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American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS) Annual Meeting

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American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS) Annual Meeting

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As the executive director of the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, Dr. Barry Logan works as a toxicologist, overseeing research and writing articles related to the work performed by the center. Active in his professional community of toxicologists, Dr. Barry Logan previously served as the president of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS).

Founded in 1948, the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) has more than 7,000 members and includes criminalists, engineers, psychiatrists, and attorneys. The members of the AAFS come from 70 countries worldwide as well as all 50 states.

The AAFS will host its 70th Annual Scientific Meeting from February 19 - 24, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. The annual meeting will focus on "Science Matters," specifically research practices and integrating the research of forensic science within a wider range of scientific community practices. The annual meeting will also focus on the Forensic Sciences Foundation, which provides scholarships and grants, as well as examining the work of the Humanitarian and Human Rights Resource Center.

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Biography of Leading Toxicologist Barry Logan

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Dr. Barry Logan is a world renowned forensic toxicologist with NMS Labs and the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education who has established himself as an

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Barry Logan (Toxicologist) Toxicologist in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania Willow Grove, PA, US Dr. Barry Logan began his career in forensic toxicology ...

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Forensic toxicology has always been the domain of the medical examiner. As far back as the early 18th century, primitive toxicology practices were already being utilized in criminal courts, and were quickly becoming an important crime-solving weapon in some of history's most infamous cases.

Our columnist Dolly Stolze recounts one of the most notorious toxicology cases from 19th century France in the article "The Black Widow and the Arsenic Mirror." Maria Lafarge, also known as the Black Widow, was accused of poisoning her new husband with arsenic after learning he was bankrupt and used her wedding dowry to prop up his failing business. But it wasn't until Mathieu Orfila-who wrote the first book on forensic toxicology, called "Traite Des Poisons" in 1814 and became known as the "Father of Toxicology"-took the case as an expert witness that the truth finally surfaced.

Today, almost every death deemed sudden or with complicating circumstances is completed with an autopsy and a tox screen to determine the cause of death. Our newest columnists Judy Melinek discusses some of the pitfalls of modern toxicology in her article "Five Case Studies in Forensic Toxicology." From poor communication with the toxicology lab to only looking at the test results and not the crime scene evidence, medical examiners can sometimes mix up an open-and-shut case with something much more complicated. Judy has laid out five everyday examples of how doing the proper toxicology proved to be the difference in determining the case.

Modern forensic scientists are not only using toxicology to determine causes of death, but to help prevent deaths as well. Our cover story documents toxicologist Barry Logan and his research team as they trekked to the Ultra music festival in Miami to take blood and urine samples from attendees. The festival, which was called "a smorgasbord of psychotropic uppers and downers," by local media outlets, is the perfect place to try to stay on top of new designer drugs - substances that mimic the effects of illegal drugs but avoid traditional drug classifications. Most of these new drugs come from China and other parts of Asia, where they are circumventing US drug laws and being legally shipped into the country.

"There are literally labs filled with synthetic organic chemists who design drugs that circumvent the controlled substances act," Logan said. "They are also being designed to enhance potency."

This vital information can lead to faster and more accurate drug screening techniques that might one day help police identify impaired drivers during traffic stops, and provide first responders with life-saving information during overdoses.

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Forensic toxicology has always been the domain of the medical examiner. As far back as the early 18th century, primitive toxicology practices were already being utilized in criminal courts, and were quickly becoming an important crime-solving weapon in some of history's most infamous cases.

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Barry Logan (Toxicologist) | Senior Vice President Forensic Science Initiatives at Nms Labs

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Dr. Logan currently serves dual roles as the chief scientist/senior vice president of forensic science initiatives at NMS Labs and as t...