Biography
John Sammons is an accomplished scholar, author, and educator with a wealth of experience in the field of digital forensics. As a Professor at Marshall University, he serves as the Associate Director of the Institute for Cyber Security and is a well-respected instructor in the areas of advanced digital forensics and firearms. In addition to his academic work, John is also a former Huntington Police officer and has received recognition for his investigative work from the United States Department of Justice.
John is the author, co-author, and contributor of several books on digital forensics, including the best-selling “The Basics of Digital Forensics,” which was nominated for Digital Forensics Book of the Year by Forensic 4 Cast in 2013. He has also co-authored the digital forensics chapter in Douglas Ubelaker’s “Forensic Science: Current Issues, Future Directions,” which is co-published with the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. In addition to his academic work, John also serves as a Fusion Center Liaison Officer for the West Virginia Intelligence Fusion Center and is the founder and President of the Appalachian Institute of Digital Evidence, a non-profit organization that provides research and training for digital evidence professionals.
John is highly regarded in his field, holding multiple certifications, including the AccessData Certified Examiner (ACE), the Cellebrite Certified Logical Operator (CCLO), and the Cellebrite Certified Physical Analyst (CCPA). He is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, the High Technology Crime Investigation Association, and the FBI Infragard. Prior to joining the faculty at Marshall, John co-founded Second Creek Technologies, a digital forensics and electronic discovery firm located in Barboursville, West Virginia. He is an adjunct instructor at the Marshall University Forensic Science Center where he teaches advanced digital forensics and firearms to graduate students. John routinely provides training for the legal and law enforcement communities in the areas of digital forensics, investigations, and electronic discovery.
John Sammons believes in the value of hands-on, experiential learning and the importance of fostering collaboration and partnerships with community organizations. As an educator, he strives to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that challenges and supports students as they develop their skills and knowledge. He is committed to staying current with the latest developments in his field and incorporating that knowledge into his teaching. He values the importance of diversity and inclusion in the classroom and is dedicated to providing students with the tools and resources they need to succeed in their careers.