August 11: Science of Crime – Toxicology
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Toxicology detail in Southern Nevada.
Program Overview:
Forensic science is a complex discipline that encompasses more than a dozen distinct fields. Except for a few recent additions to the investigative tool kit such as DNA analysis and computer forensics, most fields trace their origins to the 19th century or before.
In this program in the Science of Crime series you’ll find out how the toxicology detail provides blood alcohol and toxicological analysis as well as how they manage the breath alcohol program in Southern Nevada.
Within most crime labs, scientists have highly specialized expertise. Unlike what is portrayed on television, it is rarely one individual who investigates the crime scene, processes the fingerprints, analyzes the DNA and examines the trace evidence. Instead, highly specialized experts focus on one field. This leads to more efficient and effective lab results.
Each month, The Mob Museum and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Forensic Laboratory will present an in-depth look at the disciplines and sciences that encompass forensic analysis.
Forensic Scientist Nicole Van Aken
Nicole graduated from University of Nevada Las Vegas with a Bachelor Degree in Cell and Molecular Biology with a Minor in Chemistry. Nicole has been in the field of Forensic Toxicology for nine years, with eight years working in the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Forensic Laboratory Toxicology Detail.
The Toxicology Detail provides blood alcohol and toxicological analyses, as well as the management of the breath alcohol program in Southern Nevada.
This program takes place in the Goodman Room on the Museum’s third floor.