Detection and action of drugs of abuse: Misuse of psychoactive substances represents a significant public health challenge. When used inappropriately, psychoactive substances can contribute to the societal burden of disease and death, generate crime, impede community and family cohesion, and degrade the quality of our health, educational, and social systems. Foundational to addressing substance misuse is awareness of their prevalence in society, including drug-involved crimes and overdoses. Additionally, we must understand the pharmacology of these substances in humans, including indications of impairment and driving performance. 

Barkholtz Toxicology Group Website

Background: Heather received a BS in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and a PhD in Chemistry from Northern Illinois University. While in graduate school, she was a Guest Graduate Student at Argonne National Laboratories and upon graduation, she did her postdoctoral research at Sandia National Laboratories. She went on to lead Wisconsin's Breath Alcohol Toxicology program before joining the Pharmaceutical Sciences faculty in 2021. She is also affiliated with Molecular and Environmental Toxicology as a Faculty Trainer. 

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