The Forensic Science Program at Loyola aims to introduce students to a broad range of forensic-related topics and prepare them for careers in a variety of settings.  We host a Forensic Expert Seminar Series to expand student exposure beyond coursework.  Speakers are experts in their respective forensic disciplines and related fields.  Topics range from forensic research to case studies, from expert witness testimony to opioid death and other current events.  See our archived seminars page for previous speakers and topics.  

We enthusiastically invite interested students, faculty, and staff to join us for these events.

Please email Wendy Gruhl for additional information.  

 

Forensic Experts Seminar Series - Fall 2023

Inside the DuPage County Forensic Science Center

Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 6:00pm - Flanner Hall 133

The DuPage County Forensic Science Center (DPC-FSC) provides forensic services to law enforcement agencies in DuPage County, Illinois, to include Forensic Biology & DNA, Drug Chemistry, and Latent Prints.  Hear from the DC-FSC Laboratory Director and Chemistry Supervisor as they share their personal stories of working at a county laboratory, interesting cases, and how they each make their mark in the field of Forensic Science.  

 

Jillian A. Baker

Chemistry Supervisor & Drug Chemistry Technical Leader

and

Claire Dragovich

Laboratory Director & Quality Manager

DuPage County Forensic Science Center | Wheaton, IL 

 

Speaker Biographies

Jilian Baker is the Chemistry Section Supervisor and Drug Technical Leader at the DuPage County Forensic Science Center (DPC-FSC) located in Wheaton, Illinois. She leads a team of three forensic scientists who analyze seized drug evidence for the presence of controlled substances.  Ms. Baker is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the section to include case management, quality assurance, and adherence to laboratory policy.  As Technical Leader, Ms. Baker drafts section policies, advises staff on technical questions, and trains new hires.  She also conducts analysis on casework.

After graduating from Eastern Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science (Chemistry Option), Ms. Baker began her career in 2005 as a drug chemist with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office Laboratory in Maywood, Illinois.  She then worked for a short time at the Indianapolis Marion County Forensic Services Agency until the opportunity to return to her home area presented itself, starting work at the DPC-FSC in November 2007. 

Ms. Baker is an active member of the Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists (MAFS), serving as Chemistry Section Coordinator, Training & Education Committee Chair, Member-at-Large, and most recently as President for the 2022-2023 term.  She is a Drug Analysis certificant with the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC), a member of the American Society of Crime laboratory Directors (ASCLD), an associate member of the Clandestine Laboratory Investigating Chemists Association (CLIC), and serves as a Commissioner on the Illinois Forensic Science Commission.

 

 

Claire Dragovich serves as the Laboratory Director and Quality Manager of the DuPage County Forensic Science Center (DPC-FSC). In this capacity she leads a team of twelve providing forensic services in seized drugs, latent prints, and forensic biology/DNA to over 30 law enforcement agencies within DuPage County, Illinois. She began her career with DPC-FSC as a forensic drug chemist in 1996 and transitioned to the Supervisor of the Chemistry & Microscopy Section in 2007. Since 2011 she has been serving as the Laboratory Director and since 2013 serving as Quality Manager.

Ms. Dragovich is responsible for day-to-day operations of the laboratory such as personnel, purchasing, grant management, accreditation conformance and quality issues. Additionally, Ms. Dragovich has participated with the seized drug subcommittee of OSAC since its inception in 2014 and is a commission member of the Illinois Forensic Science Commission established in 2022.

Ms. Dragovich holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Benedictine University and completed the Certificate Program in Forensic Drug Chemistry from the University of Florida, College of Pharmacy. She holds certificant status in drug analysis from the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC), is a member of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD), ASTM, an associate member of the Clandestine Laboratory Investigating Chemists Association (CLIC) and a member of the Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists (MAFS).

 

 

 

Updated 21 Oct 2023