Leadership

Two experts in unresolved cases, with backgrounds in criminology and forensic psychology, lead the CIRC. The center also has a vast network of advisors, including retired detectives and investigators, FBI agents, and forensic anthropologists and entomologists.

Your CIRC Leaders

Dr. Christina Lane

Dr. Christina Lane, co- founder, director

Dr. Christina Lane is an associate professor of criminal justice at Russell Sage College and a criminologist. She co-founded the Cold Case Analysis Center at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York, in 2018. Over time, and driven by student interest, Dr. Lane has developed a specialty of behavior evidence analysis and other forms of predatory deviant behavior.

Dr. Chris Kunkle, co-founder, associate director 

Dr. Chris Kunkle, a forensic and clinical psychologist, longtime criminal justice adjunct professor, and deputy director of the South Carolina Department of Corrections, co-founded the Cold Case Analysis Center at The College of Saint Rose with Dr. Lane. A former president of the American Investigative Society of Cold Cases, Kunkle now brings his expertise to the Criminal Investigation Resource Center at Russell Sage College.

Dr. Chris Kunkle serves as Associate  Director of the Criminal Investigation Resource Center at Russell Sage College where he primarily leads the center’s efforts to assist law enforcement with unsolved case investigations and develop additional programming to address the needs of law enforcement. 

Dr. Kunkle brings nearly 30 years of experience and training in criminal investigations and violent criminal behavior. He began his career in the mid 1990’s with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement where he specialized in crime scene investigation and trace evidence collection and analysis. After pursuing his graduate education, Dr. Kunkle continued his career in criminal justice as a forensic psychologist where he has provided criminal investigation assistance to law enforcement, and evaluated and treated violent and mentally ill offenders. Qualified as a legal expert in forensic psychology, Dr.Kunkle has offered expert testimony in criminal and civil court with regard to the risk and mental status of dangerousness violent offenders. He has also served as an executive level administrator for the states of New York and South Carolina, and has worked as a consultant regarding the treatment, assessment and management of violent offenders in Minnesota, North Dakota, New Jersey, and Texas. 

Dr. Kunkle has taught several courses on criminal investigation, behavior, and forensic science, and has provided professional training to legal professionals, including judges, attorneys and mental health professionals. 

Dr. Kunkle holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Forensic Science from SUNY Oswego, a Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and a Master’s and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University- CW Post. 

Call on Expert Assistance

The CIRC believes that crime is a multi-disciplinary phenomenon which requires the respectful collaboration of many people, ranging from practical applications to academics. 

Meet Your Experts

Request More Info






Don't see your school? Type and select "Unknown School" from list, then enter your school below.

If not listed in available options.