Alana Engleson, BSc, Certified autopsy technician
Alana Engleson is an experienced Autopsy Technician at Jennifer Hammers Pathology, LLC, where she honed her skills since 2012 with Cyril H. Wecht Pathology and Associates Inc. before joining Jennifer Hammers Pathology in 2022. Beginning her career part-time, Alana supplemented her experience and income by working in a toxicology laboratory, in a children’s zoo, and as a barista in the evenings until attaining a more full-time position. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Certification in Autopsy Technology from Carlow University, which laid the foundation for her career in forensic pathology.
Throughout her career, Alana has assisted on over 2,000 autopsies and played a key role in training and mentoring interns and Pathologist’s Assistant students. She is a welcoming and supportive force that makes everyone who walks through the doors feel accepted and valued.
Outside of her professional life, Alana enjoys staying active through mountain biking, stand-up paddleboarding, cross-country skiing, and hiking. She spends her quiet time reading horror and fantasy novels, caring for her rescue cats and lizards, and channeling her creative energy into a side business where she sews custom bags and makes clothing for herself and her family. You can view her crafty goods at: Grumpy Dragon Creations.
Publications, Accomplishments, and Contributions
2025:
Differentiating Between Exogenous and Endogenous Postmortem Blood GHB Concentration: A Case Report. ASCP Case Reports – Forensic Pathology, FP2502.
2023:
Investigation of Sudden Cardiac Death in Young Adults: A Forensic Perspective. Journal of Forensic Sciences.
2022:
Forensic Autopsy Findings in Opioid-Related Deaths: A Retrospective Analysis. Presented at the American Academy of Forensic Sciences Annual Meeting.
2021:
The Role of Forensic Pathology in Identifying Elder Abuse: Case Studies and Challenges. In Advances in Forensic Medicine and Pathology (Book chapter).
2020:
Pediatric Forensic Pathology: Differentiating Accidental from Non-Accidental Injuries. Workshop presented at the National Association of Medical Examiners Conference.
2019:
Advancements in Postmortem Imaging Techniques in Forensic Investigations. Forensic Imaging.
2012:
Bachelor of Biology, Carlow University
Certification in Autopsy Technology, Carlow University