From High School Volunteer to Professor: Alan Saquella Helps Train the Next Generation of Security Experts at Embry-Riddle
At Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott campus, the classroom looks a little different. Crime scene tape, forensic kits, and lie detection equipment are just a few of the tools students use as they prepare for careers in global security, intelligence, cybersecurity, and forensic science.
Leading these immersive, hands-on programs is Professor Alan Saquella, a seasoned investigations expert who has turned decades of fieldwork into a teaching mission: helping students launch meaningful, high-impact careers in public safety and security.
Saquella’s own journey started in an unlikely place, a high school McDonald’s where a conversation with an off-duty officer led to volunteer undercover work investigating campus drug activity. That early experience ignited a lifelong passion for solving problems, uncovering truth, and using evidence to drive action.
A Real-World Approach to Education
Embry-Riddle’s Global Security and Intelligence Studies program stands out for one key reason: real-world readiness. Students don’t just learn theory, they process mock crime scenes, conduct chemical tests, run polygraph simulations, and explore AI-powered tools now used in modern investigations.
And it starts early. Each summer, the university hosts a Forensic Science Summer Camp for high school students. These week-long sessions, limited to just 30 students per session, immerse participants in authentic investigative techniques, from collecting evidence to analyzing digital footprints.
“These camps give students a head start,” Saquella says. “They experience the kind of hands-on learning that builds both skills and confidence.”
Technology That Solves Real Problems
At the heart of modern investigation is technology and Embry-Riddle integrates it throughout the curriculum. Artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and behavior-detection software are transforming how security professionals prevent threats, uncover fraud, and protect organizations.
“AI is a game-changer,” says Saquella. “From smart surveillance to insider risk detection, the tools available today are more powerful than ever. I wish I were starting over again.”
That power comes with opportunity: graduates are seeing job placement rates over 100% with starting salaries between $80,000 and $102,000 across private sector, law enforcement, and government roles.
Guided by Real-World Experience
Professor Alan Saquella brings more than 30 years of experience in public and private sector investigations to his role at Embry-Riddle. As a former Director of Security Investigations for a large telecommunications company, he led a nationally recognized team handling high-profile corporate cases. Today, he combines that expertise with his passion for education, mentoring students, consulting organizations, and advancing investigative interviewing techniques. His professional insight ensures that Embry-Riddle’s programs stay current, relevant, and career-focused. Alan can be reached at: saquella@erau.edu or via LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-saquella-cpp/.
Featured on Public Pulse
Professor Saquella recently joined Michael Mallace for an in-depth interview on The Public Pulse, the community affairs program on 88.7 The Pulse. In the episode, Saquella shares his personal story, the evolution of investigative technology, and how Embry-Riddle is shaping the future of global security and intelligence.
The Public Pulse airs every Sunday morning at 7 AM on 88.7 FM, online at 887thepulse.com, on the station’s free apps, and on demand any time at 887thepulse.com.
Click here to listen to the Public Pulse interview with Alan
Launch Your Career in Security and Intelligence
Whether you’re a student curious about forensic science or a future cybersecurity analyst looking for a career path, Embry-Riddle’s Global Security and Intelligence Studies program provides the tools, training, and mentorship to succeed.
With industry-aligned curriculum, expert faculty, and access to innovative technologies, Embry-Riddle is building the next generation of security leaders, ready to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex world.
