Jennifer Bash is a scientific consultant with fields of expertise in forensic toxicology, organic chemistry, as well as basic scientific principles. Previously working as a Senior Analytical Forensic Toxicology Specialist at the University of Illinois Chicago’s Analytical Forensic Testing Laboratory (UIC AFTL) and a Forensic Scientist in the Toxicology Section of the Illinois State Police Crime Lab; she has spent over 18 years working in forensics as a toxicologist analyzing biological samples for compounds of interest and providing testimonial assistance for cases.
Jennifer started her science career in the pharmaceutical industry working in analytical research and development after completing her undergraduate studies at Colgate University. She learned how important well-founded science and strong laboratory skills are in producing high quality analytical results. She earned a Masters in Organic Chemistry from Northwestern University performing research in the field of nanotechnology before beginning her career in forensic science.
Jennifer has become a well-recognized and respected member of the forensic community in Illinois, both as a scientist and an expert witness. Her work as an adjunct professor in science for over a decade increased her passion for education both in and out of the classroom and she continues to believe in the importance of a strong scientific foundation for creating and developing good analytical laboratory procedures.
Certifications/Publications/Presentations
Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Toxicologists in Forensic Toxicology (D-ABFT-FT)
Member of the Society of Forensic Toxicologists (SOFT)
Member of the Illinois Impaired Driving Task Force and the Criminal Justice Subcommittee
Bash J (2024) The Public Safety Risk of Hemp Products Sold at Unlicensed Retailers. J Toxicol Cur Res 8: 025
Midwest Impaired Driving Conference “Courtroom Tips and Tricks (for witnesses and attorneys). Itasca, IL 11/09/22
Areas of Research
Mentored graduate students while employed at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). Some research projects included:
- Studying products being marketed and sold containing kratom. Products were purchased from various stores around Chicago and analyzed to compare the results with the labeling.
- Analyzing money regarding the possible residues of drug compounds left behind. Various denominations of bills were withdrawn from different banks in a variety of neighborhoods in Chicago and qualitatively analyzed for drug compounds.
- Testing waterways around Chicago for the presence of drug compounds. Samples were taken from the river system around Chicago and analyzed for the presence of drug compounds.
- Optimizing an instrument for new and novel synthetic opioids and cannabinoids. Under a grant, standards of new and novel compounds were obtained, and these were used to optimize an instrument to be able to detect these compounds.
Bash Scientific Consulting 