My journey to DEA is quite different from most. Growing up, I was always interested in science. I decided in high school that I wanted to become a Research Scientist. As a result, I studied Biology and Chemistry in college. I graduated from Clark Atlanta University with Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degrees in Biology. Due to my advanced degree, I was accepted in the Presidential Management Fellowship Program (PMF) with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The PMF is a two-year fellowship that afforded me the opportunity to rotate throughout the agency exploring an assortment of careers. I spent the first year working as a Program Analyst in multiple offices at DEA Headquarters in Arlington , Virginia . As a Program Analyst, I promoted abstinence from drug use through presentations, conference exhibitions, and interpersonal activities, reviewed proposed legislature, and fielded Congressional and public inquiries. I spent the second year of my fellowship working as a Forensic Chemist at the Special Testing and Research Laboratory. It was at this time that I decided to pursue a career as a Forensic Chemist.

As a Forensic Chemist, my job changes every day. Usually, I will analyze samples that I receive from Special Agents for what drug they may contain and how much of it is present. In order to identify and quantitate the sample I use instrumentation to obtain my analytical results. I have to weigh the samples, put them in different solutions and introduce them onto my instrument of choice. Our laboratory has a wide range of state of the art instrumentation that allows me to choose how to identify the sample. I learned how to use most of these instruments while in college and am excited that I get to use so many different high tech instruments in this job. If I do find a controlled drug in the sample, I could get called to a state or federal court to provide expert testimony on my results. This gives me interaction with judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys.

I am also called out into the field to assist Special Agents when a clandestine laboratory has been found. I determine what drug was being produced by collecting samples from the scene and bring them back to the laboratory for analysis. The clandestine laboratory offers a different type of experience because I am called on to enter environments that could be very hazardous to my health. Therefore, I sometimes have to wear protective clothing and breathing equipment. The analysis of samples collected at the clandestine laboratory site can also result in a Forensic Chemist being required to testify in court.

Another part of my job involves training of other chemists and managers at home and around the world. My co-workers have traveled to many places, such as: Colombia , China , Nicaragua , Turkmenistan , India , Senegal , Afghanistan and Australia , as well as every state in the U.S. We train other chemist how to do what we do every day.

DEA has eight forensic drug laboratories located in metropolitan areas throughout the country. Each laboratory sees slightly different cases due to what is popular on the streets in their regions. However, all Forensic Chemists are trained to analyze every substance that we may encounter. It is an exciting career with much diversity and responsibility. There is always something new to learn.