Stephen's professional endeavors are founded on a life dedicated to public service.
Throughout his varied careers, Stephen has studied everything from mosquitoes and disease biology to bloodstain patterns, bullet trajectories, and digging up clandestine graves.
Today—through innovative, collaborative communication and technology solutions—he works to foster better leadership in the forensics industry and to support and improve the lives of people diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Previous Employers
San Diego County Sheriff's Department (Retired)
Recent Work
Community Member — Patient and Family Advisory Council at UC San Diego Health (2023—Present)
CEO & Executive Director — Forensic Leaders Training Center® (2022—Present)
Executive Director — A Lasting Strength (2021—2024)
San Diego County Sheriff's LGBTQ+ Advisory Council (2022—2024)
Forensic Experience
Forensic Biology
Forensic Firearms Analysis
Crime Scene Investigation
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Trajectory Analysis
Crime Scene and Shooting Incident Reconstruction
Testimony Experience
Qualified Subjects
Forensic Biology
Forensic Firearms Analysis
Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction
Levels of Court
State: Arizona and California
Federal: U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
Research Experience
Protease Regulation in the Yellow Fever Mosquito, Aedes aegypti — Dr. Michael A. Wells, University of Arizona, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics
Neutral Lipid Trafficking in Niemann-Pick Type C Disease — Dr. E. Joan Blanchette-Mackie, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Publications
Lu, Stephen J., James E. Pennington, April R. Stonehouse, Meta M. Mobula, and Michael A. Wells. "Reevaluation of the Role of Early Trypsin Activity in the Transcriptional Activation of the Late Trypsin Gene in the Mosquito Aedes Aegypti." Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 36, no. 4 (2006): 336-343. Link to Publication
Lu, Stephen J. "The Cultural Context of Forensic Laboratories in California." The CACNews, Summer 2023, August 29, 2023. Link to Publication
Lu, Stephen J. and Olivia A. Mendoza. "On a Mission to Improve Leadership in Forensics" Catalyst Magazine (Tucson, AZ), December 18, 2023. Link to Publication
Lu, Stephen J. CSI to CEO: What the Dead Can Teach Us About Life and Leadership. Edited by Eve Porinchak. 1st ed. Independently Published, 2024. Link to Publication
Education and Certifications
Executive Master of Business Administration with Honors — Business Administration and Management
Quantic School of Business and Technology: July 2023
Bachelor of Science with Honors — Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics and Molecular and Cellular Biology
University of Arizona. Phi Beta Kappa, magna cum laude: May 2005
Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
2023 FBI San Diego Citizens' Academy
Professional Affiliations
Phi Beta Kappa
California Association of Criminalists
International Association for Identification
Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners
FBI San Diego Citizens Academy Alumni Association
Hearing Loss Association of America
The Authors Guild
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers
Public Safety Peer Support Association
Society for Human Resource Management
American Association for the Advancement of Science
Languages
U.S. English — Native Proficiency
American Sign Language (ASL), French, Mandarin — Intermediate Proficiency
In his free time, Stephen enjoys reading and writing, web development, electronic music composition and production, and playing with Aries, a stubborn Siberian Husky. He has also authored memoirs about his time as a Crime Scene Investigator, entitled CSI to CEO.
Unfolding a Life of Purpose, Persistence, and Passion
This space is my open journal—a place where I share the stories, challenges, and reflections that shape my journey through life. From navigating the complexities of my medical journey to building meaningful ventures, I’ll be exploring the intersections of health, business, and the daily moments that make life extraordinary.
Each entry is a step forward in my pursuit of purpose, a testament to persistence, and an expression of the passion that drives me. Whether you're here to find inspiration, connect through shared experiences, or simply follow along as I chart my path, I’m glad you’ve decided to join me on this journey.
Let’s unfold this life, one story at a time.
