A forensic researcher shares the history of opioid abuse in the U.S. and efforts to combat the epidemic, including the scientific challenges faced by crime labs. Designer opioid abuse is not new in the United States, yet the current epidemic brings new and more widespread challenges. Small towns, big cities, village courthouses and federal agencies are all grappling with defining the problem and finding solutions across the sectors of public health, public safety and criminal justice. Dr. Peace will share the history of opioid abuse in the United States and define the current challenges and efforts to combat the epidemic, particularly as it pertains to U.S. crime labs.
Who
Michelle Peace, M.F.S., Ph.D is a forensic toxicologist and Associate professor in Virginia Commonwealth University where she helped develop the undergraduate program in Forensic Science. Peace has explored a wide range of aspects of forensic science — everything from what can be learned from insects at the scene of a crime to the toxicological effects of Chinese medicinal herbs on the human body.
She served as president of the MCV Alumni Association of VCU from 2015 to 2018 and is the immediate past president of her professional organization, the Society of Forensic Toxicologists. Peace holds Bachelor degrees in chemistry and biology, a Masters in Forensic Science from George Washington University and a Ph.D. from VCU. Past work includes private research developing improvements for the delivery systems of wine a in bag-in-box units and optimizing forensic toxicology analysis of 4,000 specimens per day. Dr. Peace continues to consult for private companies developing drug testing programs and trains crime scene investigators in the Mid-Atlantic region in the identification, collection, and preservation of entomological evidence.
What to Expect
A 20-minute talk and a longer Q&A discussion • Table-side and theatre-style seating on a first come basis.
Where and When
Monday, June 17 • Doors open at 6:00 p.m. • Program will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will conclude at 8:15 p.m.
The Hof • 2818 West Broad Street Richmond, VA 23230 • Plan a GRTC bus trip (The hunt for parking in Scott’s Addition can be a challenge.)
Tickets
No registration • If you’re on Facebook, click here to indicate that you're going and considering sharing the news with friends • Attend free or donate what you can • $5 suggested • Seating on a first-come basis.
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