Staff

Barry K. Logan, PhD, F-ABFT

Dr. Barry K. Logan is the Executive Director at the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE) at the Fredric Rieders Family Renaissance Foundation in suburban Philadelphia.

Dr. Logan is a Fellow of the American Board of Forensic Toxicologists (ABFT), and has over one hundred (100) publications and four hundred (400) presentations in forensic toxicology and analytical chemistry, including work on the effects of methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana on drivers, drug caused and related death. His recent work has focused on the analytical and interpretive toxicology of emerging recreational and designer drugs.

Dr. Logan’s other appointments include Vice President of Forensic Science Initiatives, and Chief of Forensic Toxicology at NMS Labs in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, where his responsibilities include management of toxicology resources, new test design and development, and expert testimony in forensic toxicology and chemistry and Executive Director of the Robert F. Borkenstein course at Indiana University.

He holds academic appointments at Indiana University, Arcadia University and Thomas Jefferson University.

In recognition of his work and contributions, Dr. Logan has received numerous national and International awards, and in 2013-14 served as President of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS).

Heather McKiernan, PhD

Dr. Heather E. McKiernan (Mazzanti) is an experienced forensic researcher and practitioner with experience in human identification.  She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Bucknell University, a Master of Science in Forensic Science from Arcadia University, and a PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology for the University of Denver.

Prior to working in forensics, Dr. McKiernan served as a laboratory technician in biomedical research at the Coriell Institute in Camden, NJ.  After completing research through the New Jersey State Police Office of Forensic Sciences Central Laboratory in Ewing, NJ, she began her career at the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education where she initially oversaw research initiatives.  After serving as the Director for the Master’s Program at Arcadia University for four years, she returned to the CFSRE as Director, where she is responsible for daily operations; maintains and develops academic partnerships and programs; oversees continuing education and professional development courses for practitioners, law enforcement officers and the legal communities; as well as research initiatives and partnerships in forensic biology.

Dr. McKiernan holds academic appointments at Arcadia University and Thomas Jefferson University.  In addition to teaching Dr. McKiernan has been responsible for academic degree development, serving as the architect for undergraduate degree programs in Forensic Biology and Forensic Chemistry, accelerated degree programs in Forensic Biology/Forensic Science (B.A./M.S.F.S.) and Forensic Chemistry/Forensic Science (B.A./M.S.F.S. and B.S./M.S.F.S.), a part time track in forensic science, courses for high school teachers in forensic science, and Professional Science Masters Degrees in Forensic Chemistry, Forensic Toxicology as well as Forensic Biology.

In addition to these appointments, Dr. McKiernan serves as a member of the OSAC Biological Data Interpretation and Reporting Subcommittee and as a private forensic biology consultant.  She is currently an NIJ funded research scientist working in the area of forensic proteomics and genetic profiling of challenging sample types.  Her research interests include novel approaches to serological identification and improving methods for the collection, detection and interpretation of low template DNA samples.  Dr. McKiernan is a member of many professional organizations in forensic science including the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), the International Society of Forensic Genetics (ISFG) and the Council of Forensic Science Educators (COFSE).  In recognition of her contributions to the field, she was elected President of COFSE in 2012.

Amanda Mohr, MSFS, D-ABFT-FT

Amanda L.A. Mohr is a graduate of The University of Montana graduating with dual degrees in in Human Biological Sciences and Sociology with an emphasis in Criminology. She then obtained a Masters of Science in Forensic Science from Arcadia University focusing on detection of novel recreational drugs in alternative matrices through her research entitled, “Method Development and Validation for the Detection of 2C-E in Oral Fluid.”

Currently, Mandi serves as a Forensic Scientist II at the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education.  In this role, Mandi works on variety of analytical projects associated with toxicology samples, teaches graduate students on analytical and instrumental toxicology lab, serves as co-principle investigation on grant-funded research and oversees the G John DiGregorio Summer Science Program.  Mandi maintains an active research agenda and is funded through the National Institute of Justice.  Her current research interests include method development for the identification and prevalence determination of novel psychoactive substances, oral fluid drug testing, and drug impaired driving.  In recognition of the advancements she has made to the field of forensic toxicology through research, Mandi was awarded the Forensic Sciences Foundation Student Scholarship Award by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences in 2013.

Melissa Fogarty, MSFS, D-ABFT-FT

Melissa Fogarty is a graduate of York College of Pennsylvania graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Chemistry. She then obtained a Master’s degree in forensic science from Arcadia University focusing on toxicology through research entitled “Method Development for the Detection of Misoprostolic Acid using UPLC/MS/MS”.

Currently, Melissa serves as a Laboratory Support Scientist at the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education.  In this role, she is responsible for all the ordering and maintenance of analytical instrumentation. She is also involved in the teaching and organization of the laboratory component of the Instrumental Analysis courses and the Forensic Chemistry Internship.  Melissa maintains an active research agenda and is funded through the National Institute of Justice.  Her current research interests include new emerging drugs of abuse.  In recognition of the advancements she has made to the field of forensic toxicology through research Melissa was awarded “Toxicology Best Poster Award” at the 2016 American Academy of Forensic Sciences Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada for her poster entitled “Development and Validation of a Confirmatory Method for Six Novel Psychoactive Substances in Whole Blood using UPLC/MS/MS”.

Kevin Legg, PhD

Dr. Kevin Legg earned a B.S. degree in Bioinformatics and a PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Denver. His early work focused on the development of software applications to process large scale proteomics and genomics data. Dr. Legg’s dissertation research focused on applying comparative proteomics techniques to forensic serology. While in school, Dr. Legg was awarded several grants and awards including the Graduate Research Fellowship from the National Institute of Justice.

Dr Legg currently serves as a research scientist at the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education. In this role, Dr. Legg is responsible for the management of several research projects as well as advising graduate students.  His current research interests focus on applying large molecule mass spectrometry to forensic science. This includes the ongoing work in forensic serology as well as applications in toxicology. Dr. Legg’s research has received funding through the National Institute of Justice as well as the Department of Defense.

Chelsea Opperman

Chelsea Opperman is a graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in Speech Communication and a minor in Media Studies. Since then, she has gone into fields such as human resources, media buying, marketing, and global customer service.  She was awarded the President's Award from Bercen, Inc. in Denham Springs, LA in 2014 for excellence in customer service and logistics planning.

Currently, Chelsea serves as the Course and Foundation Administrator at the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education.  In this role, Chelsea is responsible for all Continuing Education courses including website management, course registration and speaker organization, event planning, customer service, and general administration duties including fielding questions and concerns for the Center and the Foundation.

Alex Krotulski, MSFS

Alex is a graduate of Loyola University New Orleans graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. He then obtained a Master’s degree in Forensic Science from Arcadia University focusing in forensic toxicology through research with method development and validation for THC from blood and oral fluid.

Currently, Alex serves as a Research Scientist I at the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education.  In this role, Alex is involved in method development and validation for our platforms involving working with novel psychoactive substances. Alex is currently working with the Sciex TripleTOF ® 5600+ for method development involving drug screening in blood, urine, and oral fluid. Alex also helps with graduate courses involving instrumentation and analysis using our various state-of-the-art instrumental platforms. Alex maintains an active research agenda and is funded through the National Institute of Justice.  His current research interests include novel instrumental platforms and techniques for the identification and analysis of substance within toxicological matrices.

John Briley

John comes from a market research and consulting background with over 20 years of industry experience and a specific focus on fielding and operations management. Prior to joining the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education, he was the Operations Manager at Strategic Business Research, Inc. since 2001. John began his research career at TNS Intersearch as a moderator and interviewer for consumer and medical research studies. From there, he naturally gravitated towards the healthcare field and eventually accepted a position as Senior Project Manager and European Client Liaison for one of the top global research facilities, overseeing the management of both domestic and international research projects utilizing a variety of methodologies across the healthcare continuum. John attended both Bucks and Montgomery County Community Colleges with a focus on communications and is the founder of an organization which promotes historical recognition and conservation of local landmarks and businesses.

John joined the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education in 2017 as a Business Manager to support the staff and faculty with operational tasks, the augmentation of internal protocols, and to assist with the broad and constantly evolving scope of coursework, community outreach, grant research and new and emerging programs within CFSRE.

Catherine Brown, MSFS

Catherine Brown is a graduate of Arcadia University graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. Catherine then obtained a master’s degree in Forensic Science from Arcadia University, focusing on forensic biology through research in protein mass-spec applications for seminal fluid detection. In recognition of the academic achievements Catherine had made in the graduate program, she was awarded the Fredric Rieders Award for Excellence in Forensic Science.   Currently, Catherine is working towards her doctoral degree at the University of Denver.

Catherine serves as a Research Scientist at the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education. In this role, Catherine is responsible for the execution of analytical research, the assistance of laboratory-based academic courses, the mentoring of graduate students on lab course assignments and assisting with the offering of professional development courses through the Center.  Catherine’s research interests include advancements in body fluid identification. She is currently working on a research project in this area funded by the Department of Defense and she has presented her work at multiple professional organizations including the American Academy of Forensic Sciences annual meeting.

Steven Weng

Steve is a graduate of Rider University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.  He has over 20 years of experience in business, finance, and accounting.  Since 2011 he has been a member of his local volunteer fire company, serving as Treasurer since 2014.  He won the President’s Award in 2016 in recognition of his time and commitment to the fire service.

Currently, Steve serves as the Staff Accountant at the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education.  In this role, Steve is responsible for budgets, payables, receivables, grants, and whatever else is needed on the financial side of the Foundation.

Tais Regina Fiorentin , PhD

Tais Regina Fiorentin is graduate of Regional Integrated University of Upper Uruguai and Missions, Brazil graduating with a degree in Pharmacy. She then obtained a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil focusing in development and validation of analytical and bioanalytical methods to analyze cocaine and derivatives through her research entitled “Development and Validation of Confirmatory Analytical Methodologies to Analyze Psychoactive Substances in Traffic”. In recognition of the advancements she has made to the field of drug and driving  through research Tais was awarded “Best Working Paper from Latin America” at the 2016 21st International Council on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety Conference in Gramado, Brazil for her working paper entitled “Oral Fluid Testing for Cocaine: Analytical Evaluation of the DDS2 Mobile Test System”.

Currently, Tais serves a Research Scientist I at The Center for Forensic Science Research & Education. In this role, Tais is responsible for execution of analytical research. She is currently working on projects involving new analytical instrumentation for seized drugs analysis and detection of cutting agents in seized samples.

Megan Foley, MSFS, D-ABC

Megan Foley received her Bachelor of Arts from the College of St. Benedict in Biology.  She obtained a Master of Science in Forensic Science degree from Arcadia University.  Her areas of research focused on optimizing the DNA recovery from pipe bombs after being rendered-safe by various techniques; which was presented at the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and the Pennsylvania Forensic Science Research Exchange. Following the completion of her degree, Megan worked as a Forensic Biologist for NMS Labs for 4 years. There she examined, analyzed, and reported on submitted evidence.

Currently, Megan serves as a Forensic Scientist II-Training Specialist at the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education.  In this role, she is responsible for teaching Forensic Biology methods and techniques through lecture and laboratory courses with partnered universities, as well as, for continuing education for professionals in the field.  Her role also includes management of a research program, specific to the development and evaluation of methods and techniques in the field of Forensic Biology.  Megan is a member of the professional organizations: American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) and the International Society of Forensic Genetics (ISFG).  She has received her certification through the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC).

Judith Rodriguez Salas, MSFS

Judith Rodriguez graduated from the University of Maine at Augusta with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. She later obtained a Master of Science in Forensic Science from Arcadia University, focusing on forensic biology through her research in a Method Development of Direct Quantification for Sexual Assault Samples to be Incorporated in the Direct PCR Workflow. She also focused in forensic toxicology through her internship at the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education. After the completion of her degree, she worked as the forensic toxicology mentor for the Forensic Science Mentoring Institute class of Summer 2018.

Currently, Judith serves as a research technician at the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education in which she is involved with the International Toxic Adulterant Database (ITAD) project focusing on seized drugs analysis and providing support in various other projects.