About Us
“Medicolegal death investigation is a cornerstone of public health, providing critical insights that drive prevention and protect our communities.” – Dotti
Dotti Owens, M.A., D-ABMDI
With over two decades of experience in medicolegal death investigation, Dotti Owens brings a powerful blend of field expertise, leadership, and public health insight. She served 17 years in the Ada County Coroner’s Office—including 8 years as the elected Coroner—where she led multidisciplinary teams in death investigation, forensic pathology, and autopsy operations. Her leadership emphasized staff development, continuous education, and high investigative standards.
Dotti fostered strong partnerships with law enforcement, public health agencies, and elected officials to improve operations, secure critical grant funding, and implement strategic budget management. Under her direction, the Ada County Coroner’s Office earned national accreditations from both the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) and the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners (IACME).
Since retiring from public office, Dotti has continued to shape the field as a sought-after consultant. Her work includes regional forensic facility development, grant acquisition, and professional training for coroner/medical examiner agencies nationwide. She actively serves on boards at the local and national levels and remains a vocal advocate for systemic improvements across the medicolegal death investigation landscape.
Dotti is currently a second-year Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) student, where her research focuses on the intersection of medicolegal death investigation, public health surveillance, and systems-level prevention strategies. Her doctoral work emphasizes the critical role forensic data plays in informing policies related to overdose deaths, suicide prevention, and post-incarceration mortality.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from Boise State University and a master’s in criminal justice administration from Arizona State University. Dotti is a certified Diplomate with the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators.
Heather McDougal
As an IT engineer with specialized experience in medicolegal death investigation, I am proficient in MDILog, the industry-standard software for coroner and medical examiner offices. I leverage its full capabilities to streamline case management and documentation processes, and I am skilled in training staff on its use while developing customized workflows and shortcuts to optimize efficiency.
I have extensive experience compiling annual and accreditation reports, ensuring compliance with established industry standards and supporting successful accreditation efforts. From 2015 to 2023, I played an active role in the accreditation process for the Ada County Coroner’s Office, collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams to meet rigorous standards and enhance the quality of services delivered to the community. This work reflects my ongoing commitment to operational excellence and best practices in the field of medicolegal death investigation.
In addition, I have obtained grant certification through a federal grant agency, and I excel at identifying suitable funding opportunities and interpreting funding criteria. I am highly skilled in crafting persuasive, tailored grant proposals that clearly communicate project goals, methodologies, and anticipated outcomes. With a strategic mindset, I actively seek innovative funding sources to support organizational objectives and long-term sustainability.
I also hold certification in Medicolegal Death Investigation, demonstrating my proficiency in conducting thorough, legally sound death investigations. This credential affirms my expertise in applying forensic science principles to determine cause and manner of death, collecting and analyzing evidence in compliance with legal standards, and collaborating with law enforcement and legal professionals. I am qualified to provide expert testimony and support justice system outcomes through credible, well-documented investigative work.
