The Center for Forensic Science Research & Education

🚨 Only 3 Fall 2026 Field Trip Dates Left! 🚨

Bring forensic science to life for grades 8-12 with hands-on activities in Biology, Chemistry & Toxicology. Fridays, 9AM–12PM.

Nov 6, Nov 13, Dec 11

Details & register: https://www.cfsre.org/education/stem-programs/field-trip-opportunities

Spring 2027 dates coming soon!

Don’t miss “Roadside Intelligence: Emerging Drug Trends & Impaired Driving” on Sept. 10, 2026, 1–2PM ET, featuring Mandi Mohr of CFSRE.

Discover how DRE evaluations and toxicology combine to strengthen drug-impaired driving investigations.

Register: https://www.cfsre.org/education/continuing-professional-education/online-live-education/roadside-intelligence-emerging-drug-trends-impaired-driving

The Society of Forensic Toxicologists (SOFT) Awards Committee has selected our forensic toxicologist, Lauren Eccarius, as this year's Young Scientist Meeting Award (YSMA) recipient! This distinguished award commends young scientists who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to the field of forensic toxicology through their research.

Lauren will be presenting her work at the joint SOFT/TIAFT meeting in Chicago this September, titled "Differentiation, Quantitation, and Stability Assessment of Newly Emergent Kratom Alkaloids in Human Blood via High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry," addressing the analytical and interpretive challenges associated with these substances in forensic casework and medicolegal death investigations.

Congratulations, Lauren!

Join us Aug. 13, 1–2:30 PM EST for Episode 5 of Forensic DNA Dialogues with Dr. Ed Green.

Explore how ancient DNA and genome sequencing are solving forensic cases, including Gilgo Beach and the Somerton Man.

Register using the link: https://forensiceducation.cfsre.org/product?catalog=Forensic_DNA_Dialogues_Conversations_with_Leaders_in_Forensic_Genetics

Yesterday, CFSRE Director Dr. Alex Krotulski delivered the Keynote Address at the Cape Cod Symposium, presenting “Gas Station, Smoke Shop, and Corner Store Drugs: The New World of Kratom, Cannabinoids, Psychedelics, and Other Substances in Your Neighborhood.”

To learn more about our NPS Discovery program and smoke shop testing, visit cfsre.org

Our Forensic Toxicologist, Bella Buttacavoli, recently presented at TIAFT's webinar, "Cracking the Case: Orphines Detection and Quantification," sponsored by Waters.

Her presentation examined the emergence of orphines in the United States, their relationship to previous waves of synthetic opioids, and validated analytical methods for their detection and quantification. Bella also shared CFSRE's latest casework findings, including nearly 170 confirmed cases of N-propionitrile chlorphine and other orphine analogues identified between August 2025 and August 2026 from postmortem investigations spanning approximately 20 U.S. states, Canada, and the UK.

The webinar recording will be available on-demand through TIAFT in the coming weeks.

Yesterday, we honored interns Barry Chen, Valarie Balderas Padron, and Camryn Marquardt at the Project On-ramp Showcase. Carrie Barron, our Director of STEM, delivered an inspiring keynote. Congrats to all participants, and thanks to Science Cares and Project On-ramp.

Meet our newest Forensic Science Laboratory Intensive cohort! 🔬

Over the next four weeks, these students will explore forensic biology, toxicology, and chemistry through online learning and hands-on laboratory training at CFSRE.

We’re thrilled to announce Presentation Day for our summer Forensic Science Mentoring Institute (FMI)! For over 25 years, this program has empowered twelve high school students to engage in forensic science research across biology, chemistry, and toxicology, allowing them to analyze evidence and data effectively. Alongside their scientific studies, students have developed essential skills in public speaking, teamwork, and critical thinking. Thanks to the generous support of the Rieders Family, NMS Labs, Fulton Bank, and Hatboro Federal Savings, the FMI program is completely free, and we also offer scholarships for participants.

Congrats to our 2026 cohort!

Happy National Interns Day!

Today, CFSRE celebrates our interns and the fresh ideas, energy, and dedication they bring to our team. We’re grateful for everything you contribute and proud to support your growth!

Thank you for being part of CFSRE!