Skip to main content

Meet the New Hires

Two new forensic chemists have recently joined the faculty, giving us six faculty with forensic chemistry backgrounds and thus an especially strong concentration of faculty expertise.

Dr. Tatiana Trejos joined the department as an Assistant Professor this summer. She received her PhD from Florida International University. Her area of expertise is trace evidence; she has authored 29 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters and presented more than 80 presentations at scientific meetings worldwide. She has taught forensic chemistry courses at the graduate level and has extensive experience as an instructor for forensic practitioners, prosecutors, and other law enforcement personnel. Dr. Trejos was appointed by NIST to serve as a member of the Chemistry/Instrumental Analysis Scientific Area Committee's Material (Trace) Subcommittee within the Organization of Scientific Area Committees. Dr. Trejos will be teaching in the forensic chemistry curriculum and trace evidence.

Dr. Trejos commented on her choice to join the WVU faculty: "During my first visit to the Department of Forensic and Investigative Sciences at WVU, I was truly impressed by the high level of experiential content in the program, as I am a true believer that the best way of learning is by “doing”.  When I accepted the position at WVU, I knew I was coming to a university nationally recognized for its high education standards and cutting edge research. What I did not expect however, is that just few weeks after my arrival at Morgantown I would feel at home.  This is an inspiring place! We live surrounded by wonderful people who share a pride, people who pursue the common dream of making this state and our nation a better place. I’m honored to accept the challenge to inspire our students to discover their passion and raise the new generations of forensic scientists that will move our discipline forward."

Dr. Luis Arroyo also joined the department as an Assistant Professor this summer. He received his PhD from Florida International University. His area of expertise focuses on the application of mass spectrometric methods for the characterization of organic and inorganic compounds including drugs and pesticides. He has authored 13 publications and has presented more than 50 presentations at scientific meetings worldwide. He has taught courses in the chemistry and analysis of drugs as well as a special course entitled Forensic Science for Lawyers. Dr. Arroyo was a research scientist and the associate director of the Forensic and Analytical Toxicology Facility at Florida International University. This experience will provide a strong foundation for the development of a forensic toxicology focus in our program. Additionally, Dr. Arroyo will teach courses in drug analysis an environmental forensic chemistry.

Dr. Arroyo also commented on his choice to join the WVU faculty: “I chose to join the Forensic and Investigative Science Department at WVU because of its culture of innovation and amazing student-oriented tradition.  Embracing the “let’s go” philosophy is probably the most successful idea for engaging faculty, students and the community as a whole.  I appreciate the opportunity to let my kids grow in a beautiful place and at the same time have a unique chance to contribute in the development of the best academic program of forensic science in the USA”.