000A Juvenile Delinquency (campus-semester)
CJUS 495 049A Seminar in Criminal Justice (online-semester)
Bio
Dr. Amber Mahan is an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice in the School of Professional
Studies. She received her Ph.D. in Public Safety with a specialization in Criminal
Justice with distinction from Capella University in 2014. She earned a Master in Forensic
Science degree with specialization in Investigations from Nebraska Wesleyan University
in 2008. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with concentration in Criminology
from Morehead State University in 2005.
Dr. Mahan’s career path centered on working in the forensics realm as an evidence
technician for the Plattsmouth Police Department (PPD) and Cass County Sheriff’s Office
(CCSO). From 2007 to 2016, she performed criminal investigations and crime scene functions
alongside both officers and detectives. Her specializations surround evidence collection
and preservation, crime scene photography, diagramming, and presumptive analysis.
Dr. Mahan fulfilled the role as a background investigator for both civilian/sworn
personnel and grant writer. This experience allows her to guide students in preparation
for career interviews, resume building, and proper communication when entering the
field of criminal justice. She has taught numerous trainings to different law enforcement
agencies on forensics and proper field techniques as well as having notable trial
testimony.
Prior to moving into law enforcement, Dr. Mahan worked for the State of Nebraska Health
and Human Services performing child abuse and neglect investigations and prior at
Uta Halee Girls Village as a youth care specialist. While working in law enforcement,
Dr. Mahan was an Adjunct Professor for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln teaching
Introduction to Forensics in a course room setting and taught Crime Scene Photography
online. She also was an Adjunct Professor for Nebraska Wesleyan University for three
years teaching a nine-month long practicum to graduate students in Crime Scene Investigations.
Dr. Mahan continues to volunteer her time as the Vice President for a non-profit organization,
Lift Up Sarpy County, Inc., a member of FOP Auxiliary, an annual participant in the
Holiday Assistance Program. If she has any spare time, you can find her at gymnastics,
a soccer field, or near a wrestling mat as her five-year-old son keeps her busy.
Dr. Mahan is a transplant from Kentucky and currently resides in Papillion, Nebraska
with her husband (Andy) and son (Reese Jagger).
Publication
Gudgell, A. N. (2014). Examining the difference between law enforcement wellness programs
and operational stress (Doctoral dissertation). (Accession Order No. 3619230)
Mahan, A. N. (2017). Examining the difference between law enforcement wellness programs
and operational stress. Lambda Alpha Epsilon-American Criminal Justice Association
Journal (1094-8481)
