Crane earned a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Appalachian State University in 1995.
Crane has held academic appointments at the University of Miami, College of Medicine (2006-2011), University of Florida, College of Pharmacy (1998-2001), University of South Florida, College of Public Health (2007-2010), and Western Carolina University (2004-2011), and a Fellow at the University of Pittsburgh, Center for National Preparedness.