North Louisiana Crime Lab

🌟 Employee Recognition ThuRsday 🌟

This week, we’re thrilled to spotlight Kari Dicken, M.S.F.S. as our Employee of the Week! 🎉

Kari is Senior Forensic Scientist in our Shreveport Laboratory and holds Master of Science in Forensic Science from the University of Alabama - Birmingham and a Bachelor of Science in Biology & Chemistry from the University of North Dakota. She is a true veteran of our DNA section with dedication and enthusiasm that shines bright through in everything she does.

Being an ultimate team player - Kari is always the first to volunteer and step up when challenges arise. Her creativity and innovative ideas inspire us, and her refreshing optimism lifts the morale of our entire lab. One of my favorite things about her is her unique ability to always see the upside in the changes we make within the organization.

We’re incredibly grateful for her contributions and commitment to our mission.

Thank you, Kari, for being a constant source of inspiration and for bringing your best every day! 🌟👏

🎉 Yesterday, the NLCL proudly hosted our annual Summer Intern Seminar at our Shreveport Headquarters!🌟 This special event provided our summer interns with the opportunity to showcase their research projects and share their findings with our team. Each project was designed to advance our mission of enhancing service to Louisiana, and our interns gained invaluable experience in the world of forensic science.

A big congratulations to our dedicated summer interns for their hard work and contributions:

👏 Lauryn Broussard from Louisiana State University - Shreveport (DNA Section)

👏 Morgan McCrory from Northwestern State University (Forensic Toxicology Section)

👏 Stacia Jinks from University of Louisiana – Monroe (Forensic Toxicology Section)

Your efforts have truly made a difference, and we were honored to have you with us over the past several weeks. Special thanks to our DNA and Forensic Toxicology Sections for being exceptional hosts and to Dr. Jessica Esparza for her outstanding organization of this program.

For more information about our internship program, visit our intern page at https://www.nlcl.org/internships.

🌟 **Employee Recognition ThuRsday** 🌟

Today, we’re thrilled to celebrate Carla Pettis, our exceptional Clerical III in Evidence Receiving! Carla has been a cornerstone of our team since February 17th, 1993, marking an incredible journey of dedication. As one of the friendly faces our customer base interacts with daily, she is a wealth of information about our practices, accumulated through decades of experience.

Carla’s longevity with us is a testament to her exceptional work ethic and the positive impact she has made over the years. One of the things we admire most about Carla is her adaptability. She has embraced the massive changes our lab has undergone with positivity and a quick learning attitude. She is a natural leader and someone that our entire staff relies on for communication and direction. Next time you stop by the Shreveport facility, don’t be surprised when this friendly face meets you at the door and welcomes you in. Thank you, Carla, for your incredible service and for being a vital part of the NLCL family. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are proud to have you on our team! 🎉👏

🌟 Employee Recognition ThuRsday 🌟

This week, we're thrilled to celebrate Emily Raley, M.S. F-ABFT, a shining star in our Forensic Toxicology Section! (https://www.nlcl.org/toxicology)

Since joining us on February 1st, 2014, Emily has been instrumental in transforming our toxicology section from a solo offering focused on alcohol testing into a cutting-edge lab known for its advanced drug testing capabilities. 🌟🔬

With her Master’s degree in Forensic Science from the University of Alabama, Birmingham, and her Bachelor’s in Toxicology from the University of Louisiana, Monroe, Emily has become a key player in operating our sophisticated LC/TOF-MS and LC/MS/MS systems. Her passion for the field, quick adaptability to new technology, and unwavering dedication to serving our customer base make her an invaluable asset to NLCL.

Thank you, Emily, for your remarkable contributions and your commitment to excellence!

🌟 Employee Recognition ThuRsday 🌟

This week, we are thrilled to spotlight Jaylon Wright, B.S., Forensic Scientist II, as our exceptional team member! Since joining our Drug Chemistry Section on April 1st, 2019, Jaylon has truly become the pulse of the NLCL.

Jaylon embodies the elements of Teamwork (core value) we hold dear:

Common Vision: He aligns his goals with our lab's mission, ensuring we move forward together.

Cohesiveness: Jaylon fosters a strong sense of belonging and unity within our team.

Mutual Assistance: He’s always ready to support his colleagues in times of need.

Altruism: Jaylon prioritizes the team’s needs above his own, always putting the lab first.

Best-for-the-Lab Decisions: He makes thoughtful choices that enhance our lab's overall success.
Thank you, Jaylon, for your dedication and hard work. You truly exemplify the spirit of teamwork and excellence that makes the NLCL great. Keep shining bright! 🌟🔬

🌟 Recognition ThuRsday 🌟

This week, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on the exceptionally talented Katie Traweek, M.S.F.S.! 🌟🔬

Katie holds a Master of Science in Forensic Science from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Harding University. Her academic prowess is just the beginning—Katie’s remarkable organizational skills and ability to streamline processes make her an invaluable asset to our team.

Katie wears many hats in our laboratory, thanks to her exceptional ability to manage and coordinate complex tasks. Her knack for organization ensures that our projects run smoothly and efficiently. 📊📑

Beyond her professional talents, Katie’s positive spirit makes her a complete joy to be around—she’s truly loved by everyone here! 🌟💖

Join us in celebrating Katie for her outstanding contributions and for making a significant impact not only in our work but also in our workplace culture. We are proud and grateful to have her as part of our team!

🔫✨ Last Friday, the NLCL had the honor of hosting a special training event for the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office at our headquarters in Shreveport!

🎯 Our Fi****ms section took the spotlight, showcasing their expertise and the intricate processes behind our lab reports. It was a fantastic opportunity for both sides to connect and learn from each other, enhancing our courtroom testimonies and understanding of forensic complexities. 📚🔍

A big shout-out to everyone who attended - it was a pleasure to see your enthusiasm and engagement throughout the day! 🌟 Here’s to more collaborations that strengthen our commitment to justice and forensic excellence. 🌐💼

****msSection


📸 Swipe to see some highlights from the event! 🎉

Recognition Wednesday- Leola Summerville, M.S.F.S., Senior Forensic Scientist

🔬✨ Today, we shine a spotlight on Leola Summerville, M.S.F.S., Senior Forensic Scientist in our Drug Chemistry Section!

🎓 Leola holds a Master of Science in Forensic Science from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Bachelor of Science in Biological Science from Louisiana State University - Shreveport. She joined NLCL on February 18th, 2008, and has been a cornerstone of our team ever since.

🌟 Leola is a true veteran in our Drug Chemistry Section, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience that has been instrumental in the development of our growing and effective team. She’s not just a teacher of the basics; she’s a mentor who embodies a calm dependability and a reassuring personality.

🤝 Her presence makes our workplace brighter, and she’s the type of colleague everyone wants on their team.

👏 Join us in celebrating Leola Summerville for her dedication and invaluable contributions to NLCL!

🌟 “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” - Pele

🇺🇸 Happy Fourth of July from all of us at the NLCL! 🎆 Today, as we celebrate our nation’s independence, we wish everyone in our service area and throughout Louisiana a safe and joyful day filled with family, friends, and festivities. 🎉 Let’s cherish this special day with gratitude and respect for our . Remember to stay safe and enjoy responsibly!

🔍 Forensic Science to the Rescue! 🔬 Yesterday, our team had a blast joining the Summer Kids Camp at Sci-Port to tackle a thrilling mystery! 🕵️‍♂️💼 We sent in Zoe and DeeDee to share some of our coolest tools and techniques used to crack the toughest cases, all while sparking curiosity and exploring the wonders of STEM. 🌟

Big thanks to Sci-Port for inviting us to be part of this exciting adventure! 🔬 Can’t wait to hear how the case unfolds!

🌟 Recognition ThuRsday Spotlight! 🌟

Today, we shine the spotlight on the incredible Carly Desselle M.S., whose dedication and expert chemistry skills have greatly impacted the NLCL!

🔬 As a stellar chemist and a leader, Carly has played a pivotal role in stabilizing our outreach to the central region of - consistently providing valuable support to both agencies and attorneys. Her expertise not only solves complex cases but also drives our mission forward. She is a natural teacher (and a former one!) who has a unique ability to make complex concepts easier to understand.

🌍 Her efforts remind us every day that behind every test and every result, there’s a dedicated professional making it all happen.

Thank you, Carly, for your dedication and leadership. You’re not just making a difference—you ARE the difference!

🔍✨ Yesterday was an incredible day at NLCL as we had the honor of hosting some enthusiastic youth cadets from the Ouachita Sheriff’s Office Summer Program! 🌟 It was an opportunity for them to dive into the world of and discover the exciting adventures our various disciplines offer. From meeting our dedicated staff to exploring the fascinating realms of forensic science, it was a day filled with learning and inspiration. 🚔🔬

A huge thank you to the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office for allowing us to share our and with these bright young minds. We’re thrilled to inspire the next generation of forensic scientists! 🎓💼

🌟 Recognition ThuRsday Spotlight 🌟

Today, we shine a spotlight on Dr. Ashley Brummett, Forensic Scientist III in our DNA Section at NLCL! 🧬

👩‍🔬 Dr. Brummett joined our team on July 16th, 2016, and has been an invaluable asset ever since. Her expertise and dedication play a crucial role in the performance of our DNA team.

💡 Known for her critical thinking skills, Dr. Brummett is a calming force in our lab, offering guidance and mentorship to new DNA analysts technicians, and interns. Easily, her biggest strengths revolve around being quick to listen, analyze, and solve complex problems.

This summer, Dr. Brummett is part of a vital new program in our DNA section aimed at enhancing our analysis and turnaround time for years to come.

Join us in celebrating Dr. Ashley Brummett for her outstanding contributions to NLCL and the field of forensic science!

🌟 It's Recognition "ThuRsday" at NLCL! 🌟 Today, we're shining the spotlight on two incredible team members: Donna and Kristi, who are the heart and soul of our Ouachita "Drop" facility in Monroe, LA.

💼 Donna and Kristi aren't just colleagues – they're the embodiment of , , and . Day in and day out, they go above and beyond to serve our organization with unwavering commitment and enthusiasm.

👏 This dynamic duo is the definition of hardworking, always ready to roll up their sleeves and tackle any task with a smile. Whether it's ensuring smooth operations at our facility or providing exceptional customer service, Donna and Kristi are true assets to our team.

🌟 We're incredibly fortunate to have Donna and Kristi aboard, and we want to express our deepest gratitude for their outstanding contributions to NLCL. Here's to their continued success and all the amazing things they bring to the table! 👏👩‍💼👩‍💻 🌟👏

🔥 We're feeling the warmth of appreciation from Louisiana Arson and Fire Prevention Association ! (See below) 🔥

Our chemists were honored to share insights into our Fire Debris Analysis efforts last week, supporting with forensic science expertise.

🔬 This presentation shed light on the crucial role of forensic science in investigating and determining the causes of fires. Our team delved into the intricate analysis of debris left behind after fires, providing valuable insights into fire investigations.

👩‍🔬 We're grateful for the opportunity to contribute to fire prevention and investigation efforts in our community. Thank you to The Louisiana Arson and Fire Prevention Association for recognizing our dedication and expertise!

🧪🔍👨‍🚒👩‍🔬

🇺🇸 Today, on Memorial Day, we pause to honor and express our deepest gratitude to all the brave veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. 🙏🏼 Their courage, selflessness, and unwavering dedication will never be forgotten. Let’s take a moment to remember and honor their sacrifice. 🕊️ 🌟🇺🇸

Always thankful for opportunities we have to discuss our work. Thanks for attending Caddo Parish District Attorney 👍💪🤓

🌟 We Did It Again! 🌟

We're ecstatic to announce that North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory has clinched the prestigious 2024 Foresight Maximus Award, for the third straight year! 🏆 With a standout performance of 90% peak efficiency among 211 submissions, placing us in the top 7.6%, it’s clear our team is among the best of the best! 🌟🔬

This achievement is all about our team’s belief in the process and their commitment to getting better every day. Thanks to everyone’s dedication, we’re not just doing business; we’re enhancing it day by day! 🚀

Let’s celebrate our team’s hard work and dedication. Here's to pushing boundaries and achieving more! 💪

🔬 KSLA News 12 KTBS 3 News Good to Know Shreveport Bossier The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate The Shreveport Times

🧬 Happy National DNA Day! 🎉 Today, we’re celebrating the remarkable milestones in genetics that have paved the way for forensic science. Did you know that it marks the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 and the discovery of DNA’s double helix structure in 1953? 🧬

At the NLCL, we marked this special day by hosting DNA Class 2 for our agencies. Representatives from agencies across our service area joined us to dive into the fascinating world of forensic DNA analysis. 💼🔬

To make the occasion even more memorable, each participant got hands-on experience by collecting their own reference sample and initiating the DNA extraction process. 🧪✨ Next week, we’ll be sending each of them their very own unique DNA profile! 📬

Stay tuned for updates and more exciting initiatives as we continue to explore the frontiers of forensic science. 🌟

🌟 Today was an honor as we welcomed the current Attorney General of Louisiana, Liz Murrill, to our Shreveport Facility! 🏛️ It was an incredible opportunity for us to showcase the hard work and dedication of our team of Forensic Scientists serving . 💼💪

We were thrilled to provide Attorney General Murrill with a firsthand look at the groundbreaking work happening in our Chemistry, DNA, Fi****ms, and Toxicology Sections. 🔬🧬🔫

Thank you, Attorney General Murrill, for taking the time to visit us and for your support of our important work in advancing forensic science and justice in our community. 🙌 🌟Office of the Louisiana Attorney GeneralKKTBS 3 NewsKKSLA News 12 DestinationZeroDeaths Louisiana Highway Safety Commission North Delta Regional Planning and Development District, Inc. Good to Know Shreveport Bossier ThinkFirst of the Ark-La-Tex, Shreveport, LAThe Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate

🌟 Yesterday, we rolled out the red carpet for our 4th Annual Employee Service and Performance Award Celebration at North Louisiana Crime Lab! 🎉 It’s our favorite day of the year because we get to shine a light on the exceptional individuals who make NLCL a beacon of excellence in forensic science.
🏆 This year, accolades were abundant as we celebrated career milestones and standout performances. A heartfelt congratulations to our award winners who have gone above and beyond:

🔹 Career Milestones Celebrated:
* 5 Years of Service: Steven Fleming, Jaylon Wright
* 10 Years of Service: Emily Raley
* 15 Years of Service: Jessica Esparza
* 25 Years of Service: Kristi Priest

🔹 Excellence in External Engagements:
* Jessica Esparza, Alanna Brauer, and Katie Traweek for their pivotal roles in external lab assessments
* Steven Fleming for his contribution to the Society of Forensic Toxicologists Finance Committee

🔹 2023 Performance Awards - Voted by peers:
* 🌟 Chess Piece: Carly Desselle
* ⚔️ Battle Axe: Will Veal
* ⚓ Anchor: Hannah Frost
* 🚜 Bulldozer: Kari Dicken

🔹 2023 Title Belts:
* 🌍 2023 World Champion: Carly Desselle
* 🏆 2023 Universal Champion: DeAndria Moss

Peers selected Carly Desselle, Will Veal, Hannah Frost, and Kari Dicken for embodying our core values, and our administrative team put the straps on Carly Desselle and DeAndria Moss as our champions for their continued high performance.

🙌 At the NLCL, we’re not just a team—we’re trailblazers, redefining the norms of the traditional work environment. Our commitment to innovation and excellence sets us apart, as we continually push the boundaries of what’s possible. Celebrate with us the incredible professionals whose inspiration and dedication drive us forward.

👀 Want to know more about what makes NLCL unique? Visit us at www.nlcl.org

🌟🏆 A special day ahead as we gear up to celebrate the outstanding achievements within the NLCL! Later today, we’ll be crowning the winners of our 2024 NLCL Annual Awards 🌟. Stay tuned as we unveil the champions who have excelled over this past year in upholding our commitment to Forensic Science in .

This week, the NLCL was proud to see one of our top toxicologists, Emily Raley, M.S., F-ABFT, share her expertise with the Resilience Risk Reduction & Su***de Prevention team of the LA National Guard. As a guest speaker, Emily delved into the complexities of forensic toxicology and the current trends in drug use across Louisiana.

Her engaging discussion not only illuminated the challenges and nuances of our field but also highlighted the critical work done by the National Guard in administering drug testing and overseeing substance abuse programs. Emily’s dedication and knowledge are invaluable, and we’re fortunate to collaborate with such a bright mind every day.

Join us in celebrating Emily’s contribution to a safer and more informed Louisiana! 💼🔬

A dynamic team presentation yesterday by Innocence Project New Orleans! Let’s meet the driving forces behind this impactful initiative:

🔍 Zac Crawford: A dedicated Staff Attorney at Innocence Project New Orleans, Zac also serves as the Supervising Attorney of the Wrongful Conviction Clinic at LSU Law School. With a background as an investigator and case review manager at IPNO, Zac brings invaluable experience to the table.
🔍 Summer Knight: A second-year law student at LSU Law Center, Summer’s passion for criminal defense shines through her work. With a background in criminology and psychology, she’s committed to making a difference in the legal landscape.
🔍 Alaysha Wilson: Hailing from Monroe, LA, Alaysha is a third-year student at LSU Law Center. Sworn in as a student attorney in both the Juvenile Defense Clinic and Wrongful Conviction Clinic, she’s poised to make waves in the field of criminal defense post-graduation.
🔍 Alaina Lacey: Originally from Tennessee, Alaina is a second-year law student at LSU Law Center. Her journey from the University of Idaho to Louisiana reflects her dedication to pursuing justice and advocating for change.

Kudos to this talented team for their tireless efforts in the pursuit of justice! 👏

Melissa Farley, a seasoned expert with nearly 14 years at the LSP Crime Lab, delivered an eye-opening presentation on Forged and Fabricated prints. With extensive experience in latent print processing and comparison, Melissa’s expertise shines through as she delves into the intricate world of forensic science.

Honored to have such a knowledgeable professional shedding light on crucial topics in our field.

In our final act this morning, we were honored to host Kelly Jennings, the host of “Unspeakable,” a gripping True Crime Podcast. Kelly, with her background as a Criminal Justice educator, Law Enforcement expert, and former Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola Classifications Officer, brings a unique perspective to the world of true crime.
“Unspeakable” takes listeners on a journey through intriguing cases, shedding light on the intricacies of criminal justice and the human experience.

Kelly’s expertise and storytelling prowess was a captivating exploration of the mysteries that surround us. Check it out at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unspeakable-a-true-crime-podcast-by-kelly-jennings/id1651928508

A big thank you to Kelly for sharing her insights with us! 🎙️

It was an absolute delight to have Frank Kero, Ph.D., from Bruker, share his expertise with us today at LAFS. Dr. Kero’s presentation on DART-MS and its potential applications in drug testing was both enlightening and inspiring. As they say, “the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step,” and Dr. Kero’s session undoubtedly marked a significant step forward in our understanding of chromatography advancements and the promising future of this technology in drug testing.

On a side note - there is no greater gentleman in the business today than Dr. Kero - we were honored to interact with him this morning.

A heartfelt thank you to Bruker for their generous support of LAFS this year through Dr. Kero’s engaging and informative presentation.

We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support provided by Doug Carlton, Ph.D., in our efforts to advance forensic science in Louisiana. Today, Dr. Carlton generously shared valuable insights with our LAFS community, focusing on troubleshooting techniques for various HPLC situations and addressing common issues encountered with these analytical instruments. His guidance on enhancing productivity within our labs was truly invaluable.

A special note of appreciation goes out to Shimadzu for their participation in this year’s agenda. We are immensely thankful for their collaboration and eagerly anticipate the opportunity to showcase their instrumentation in the years ahead.