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
Office: Room 248, Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center
Email: jay.vargas86@calstatela.edu
Phone: (323) 343-4613