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, MSFS

Heather E. McKiernan (Mazzanti) is an experienced forensic researcher and practitioner with over ten years of bench experience in human identification.  She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Bucknell University and a Master of Science in Forensic Science degree from Arcadia University where she concentrated in the areas of forensic biology and toxicology. She is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Denver where she is pursuing a Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology.

Prior to receiving her graduate degree, Ms. McKiernan worked as a laboratory technician at Coriell Institute for Medical Research in Camden, NJ and completed research through the New Jersey State Police Office of Forensic Sciences Central Laboratory in Ewing, NJ. She began her forensics career at the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education where she oversaw research projects in the areas of forensic biology and toxicology.  She then served as the Interim/Assistant Director for the Master’s Program at Arcadia University for four years.  In addition to teaching the forensic biology content for the MSFS program, Ms. McKiernan was also 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 and for a course for high school teachers in forensic science.  Ms. McKiernan maintains an adjunct appointment at Arcadia University and has returned to the Center to serve as the Director.  In this role, she has developed partnerships between the Center and other local universities to provide professional science master’s degree options in forensic science, both at Temple University through their PSM in Forensic Chemistry and at Thomas Jefferson University through their PSM in Forensic Toxicology, where she currently serves as Assistant Program Director.  Ms. McKiernan’s responsibilities also include developing continuing education courses for forensic science professionals and the legal community.

In addition to these appointments, Ms. McKiernan serves as a private forensic biology consultant and 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 and detection of low template DNA samples.  Ms. 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

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 Friscia, MSFS

Melissa Friscia 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.

Meaghan Drumm, MSFS

Meaghan Drumm is a graduate from Arcadia University earning a bachelor’s degree in Biology. She then obtained a master’s degree in Forensic Science from Arcadia University, focusing on forensic toxicology through research on the detection of methamphetamine and its metabolites in Dermestid beetle waste. For this research she was awarded an Educational Research Award from the Society of Forensic Toxicologists to attend the 2016 annual meeting in Dallas, Texas.

Currently, Meaghan serves as a Research Technician at the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education. In this role, Meaghan is responsible for the execution of analytical research, the assistance of laboratory based academic courses, and organization of the Forensic Sciences Mentoring summer program. Meaghan’s research interests include method development for unusual toxicological matrices, and new emerging drugs of abuse. She is currently working on a research project involving samples from African wildlife that are suspected to have been poisoned with pesticides.

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.

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 Technician 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.

Heather Milnthorp. MSFS

Heather is a graduate of The George Washington University graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. She then obtained a Master’s of Science in Forensic Science degree in forensic molecular biology from The George Washington University focusing on the effects of copper degradation upon DNA recovery from unfired bullet cartridges through research in conjunction with the University and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Currently, Heather serves as a Research Assistant at the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education.  In this role, Heather is responsible for the execution of analytical research on the Center’s ballistics’ grant.  Heather maintains an active research agenda and is funded through the National Institute of Justice.  Her current research interests include optimization of existing recovery and extraction methodologies for challenging samples as well as transitioning from capillary electrophoresis to Next Generation Sequencing platforms.  Heather recently became certified as a molecular biology technologist by the American Society of Clinical Pathology.

Shana Hogg, PhD

Dr. Shana Hogg earned B.S. degrees in Chemistry and Forensic Science from the University of New Haven where she was a John Hatfield Scholar. After completion of her undergraduate studies and research, she began her graduate education at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor where she was named a Rackham Merit Fellow for the duration of her studies. Her dissertation research focused on the rational design, synthesis, and evaluation of small molecule and peptidomimetic inhibitors of protein tyrosine kinases. This work aimed to better understand the inhibitor-enzyme interaction within the substrate pocket of the c-Src kinase. Following the completion of her doctoral degree, Dr. Hogg served as a drug chemist for Dallas County’s Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences. There she analyzed submitted drug evidence for the presence or absence of controlled substances.

Currently, Dr. Hogg serves as a Forensic Scientist III at the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education. In this role, she is responsible for delivering lectures and laboratory courses focusing on forensic chemistry. She will also assist with the development of continuing education courses as well as certificate programs in forensic chemistry. Additionally, Dr. Hogg will develop and run a research program in forensic chemistry.

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.

David Buzby

David Buzby is a graduate of West Chester University of West Chester, Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Chemistry. David has a diverse background in forensic toxicology that includes fifteen years of post mortem, DUI, and sexual assault case work. Most recently David was an Analyst for NMS Labs where he was involved in the identification and analysis of new emerging drugs including U-47700 and numerous fentanyl analogs.  David has presented on identification efforts and emerging drug trends at SOFT in 2014 and AAFS in 2016. David is also a diplomat of the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (D-ABFT-FT).

Currently, David serves as a Forensic Scientist II at the Center for Forensic Research & Education. In this role, David is involved with method development and validations of various research projects.

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, grant research and new and emerging programs within CFSRE.

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

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).

Yih Ling Saw, MSFS

Yih Ling Saw graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He later obtained his Master’s degree in Forensic Science from Arcadia University, focusing on forensic biology through his research in protein mass spectrometry to improve the sensitivity in seminal fluid identification. Yih Ling has presented his research on seminal fluid identification at the 7^th Annual Pennsylvania Forensic Science Student Research Exchange in 2017.

Currently, Yih Ling serves as a Research Scientist I at the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education. In this role, he is responsible for assisting Heather Milnthorp in the execution of analytical research on the Center’s ballistics’ grant as well as the evaluation of the efficacy of different automated DNA extraction platforms. His current research interests include optimizing novel and existing methods in the recovery and extraction of challenging samples and transitioning the analysis of these samples onto Next Generation Sequencing platforms. He is also currently working on a research to develop a dry-vacuum swabbing collection technique to recover touch DNA from handled evidentiary samples.