Forensic Toxicology Research Team (AAM-611-TOX)
The Forensic Toxicology Research Team identifies and quantifies drugs, drug metabolites, alcohols, toxic gases, and toxic industrial chemicals detected in biological specimens collected from victims of fatal aircraft accidents. These measurements make it possible for researchers to proactively address emerging safety risks by using consistent, data-informed approaches to make smarter, system-level, risk-based decisions (FAA Strategic Initiatives - Make Aviation Safer and Smarter).
This team studies the conditions that affect the accuracy and validity of these comprehensive analyses and adapts or develops improved methods for making such measurements. They also analyze clinical chemical chemistry parameters to determine significant health trends in aviation personnel (glucose, HbA1c).