Dr. Christina Beymer received her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry in 2013, working with Dr. Goodpaster in the Department of Chemistry and the Forensic and Investigative Sciences program. Her graduate research focused on developing methods for the analysis of tobacco products and human hair using GC/MS, resulting in her dissertation entitled “Identification of Tobacco Related Compounds in Tobacco Products and Human Hair.” After obtaining her Ph.D., Dr. Beymer began working at the Indiana State Department of Toxicology as a Forensic Scientist where she was responsible for evidence handling, performing drug confirmation analysis of THC in blood specimens, and developing and validating methods. She then spent four years as the Analytical Laboratory Supervisor and four years as the Assistant Director. In April 2022, Dr. Beymer was appointed by the Governor as the Director of the Department of Toxicology.
As Director, Dr. Beymer is responsible for the overall operations and administration of the Department, including supervising staff. A typical day includes reviewing laboratory reports, discussing toxicology result interpretation with attorneys and police officers, troubleshooting instrumentation, and writing grant reports. According to Dr. Beymer, “one of the most interesting parts of my job is providing expert testimony in criminal trials. As a forensic toxicologist, my role is to explain to the jury and judge the science behind the chemical analysis of evidence for drugs and alcohol and how certain drugs and alcohol can affect a person and lead to potential impairment.”
Dr. Beymer chose a career in forensic toxicology because of her interests in chemistry, toxicology, and forensics. After obtaining her B.S. in chemistry, she knew she wanted to expand her knowledge and IUPUI gave her the opportunity to obtain a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry while also taking coursework in Forensic Chemistry. “Receiving an educational background in forensics was extremely helpful to begin a career in forensic science. I would recommend any student interested in forensic chemistry to gain as much experience with instrumentation, such as gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry, as possible” says Dr. Beymer.
Dr. Beymer is also an adjunct professor in the Forensic and Investigative Sciences program at IUPUI teaching a workshop on Forensic Toxicology.