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.

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.

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.

Currently, Mandi serves as a Forensic Scientist III 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 and serves as a principle investigator or co-principle investigator on grant-funded research. 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. She has author or co-authored over 20 peer reviewed publications and has presented her work nationally and internationally. In recognition of the advancements she has made to the field of forensic toxicology, Mandi was awarded the Forensic Sciences Foundation Student Scholarship Award by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences in 2013, UCT’s Excellence in SPE Award in 2016 and most recently the 2019 Irving Sunshine Award by the Toxicology Section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

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”.

Fran Diamond

Francis Diamond was Technical Director in the Criminalistics chemistry division of NMS labs. Fran is currently a senior scientist for the center for forensic toxicology science and research (CFSRE). He is a graduate of Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales (now De Sales University) with a B.S in Chemistry. Fran recently retired from NMS labs after 42 years of service. His areas of expertise are in the techniques of separation and detection of drugs/controlled substances. This includes gas-chromatography (GC), Liquid-chromatography (HPLC), and Mass spectrometry. He was responsible for technical oversight for controlled substances analysis throughout the NMS system of drug testing laboratories. He has developed analytical methods for measurements of various drugs such as amphetamines, opiates, benzodiazepines, and general unknown screening. He has developed and integrated analytical techniques including derivatization, solid-phase extraction and deconvolution of mass spectral data. He has authored and co-authored numerous papers in the field of analytical toxicology. He has also participated in collaborative studies with instrument manufacturers and government agencies.

Chelsea Opperman, ICPP

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. She graduated in December 2019 from QC Event School with a certification in International Corporate Event 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 managing all Continuing Education courses and events including website management, course registration and speaker organization, faculty services, event planning, customer service, and general administration duties including fielding questions and concerns for the Center and the Foundation.

Alex Krotulski, PhD

Dr. Alex J. Krotulski serves as a Research Scientist at CFSRE and oversees the collaborative efforts of NPS Discovery, our flagship program for the identification of new synthetic drugs and the dissemination of information surrounding their impact. Dr. Krotulski primarily works as a forensic toxicologist in his role but conducts work as a forensic chemist as well.

Dr. Krotulski received his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Analytical Chemistry from Temple University following receipt of his Master of Science degree in Forensic Science from Arcadia University and Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Loyola University New Orleans. In his short career, Dr. Krotulski has authored or co-authored 23 publications in the areas of forensic toxicology and forensic chemistry, in addition to 34 presentations across various areas of forensic science and analytical chemistry. Dr. Krotulski’s current research and casework focus heavily on aspects related to the detection and characterization of novel psychoactive substances (NPS), including studies that examine NPS positivity, trends, metabolism, and effects through intelligence, surveillance, monitoring, and response efforts.

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.

Catherine Brown, MSFS

Catherine Brown is a graduate of Arcadia University’s accelerated degree program, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a master’s degree in Forensic Science. In recognition of her academic achievements, she was awarded the Fredric Rieders Award for Excellence in Forensic Science. Catherine is currently a PhD candidate in Cell and Molecular Biology at the University of Denver.

Catherine is as a Research Scientist at the CFSRE, focusing on research initiatives in the field of forensic biology. In this role, Catherine serves as the lead bench scientist under funding from the Department of Defense. This research aims to advance the detection and identification of protein biomarkers for sexual assault evidence analysis. In addition, Catherine is actively engaged with our academic partnerships and helps oversee graduate research students in forensic biology. When she’s not in the laboratory, Catherine helps lead the organization’s outreach initiatives at local schools and universities.

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

Dr. Tais Regina Fiorentin is a graduate of the 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, Dr. Fiorentin was awarded “Best Working Paper from Latin America” at the 2016 21st International Council on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety Conference in Gramado, Brazil. Dr. Fiorentin has authored or co-authored 15 publications in analytical toxicology, in vivo toxicology, analytical chemistry and Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA), in addition to 17 presentations at national and international professional meetings.

Currently, Dr. Fiorentin serves as a Research Scientist at The Center for Forensic Science Research & Education and she is funded by the National Institute of Justice. In this role, Dr. Fiorentin is responsible for execution and coordination of analytical research, her research interests include assessment of novel analytical instrumentation for seized drug analysis, cutting agents in drugs of abuse, development of workflows for detection of toxic cutting agents in biological and seized material, and DFSA.

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.

Tiffany Chan, MPH

Tiffany graduated from Lehman College in New York City with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Anthropology, Biology and Chemistry. She then went on to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree at Hunter College, now part of CUNY School of Public Health, specializing in epidemiology and biostatistics. She has also attended San Juan Bautista School of Medicine in Puerto Rico. Her previous research included evaluating clinical data for prostate cancer in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the effects of pre-pregnancy obesity on preterm delivery in pregnant women. She has also authored a book chapter on the public health implications of adulterated black cohosh dietary supplements for menopausal hot flashes.

Currently, Tiffany is the epidemiologist/data analyst, evaluating trend data for seized drugs. She acts as the public health liaison by providing information and regularly communicating with other government and health agencies. She is also responsible for releasing public health notifications, and alerts upon the completion of drug testing and novel psychoactive substance identification. Additionally, she also works on data organization, curation, and representation for our in-house data.