Denise Autret

Denise M. Autret, PhD, received her PhD in Forensic Psychology from Walden University in 2019. She also holds a Master of Science in Forensic Science with a specialization in Advanced Criminal Investigation and a Professional Certificate in Computer Forensic Investigation from the University of New Haven, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from California State University, Sacramento.

Dr. Autret currently serves as a PhD Dissertation Committee Second Chair in the Forensic Psychology program at Walden University, where she mentors doctoral learners in research design, methodological alignment, ethical research practices, and scholarly writing.

Professionally, Dr. Autret has more than 25 years of experience working at the intersection of forensic science, research, and regulated laboratory environments. She previously served as Director of the Medical Device and Research Laboratory at Robson Forensic Incorporated, where she managed complex medical device casework, developed research protocols and laboratory procedures, and ensured compliance with regulatory and documentation standards.

Dr. Autret currently serves as a senior consultant and program advisor for D’Autret Consulting LLC, collaborating with interdisciplinary legal, medical, and scientific teams to support legal cases and research integrity, documentation quality, and evidence-based analysis.

She is a member of the American Psychological Association and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Dr. Autret’s areas of subject matter expertise include forensic psychology, behavioral analysis, and the intersection of psychology and the legal system. Her work focuses on applying psychological principles to legal and investigative contexts, including criminal behavior, victimization, and expert consultation. She also has experience supporting legal professionals through case analysis, behavioral insights, and expert witness preparation. In addition, Dr. Autret is committed to mentoring doctoral students as they develop their research that contributes to the advancement of forensic psychology.

Dr. Autret’s research methods expertise includes qualitative research design, applied research in forensic psychology, and doctoral capstone development. She has experience guiding doctoral students through the research process, including refining research questions, aligning methodology with study purpose, and ensuring ethical research practices and Institutional Review Board (IRB) compliance. Her work emphasizes methodological alignment, scholarly rigor, and helping students translate complex research ideas into clear and manageable research designs.

Education

PhD, Walden University

MS, University of New Haven

BA, California State University, Sacramento

Publications

Autret, D. (2015). Fitness facility operations: A forensic perspective.. Journal of Forensic Engineering

Presentations

Autret, D. (2006). Back to the Basics: How the Responder, Trained or Untrained, Can Assist in the Identification of Mass Fatality Victims..

Autret, D. (2004). Forensic Investigation, Data Collection and Management, and Medico‑legal Death Investigation.