Reflection on a Career in Forensic Toxicology, part 2.

By Stuart A. K. Kurtz, M.S., D-ABFT-FT Forensic science has always been the field I wanted to work in. I made my parents buy me a book at the Scholastic Book Fair in 3rd grade on forensic science. From there, I started looking at what areas interested me the most. I...

Reflection on a Career in Forensic Toxicology, part 1.

By Kevin G. Shanks, M.S., D-ABFT-FT I always had an interest in science and math at a young age. And for some reason, I was enamored with drugs and poisons too. Some of my favorite television shows as a teenager were Murder She Wrote and Quincy, M.E. – yes, I know I’m...

National Forensic Science Week 2023 and Axis Forensic Toxicology

By George S. Behonick, Ph.D. F-ABFT  In recognition of National Forensic Science Week (NFSW), September 18-22, 2023, I am putting pen to paper to capture some thoughts on what this means to Axis Forensic Toxicology. The euphemism, “Dead men tell no tales”, is oft used...

Not Dead Yet: Detection of Carfentanil in Postmortem Casework

By George S. Behonick, Ph.D., F-ABFT, Laboratory Director, Chief Toxicologist  Synthetic compounds designed to mimic the pharmacology of various illegal drug classes infiltrated the illicit drug market during the last decade plus; this includes synthetic cannabinoids...