SOFT 2024 Lunch & Learns

We are excited to invite you to our Sponsored Lunch and Learns scheduled for Monday, October 28 and Tuesday, October 29. These sessions provide a unique opportunity to engage with experts in the field while enjoying a complimentary lunch provided by SOFT 2024 Sponsors. Take advantage of this opportunity to expand your knowledge, network with peers, and participate in informative discussions. Please see below for the schedule, registration links, and additional information. 

SOFT 2024 Lunch & Learn Schedule

Monday, October 28

Agilent | 12:00-1:30 PM | Midway 6 | Register Here 

  • Lunch & Learn Title: Meeting the Workflows of the Forensic Drug Chemist to Screen, Identify, and Quantitate Substances for Today’s and the Future’s Emerging Demands
  • Description: GCMS is one of the most common analytical tools used by the forensic drug chemist. Just as there are different types of tools utilized by a skilled carpenter, there are specific GCMS tools and techniques employed to meet the needs of the forensic chemist. This presentation will illustrate the various GCMS tools and instrumentation to help identify unknown samples, utilizing deconvolution software on coeluting peaks, and low energy ionization to identify unknowns based on their low energy ionization spectra and isotopic fidelity of their molecular ion.
  • Speaker: Kirk E. Lokits. GCMS Applications Scientist, Agilent Technologies 

Elmer Gordon Celebration Lunch & Learn | 12:00-1:30 PM | Regency C | Register Here

  • Lunch & Learn Title: Elmer Gordon Celebration 
  • Description: Join us in honoring the life and legacy of Elmer Gordon, a distinguished forensic toxicologist, community activist, and Tuskegee Airman. 
  • Hosted By: The Diversity Task Force, the Culture, Values and Diversity Committee, and SOFTopics. 
  • Agenda: 
    12:00-12:15 PM – Check-in, view student posters, and pick up boxed lunch
    12:15-12:20 PM – Welcome from Victor Vandell, Chair of the Diversity Task Force
    12:20-12:40 PM – Historical account of Elmer Gordon's life, featuring speakers Chip Walls and Marilyn Huestis
    12:40-12:50 PM – Unveiling of the Elmer Gordon Commemorative Banner by Lawrance Mullen, Aminatu Bello-Martin, and Nichole Bynum
    12:50-1:20 PM – Keynote Address: "Diversity and Inclusion in the Scientific Workplace" by Dr. Benny Chan 
  • RSVP: This event is free for SOFT members. Seating is limited, and an RSVP is required.  

Waters | 12:00-1:30 PM | Midway 5 | Register Here

  • Lunch & Learn Title: Overcoming Validation Challenges: Enhancing Laboratory Efficiency and Embracing High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry in Toxicology
  • Description: This workshop will feature two important topics that toxicology laboratories are facing every day, validation challenges and implementing high resolution mass spectrometry in toxicology.  The first part of the presentation will provide practical advice on how to streamline the validation process, how to effectively manage resources and ensure compliance. The second part of the presentation will aim to identify the benefits of using Xevo G3 Qtof high resolution mass spectrometer as well as offer tips in how to prepare for validation for a screening-based instrument.
  • Speakers: Jonathan T. Tomko, Senior Toxicologist, State of Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Forensic Sciences - Milwaukee 

Tuesday, October 29

Agilent | 12:00-1:30 PM | Midway 6 | Register Here
  • Lunch & Learn Title: Advanced Techniques in Oral Fluid Testing:  Automation, Targeted Analysis, and Q-TOF Screening
  • Description: Pending
  • Speakers: Curt E. Harper, Ph.D., F-ABFT, Chief Toxicologist, Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences
  • Robert M. Lockwood, Ph.D., F-ABFT, Senior Forensic Scientist - Toxicology, Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences 

 Sciex | 12:00-1:30 PM | Midway 5 | Register Here

  • Lunch & Learn Title: SCIEX Lunch & Learn
  • Description: Explore forensic toxicology in a new light. Join us to hear about trends currently affecting toxicology caseloads, including talks on Designer drug product, Method development strategies, Crime lab screening methods.
  • Speakers: Justin L. Poklis, Manager of the Mass Spectrometry Laboratory in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Sarah Doumit, Method Development Supervisor, Armed Forces Medical Examiner System
  • Samantha Wong, Forensic Scientist III, Orange County Crime Lab

ThermoFisher | 12:00-1:30 PM | Midway 10 | Register Here

  • Lunch & Learn Title: Toxicology Trends: Substance Use Disorder and the Evolving Landscape for Drug Testing
  • Description: In our workshop, you’ll hear from two expert forensic toxicologists about national drug trends impacting overdose and substance abuse, a resurgence of drugs being repurposed, and the class-leading technologies such as Thermo Scientific™ CEDIA™ and DRI™ reagents, Thermo Scientific™ Orbitrap™ HRAM mass spectrometers, and the latest Thermo Scientific™ Stellar™ mass spectrometer helping to deliver detection accuracy and confident quantitation of this complex toxicology landscape.
  • Speakers: David Eagerton, PhD, F-ABFT, Associate Dean for Biomedical Affairs and Research, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)
  • Courtney Patterson, Applications Scientist, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Clinical and Toxicology

Please note that these Lunch and Learns are managed entirely by our sponsors, not by SOFT. For any questions or inquiries, please direct them to the sponsoring company.