Dr. Carl Matthew Selavka is one of the world renowned forensic toxicologists of today. Dr. Selavka has a strong background in biology, chemistry, and forensics, and illustrated that it would be very helpful in the field of forensic science. His background originated from Indiana University where he received his Bachelor of Arts double major in Chemistry and Forensic Science and at Northeastern University where he received a Master of Science in Forensic Chemistry in 1985 and his Doctor of Philosophy in Forensic Analytical Chemistry in 1987.
Upon completing the ROTC program at Indiana, Dr. Selavka went to serve the US army. Upon serving, he attended graduate school and continued in education until he received his Doctoral at Northeastern before serving as an active duty member in the United States Army Medical Service Corps from 1987 to 1991. After serving a number of positions in the US Army medical service corps, Dr. Selavka began a career as Director of Forensic Operations at the National Medical Services, Inc. in Willow Grove, PA. One of the main duties he undertook included overseeing the Forensic Science Division of a private toxicology and criminalistics laboratory. In February 1994, Dr. Selavka was promoted to the Director of Criminalistics where he undertook the responsibility of all administrative aspects …show more content…
Selavka’s presentation ranged on the many different aspects of Forensic Toxicology. The first part of his discussion centered on the types of drugs toxicologist are interested in. Drugs that were mentioned included benzodiazepines, depressants, opiates, cocaine, amphetamines, marijuana and alcohol. Dr. Selavka pointed out that Alcohol stands out from the other drugs as it is the largest contributing factor to vehicle related accidents as well as consequently deaths. Dr. Selavka also included regular toxicologist studies such as the testing for carbon monoxide, cyanide, inhalants, metals, pesticides and