Cornwell worked in several crime laboratories throughout her career, including the New York State Police, Westchester County Department of Laboratories and Research, Onondaga County Center for Forensic Sciences and the Southwest Institute of Forensic Science in Dallas. She later became a leader in laboratory quality assurance, helping ensure the highest standards of accuracy, integrity and accountability in forensic science.

Cornwell joined Syracuse University in 2011, teaching Quality Assurance and Ethics in Forensic Science. Each year, she guided graduate students through this foundational course, helping shape the professional and ethical standards they would carry into their careers. Students admired her patience, insight, kindness and encouragement, as well as the depth of experience she brought to the classroom.

Outside of her professional life, Cornwell was a talented pianist and longtime piano teacher. She was also an avid photographer and dedicated volunteer who created costumes for community theater productions.

Cornwell is survived by her sisters, Cheryl Burkhardt (Robert) and Brenna Yaekle (Paul), as well as her niece and nephew.

Read Cornwell’s full obituary.