Education

PhD – Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Utah, 2011

BS – Chemistry with Forensics & Criminalistics Emphasis, Northern Arizona University, 2002

Dr. Vargas’ research interests broadly include the development of analytical techniques used in forensic science; the pharmacology and toxicology of controlled substances; and neurocriminology. Prior to coming to the School of Criminal Justice, Dr. Vargas began his career at the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office in Phoenix, Arizona as a forensic chemist performing routine analysis on post-mortem tissue samples in the toxicology laboratory. Dr. Vargas’ graduate and post-doctoral research activities investigated the role of non-neuronal cell types in the normal and diseased brain with the ultimate goal of discovering new pharmacological targets and treatments for difficult to treat neurological conditions.

Research Website:  https://sites.google.com/view/jayrvargasphd/home