Shedding Some Light on Crime with Dr. Christine Sarteschi

Associate Professor of Criminology and Social Work, Dr. Christine Sarteschi explores some of the darkest and most difficult to understand aspects of our society. From mass murder to the sovereign citizens’ movement, her work is equally fascinating and disturbing. Perhaps that’s why she is so frequently tapped to provide expert insight to national media outlets, including Rolling Stone, USA Today, and A&E TV. When she isn’t sharing her research perspectives on unsettling crimes, she is helping to train the next generation of criminologists. We caught up Dr. Sarteschi to learn more about her work, the Chatham Cold Case Club, and why mentorship matters in every field.

Can you give a brief synopsis of your current research and what drew you to it?

Christine Sarteschi: Currently, I am studying extremist anti-government movements. These anti-government movements have re-interpreted the Constitution and accepted American laws. They are acting without government approval and function under their own self-determined laws. I was drawn to this area because of the extreme danger posed by these groups.

You have provided expert testimonials to major news outlets on everything from mass shooters to the sovereign citizens movement and other forms of violent extremism. Can you tell us what it’s like to be a leading scholar on some of the most perplexing and objectively terrifying aspects of our society?

CS: I believe it’s my job to share my research with the American public and to make it available. The journals I have published in are not available to the public and are mostly only read by academics. The press turns to experts to share their research. I feel gratified when I let the public know about the quality of research that we do here at Chatham University.

How do you personally protect your wellbeing/mental health when you’re doing particularly disturbing research?

CS: Research is always objective so there is no personal bias or personal involvement. Research is like studying for a final exam. It’s important, it involves a great deal of effort and time, but it is worthwhile when you succeed.

As a social worker by training, what initially sparked your interest in criminology?

CS: My interest was sparked when my research revealed an overrepresentation of those with mental illness in the criminal justice system. In today’s world, there is a wide overlap between the areas of social work and criminology. The need to address this overlap has created the ability for our students to receive a certificate in forensic social work which will enhance job opportunities upon graduation.

Can you talk a little bit about your work with the Chatham Cold Case Club and how that got started?

CS: The club started in 2015 after I became a member of The American Investigative Society of Cold Cases (AISOCC), a professional organization that reviews cold cases pro bono. More recently, we have expanded and collaborated with other outside agencies and organizations to investigate unsolved murder and missing person cases. We have investigated a number of cases including: Wendy Welborn, a 1980 unsolved murder in Tennessee, the Lisa Pruett case from Ohio, the serial killer case of Ivan Milat from Australia, the Pittsburgh-based Stephanie Coyle case, the Colonial Parkway Murders, and the unsolved murders of Tammy Lindley and Tarshia McDowell. We investigate, write reports, and some elements of those reports are presented to high-profile investigative agencies.

Hannah Perry, the current President of the Cold Case Club, recently interned for an investigator in Canada. During her internship, she completed building the largest body deposition site database to date. The database includes 250 cases, ranging from unknown victims to identified victims, all focusing on body deposition sites. The skills they develop as part of the Cold Case Club can and have helped them secure employment after their graduation.

What advice would you give to a student who was looking to find a mentor in their field of study?

CS: Try thinking about who you admire and why. Consider also who might be in your network, or those you meet professionally. Collaborating with others is a great way to meet potential mentors. These relationships can develop naturally, much like friendships. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, especially when you are feeling stuck.

Special thanks to Professor Sarteschi for giving us a glimpse into her world. For more information on criminology programs at Chatham, click here. You can also learn more about the Chatham Cold Case Club via our Student Organization Spotlight.