Thankful for the success of her hometown’s recent Orlando, Florida National Night Out (NNO) Block Party, Keiser University graduate and Crime Scene Technologies and Forensic Investigations Program Lead Alexis Rentas-Quiles recently reflected on the value of the collaboration.
“Community partnerships are important for students, as they promote public speaking engagements and networking opportunities. It shows them the real faces in the roles they aim to be in post-graduation,” she said.
Coordinated by Keiser University Student Services Director Ann Marie Cooper in coordination with the Orlando Police Department (OPD), the event recognized Keiser University Crime Scene Technologies and Forensic Investigations learners with its First Place “Best Community Organization Theme Contest” award. With the theme of “Guarding What Drives You – Auto Crime Awareness, Property Safety and Safe Driving,” learners presented a mock crime scene and interactive prevention demonstrations, along with OPD members who offered DUI simulations, educational displays, and more.
With a lifelong interest in public service, law, science, and digital photography, Rentas-Quiles shared that pursuing a career in forensics made perfect sense and that she’s thankful to have embraced life experiences that support education and public safety.
“I officially joined Keiser University full-time in May of 2025, now as Lead Faculty over the same program I was a student in almost 10 years ago,” said Rentas-Quiles. “I attended Keiser University starting in the summer of 2015 for a single class, and fell in love with the unique and caring nature of its Orlando campus. I then enrolled fully in the summer of 2016 and completed my Associate of Science in Crime Scene Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Investigations, graduating with honors in 2019. During my time on campus, I was a Student Ambassador, president of the ACJAE, a part of Phi Theta Kappa, and even worked at the campus bookstore, networking and growing within Keiser beyond a student role,” she said.
Before graduation, Rentas-Quiles also completed hundreds of externship hours with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office before being offered a position as a Crime Scene Investigator with the Orlando Police Department. “I had the honor of serving the OPD for almost 6 years in the city,” said Rentas-Quiles. “I was a trainer and mentor, as well as CSI of the Year for 2023 during my time there,” said Rentas Quiles, who earned her Master of Science degree in Forensic Medicine from the University of Florida in 2024 and Certified Crime Scene Analyst (CCSA) certification in 2025.
Now grateful to apply her combined experiences toward educating the next generation of professionals, Rentas-Quiles shared her passion for instilling good habits, critical thinking, fair decision-making skills, and more.
“Being the foundation of learning for my students means my responsibility is high, and that with careful molding, they can truly be professionals who can fill in the gaps and make a difference in the communities they serve. My students learn from the positives of my career, but also from my failures and moments when I could have been better. I am slowly adding more realistic scenarios, evidence, and materials to our coursework to truly make this program a standard for education in Forensics,” she said.
National Night Out is an annual event focused on neighborhood safety, solidarity, and partnerships between communities and public servants while offering residents and officials the opportunity to mingle in a relaxed atmosphere, sharing food, fun, and conversation. Activities vary widely, from block parties and picnics to safety demos and wellness booths.
About Keiser University’s Crime Scene Technology and Forensic Investigations Programs
Keiser University’s Associate of Science degree in Crime Scene Technology prepares students with fundamental competencies in the areas of recognizing, documenting, collecting, preserving and presenting physical material for use as evidence in legal proceedings.
Keiser University’s Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Investigations (Investigations Concentration) prepares students with competencies in the collection, preservation, and analysis of physical evidence for presentation in legal proceedings. The program provides students with the skills required to recognize relevant scientific information discoverable through forensic analysis of various types of physical evidence. Oral and written communications regarding the results of investigations and forensic analysis is also emphasized.
Transform Your Future at Keiser University
Since 1977, Keiser University has been empowering students like you to achieve their career dreams. As one of Florida’s largest private, non-profit institutions, founded by Dr. Arthur Keiser and Evelyn Keiser, we’re committed to your success with:
- Over 100 degree programs from associate to doctoral level
- Recognition as the No. 1 university in the U.S. for Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Reports (2023)
- Proud membership in the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
- A legacy of excellence in education spanning more than 45 years.
Don’t wait to start building your future. Contact Keiser University today and take the first step toward your dream career. Call Toll-Free: 888-KEISER-9 or Contact a Keiser Campus near you. Schedule your campus tour and learn more about our flexible programs, financial aid options, and career services support.
The event was held in partnership with the Orlando Police Department.
Keiser University Orlando Campus Professor Alexis Rentis-Quiles and students participate in the National Night Out event.
Keiser University Orlando Campus Associate Director of Student Services Ann Marie Cooper with National Night Out partners.
The instructors at Keiser University impacted my life. They believed in my ability to become a great graphic designer, regardless of how I felt about my skills. KU helped to prepare me for the real world and got me to where I am today.
