The Center for Forensic Science Research & Education

Lauren Eccarius, one of our graduate assistants for NPS Discovery, recently defended her thesis for the CFSRE’s Master of Science in Forensic Toxicology program with Thomas Jefferson University. Her research focused on characterizing the metabolism of three novel synthetic cannabinoids, MDMB-BINACA, MDMB-PICA, and AB-CHMINACA. Seven of the metabolites elucidated from in vitro experiments (human liver microsome incubations) were identified in a limited set of authentic toxicological samples.

Our scientists at the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education alongside our collaborators at PA Groundhogs are monitoring for novel and emerging substances by testing submitted street drug samples. Local media outlet WHYY visited our lab for an investigative piece regarding our testing and impacts! Check out the story below. 🔗: https://lnkd.in/g2TXZqmt

Join us for the Current Trends in Forensic Toxicology Symposium (2025) Live Online Forensic Symposium When: May 12th - May 16TH, 2025, FROM 8:45AM - 12PM ET EACH DAY, with afternoon workshops beginning at 1pm et Program Chairs: Dr. Lorna Nisbet (Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science), Dr. Robert Sears (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division), and Dr. Sabra Jones (U.S. Regional Toxicology Liaison, Northeast) The theme for this year's conference is “Innovating for a Smarter, Sustainable, and Efficient Future in Forensic Toxicology.” This year, we focus on the pressing need to embrace innovation that not only enhances our field's efficiency but also ensures a sustainable approach to forensic toxicology practices. This theme reflects the daily reality faced by many professionals: the challenge of delivering exceptional work while being asked to do more with fewer resources, all without compromising the quality and reliability of results. Register Today: https://ow.ly/j3TZ50VokO6

Our Director of Chemistry & Toxicology, Mandi Mohr, has been named Secretary of the National Safety Council’s Alcohol, Drugs, and Impairment Division (NSC-ADID). This division is dedicated to reducing deaths and injuries caused by impairing substances, with a focus on transportation, workplace safety, and public health. Congratulations, Mandi!

🔬 Exciting things are happening in forensic science! The Center for Forensic Science Research & Education (CFSRE) and Thomas Jefferson University have joined forces to offer a cutting-edge Master’s program in Forensic Biology. This week, students are putting their knowledge to the test during their laboratory-based final exam, demonstrating the hands-on skills they’ve developed throughout the program. Interested in learning more about this innovative program and how it prepares the next generation of forensic scientists? Click the link to explore! https://ow.ly/Ub0I50Vo8Uy

Join us for the What’s Trending: NPS Discovery Webinar Series - April 2025 Live Webinar WHEN: Thursday, April 10th from 11:00am - 12:30pm ET CFSRE’s NPS Discovery is an open-access drug early warning system (EWS) operating in the United States. NPS Discovery’s evidence-based approach leads the development of high impact reports for real-time action. We are working in collaboration with public health and public safety agencies to rapidly identify emerging drugs associated with intoxications, adverse events, and fatalities. Register: https://ow.ly/H8rB50Volfg

We only have a few spots left for the CFSRE's two summer internship programs! The internship program is designed to provide students and recent graduates with an opportunity to receive hands-on learning by performing mock casework and validation studies. This includes experience working under chain of custody, data analysis, report writing, and testimony. Our internship helps develop the laboratory, management, and communication skills needed to prepare students for a career in forensic science. Apply Today: https://lnkd.in/eYA62whp

Today, we had the pleasure of welcoming students from the Academies at Roxborough – The School District of Philadelphia to our state-of-the-art laboratory in Horsham. These students arrived well-prepared, having completed Forensics on the Fly, a five-week, in-class modular program that combined lectures with hands-on experiments to introduce key concepts in forensic biology, chemistry, and toxicology. Equipped with the foundational skills and knowledge gained from the program, they applied their expertise to solve a mock forensic case using professional-grade instrumentation and techniques. This invaluable learning experience was made possible through the generous support of our EITC funders—NMS Labs, Hatboro Federal Savings, and Fulton Bank—allowing us to offer the program at no cost to the students. We are grateful for their commitment to fostering STEM education and inspiring the next generation of forensic scientists.

New Publication! The article "An Outbreak of Synthetic Cannabinoid-Adulterated Tianeptine Products in New Jersey – Case Series", published in the Journal of Medical Toxicology, highlights a dangerous spike in tianeptine poisonings. NJ reported 34 cases linked to Neptune’s Fix, a product sold online and in gas stations—jumping from an average of 0.5 cases per year to 4.6 cases per month. Read more here: https://ow.ly/5fCh50Vmq4P

🔬 Congratulations to Dr. Mirna Ghemrawi and the research team on their latest publication in Forensic Science International: Genetics! Their study, "Forensic Insights from Shotgun Metagenomics: Tracing Microbial Exchange During Sexual Intercourse," examines microbial transfer during sexual contact and its potential forensic applications. By utilizing shotgun metagenomic sequencing, this work explores new avenues for evidence detection when traditional DNA methods may be limited. Great work by the team in advancing forensic microbiomics! Read more here: https://ow.ly/W4GB50Vmoif #CFSRE #ForensicScience #Microbiome #Metagenomics #ForensicGenetics #ForensicResearch