Scott David Eaton

Scott David Eaton is a forensic psychologist and adjunct instructor of psychology, criminal justice, and human services at Mohawk Valley Community College. A dedicated instructor, mentor, and student of the field of psychology, with 7 years of teaching experience and over 20 years of human service experience, Scott has continually strived to expand the knowledge and skillset necessary to remain on the cutting-edge of the discipline. He takes great pride in his ability to connect with students, audiences, and clients. This allows him to effectively cultivate an open, supportive, and engaging atmosphere.

Scott has received an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice Administration from Herkimer County Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies with a concentration in Psychology, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology from the State University of New York Polytechnic Institute. He has also earned a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology: Applied Forensic Services from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Scott is currently a doctoral candidate working towards a degree in Forensic Psychology from Walden University. Presently, he is completing his dissertation which involves a phenomenological study that explores perceptions of stress and coping relevant to the first year of police work.

As a former forensic social worker and dual recovery counselor, Scott maintains his credentials as a substance and alcohol abuse counselor in New York State. He has worked in a number of forensic settings that include law enforcement, psychiatric, and correctional facilities, as well as many local organizations such as The House of the Good Shepherd, The Arc Oneida-Lewis Chapter, Sitrin Health Care Center, and Masonic Care Community. He has been fortunate to work with a diverse population each presenting varying challenges, including juvenile delinquents, intellectually and developmentally disabled adults and children, and learning-disabled youth. He has provided support and counseling to victims of trauma, casualties of violent crime, and sufferers of bereavement.

Scott’s academic interests focus on themes related to violent crime, paraphilias, and police psychology. He has lectured on such topics as serial homicide, fetishistic behavior, and police stress and coping. He has explored these areas extensively through his work with forensic psychiatric patients, psychopaths, sex offenders, and other habitual offenders. Scott also has assisted in the development of competency restoration programs that prepare those defendants with mental illness that are pending trial for their day in court familiarizing them with the criminal trial procedure, appropriate courtroom decorum, and their role during the legal proceedings. He often incorporates these experiences into his lectures to provide his audiences a richer understanding of the topics being discussed. He also gives guidance and direction to other future speakers through his instruction of public speaking courses at Herkimer County Community College.

On a more personal note, Scott is an avid long-distance runner and obstacle course race competitor. When he is not spending time with his family, friends, and dog, Bear, he can be found running with his second family, the Mohawk Valley Hill Striders, a local running group.