Kirk Grates

Experience

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  National Forensic Science Technology Center (NFSTC)

  Aug 2005 - Jan 2017

  Sr. Forensic Specialist - Chemistry

  Responsibilities include but are not limited to:The design, execution and management of detailed evaluation studies conducted on new, innovative and ruggedized chemical detection and identification products for use in fielded environments.Development and delivery of forensic chemistry and forensic toxicology based instruction to armed services personnel, first responders, forensic scientists and other pertinent stakeholders within the DOD community, local government as well as academic institutions. Instructional topics include: colorimetric based technology, spectroscopy (NIR, FTIR, and Raman) theory, sample preparation and extraction techniques, basic chemistry, blood alcohol interpretation, GC-MS theory, instrument method development, instrument troubleshooting techniques, data interpretation as well as other chemistry related areas.Provide reachback and troubleshooting support to stakeholders who utilize fielded chemistry based technologies (FTIR, Raman, GC-MS and colorimetric).Evaluate and perform necessary repairs on chemical analyzers that have been returned from fielded environments. Conduct QA/QC procedures to ensure that equipment is performing optimally and with specification.Development of GC-MS methods and libraries for enhanced detection and identification capabilities of recently encountered analytes of interest. Show less

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  NATIONAL FORENSIC SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY CENTER INC

  Jan 2017 - May 2022

  Project Manager of Forensic Chemistry Section

  Responsibilities include but are not limited to:Performing project management activities that include determining BOE and BOM for multiple projects, developing in depth project planning and execution methods, performing personnel labor allocations with task assignments and some budget management monitoring.Managing forensic chemistry staff through effective task assignments that create an environment that allows projects and trainings to be completed at the highest of standards while being delivered on time and within budget.The design, execution and management of detailed evaluation studies conducted on new, innovative and ruggedized chemical detection and identification products for use in fielded environments.Development and delivery of forensic chemistry and forensic toxicology based instruction to armed services personnel, first responders, forensic scientists and other pertinent stakeholders within the DOD community, local government as well as academic institutions. Instructional topics include: colorimetric based technology, spectroscopy (NIR, FTIR, and Raman) theory, sample preparation and extraction techniques, basic chemistry, blood alcohol interpretation, GC-MS theory, instrument method development, instrument troubleshooting techniques, data interpretation as well as other chemistry related areas.Provide reachback and troubleshooting support to stakeholders who utilize fielded chemistry based technologies (FTIR, Raman, GC-MS and colorimetric).Evaluate and perform necessary repairs on chemical analyzers that have been returned from fielded environments. Conduct QA/QC procedures to ensure that equipment is performing optimally and with specification.Development of GC-MS methods and libraries for enhanced detection and identification capabilities of recently encountered analytes of interest. Show less

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  Global Forensic and Justice Center

  Jan 2018 - now

  Research Project Manager of Forensic Chemistry at GFJC@FIU