Monica Torres-Perez

Series:1320, GS-12 Step: 03

Three (3) years and approximately 6 months of experience as a Chemist at the Savannah Laboratory, as a Drug Analyst.

-Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Controlled substances analysis, utilizing instrumental analysis such as Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer (GCMS), Gas Chromatograph-Flame ionization Detector (GC-FID), Fourier Transform -Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).

-Analyzed hundreds of samples with different degrees of complexity for controlled substances determination and prepares final reports of findings in a concise manner following NQP’s (National Quality Procedures)

-Collaborated as a Chemist at the San Ysidro FOL (Forward operating laboratory), CA in 2022 and 2023.

-Peer reviewed data and laboratory reports to ensure method and NQP’s (National Quality Procedures).

-Trained staff in the analysis of controlled substances and the use and maintenance of Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer (GCMS) instruments.

-Performed instrument troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance on Agilent 5977/7890 GC-MS

-Provided technical expertise to CBP managers, including Branch Chiefs, Assistant Laboratory Directors, and Quality Officer regarding the Laboratory Quality System in conformance to ISO:17025.

-Participated as a Team Auditor in the 2022 and 2024 internal audit and as a Lead Auditor in the 2023 internal audit, to verify compliance with the Laboratory Quality System and NQP’s, in conformance to ANAB:ISO:17025 before the External Audit.

-Completed Interpretation of IR Spectroscopy Training, Big Sur Scientific, Georgia, 07/2022

-Completed Expert Witness Testimony Training, Samantha Reppert (OCC), Savannah, Georgia 08/2021

-Completed CBP controlled substance training program, CBL LSS Savannah, Georgia 01/2020

Nine (9) years of experience as a Forensic Chemist I and approximately three (3) years of experience as a Forensic Chemist/Acting Laboratory Supervisor at the Controlled Substance Division.

Duties performed as a Forensic Chemist:

-Analyzed thousands of samples with different degrees of complexity for controlled substances determination and prepared final reports in a concise manner.

-Performed representative sampling, screening, color tests and instrumental analysis of controlled substances.

-Provide expert witness testimony regarding findings in a court of law.

-Provided training to law agencies on the correct management of evidence and field-testing using NARC and NIK kits.

-Participated as trainer in 3 Forensic Academies at the Institute of Forensic Sciences, Puerto Rico and trained over 100 Agents.

-Validated new Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) Instrument and developed an acquisition method to reduce analysis time.

-Wrote new SOP maintenance procedure for Agilent 5977/7890 GC-MS with Mass Hunter data mining software.

-Performed instrument troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance on Agilent 5977/7890 GC-MS and Perkin Elmer Clarus 500 GC-MS.

-Performed technical and administrative review of completed cases.

-Participated in more than 14 internal audits, as part of the Quality Audit team, to verify compliance with the Laboratory Quality System in conformance to ISO:17025.

-Participated as a facilitator in approximately 4 External Bodies Audit.

-Completed Drug confirmation in biological samples by UPLC/MS/MS Training, Bureau of Forensic Sciences, Toxicology and Medicolegal Division, San Juan, Puerto Rico 12/2019

-Completed GC and GC/MSD Maintenance and Troubleshooting Course for Agilent Series Gas Chromatograph 7890 & 5977 MSD, San Juan, Puerto Rico 09/2019

-Completed Forensic Photo documentation and basic management of the camera, Bureau of Forensic Sciences, Forensic Investigators Division, San Juan, Puerto Rico 05/2019

-Completed ASCLD Leadership Academy, Puerto Rico, Leadership and Team building, Quality Assurance, Leadership Academy, San Juan, Puerto Rico 01/2019

Duties performed as Acting Laboratory Supervisor:

-Managed a team of 7 Forensic Chemists and 2 Laboratory Technician’s.

-Responsible for all aspects of the laboratory operation such as planning and work coordination.

-Review and recommend new instrumentation to be included in the yearly budget.

-Train new hires in the Controlled Substance Training program.

-Perform Yearly personnel evaluations.

-Performed Technical Review of Laboratory documentation and technical work to ensure good laboratory practices and compliance with standard operating procedures (SOP’s) and application of correct analytical techniques.

-Provided technical advice, mentoring, and constant training to laboratory personnel.

-Kept detailed inventory of Controlled Substances as required by the Puerto Rico Department of Health.

-Maintained the Laboratory Quality System Accreditation according to ISO:17025

-Performed yearly Internal Audits to ensure laboratory compliance with the Quality System and actively participated as a facilitator in external audits with Accreditation Bodies

-Coordinated the proficiency test (PT’S) schedule for laboratory personnel with Quality Management, and conducted investigations and recommendations on course of actions, when a deficiency was found in proficiency testing and in the competency program.

-Maintained Laboratory Instrument records and kept a Maintenance Schedule to coordinate service and support.

-Addressed Customer complaints and inquiries regarding case status in a timely manner.

-Participated in collaborative briefings regarding the client needs and offered recommendations.

-Offered Customers Technical Advice regarding new emerging drugs, sample collection, methodology and laboratory identification capabilities.

-Participated in Spanish and English SOP’s yearly revisions and developed easy-use worksheets to document findings and increase sample output.