Hi Reddit, and Happy National Chemistry Week! This year's theme is "Solving Mysteries through Chemistry" so I’m here to answer your questions about forensic chemistry and how science plays a key role in criminal investigations.
I'm Kevin Shanks, a Senior Forensic Toxicologist with Axis Forensic Toxicology, a forensic toxicology laboratory in the Midwest USA. My areas of expertise include liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS, LC/MS/MS, LC/ToF) and the analytical detection and toxicology of new psychoactive substances (NPS) such as substituted cathinones (bath salts), synthetic cannabinoids (spice/K2), NBOME hallucinogens, fentanyl analogs, and opioid research chemicals. I oversee all method development and validation of analytical methods for NPS at Axis and have provided fact and expert witness testimony in drug chemistry, human performance toxicology, and postmortem toxicology matters in numerous states.
I hold a B.A in Biology from Franklin College in Franklin, Indiana, an M.S. in Forensic Toxicology from the University of Florida, and am certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Toxicology in forensic toxicology. I also have published papers on the analytical detection and postmortem toxicology of synthetic cannabinoids (i.e. JWH-018, 5F-PB-22, ADB-FUBINACA, and 5F-AMB) as well as the detection of designer substances in pills, powders, and plant materials. I have presented research and casework at national meetings such as the Society of Forensic Toxicologists annual conference. My most recent projects include the analytical and forensic toxicology of fentanyl analogs, such as carfentanil and furanylfentanyl, and their emergence in the United States’ heroin supply.
Ask me anything about drugs, poisons, newly emerging substances, life in a forensic laboratory, postmortem toxicology, and analytical chemistry.
I’ll be back at 1:00 pm ET (10:00 am PT) to answer your questions.
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