Noel Vadell
Hamilton,NJ
Summary
Expert in the forensic discipline of Seized Drugs Analysis.
Clandestine Laboratory certified.
Level A Clandestine Laboratory Hazardous Response certified.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Narcotics Reachback Chemist
BluePath Labs/US Customs & Border Protection
Sterling, VA
03.2026 - Current
- Supervise the work of assigned technical reachback staff.
- Conduct technical reviews of report findings from reachback staff.
- Perform analysis of FTIR and Raman spectra with or without reference libraries.
- Perform other WMD spectral analyses including radiation.
- Predict FTIR spectra based on chemical structure.
- Report findings of FTIR and Raman spectra analysis.
- Prepare and gives oral and written reports on findings as directed within given time and mission parameters.
- Prepare monthly reports of reachback activity and chemical identifications.
- Provide troubleshooting and technical support for field chemical screening devices.
- Create and maintains centralized libraries of FTIR and Raman spectra.
- Site lead responsible for accomplishment of all requirements of this SOW.
FORENSIC CHEMISTRY INSTRUCTOR
TEMPLE UNIVERSITY
Philadelphia, PA
09.2018 - Current
- Provide theory and instruction according to course syllabus.
- Effectively deliver class and/or laboratory instruction utilizing course syllabi and appropriate educational resources.
- Promote student success by showing flexibility in style and strategy.
- Assess student work and performance in the laboratory.
- Manage the learning environment by keeping accurate records, submitting grades and administering academic and attendance policies.
SENIOR FORENSIC CHEMIST
Drug Enforcement Administration
New York, NY
03.1998 - 03.2025
- Conducted a full range of quantitative and qualitative chemical analysis on seized drugs evidence (e.g., narcotics and dangerous drugs), which may contain only trace quantities of suspected drugs.
- Utilized ISO/IEC 17025 requirements and also lean six sigma principles.
- Prepared detailed technical reports using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
- Maintained multiple Gas Chromatography Mass Selective Detector (GC-MSD) instruments.
- Conferred with and advised Assistant U.S. Attorneys, State Attorneys and District Attorneys on the chemical and technical aspects of cases and the preparation of testimony concerning the analysis of controlled substances in federal, state and local courts.
- Advised and assisted Special Agents in performance of certain law enforcement activities such as clandestine laboratory seizures, vacuum sweeping searches for controlled drugs and interviewing chemist detained from clandestine laboratories.
- Dismantled, processed and assisted in more than 15 clandestine laboratory seizures and investigations.
- Testified in federal, state and local courts as an "expert witness"; present technical testimony in layman’s terms; production capacity of clandestine manufactured drugs; defends analytical methods and results against rigorous cross examination by defense attorneys.
- Trained law enforcement personnel from federal, state and local levels in drug identification (ID), field testing, clandestine laboratories, and synthesis of illicit substances.
AIR PROPULSION SPECIALIST
United States Air Force
Homestead ARB, FL
08.2006 - 04.2021
- Troubleshoot malfunctioning TF-39/F110 jet engines and interrelated propulsion system components, determine degree of disassembly or certification required, repair or replace defective components, diagnostic computers and associated hardware.
- Assist in engine run operation on installed engines to troubleshoot malfunctions or verify findings.
- Remove and install engines and auxiliary power units.
- Troubleshoot, modify, repair, and perform sequential disassembly and assembly of gearboxes and auxiliary power units.
- Perform evaluations that must be accomplished at critical points in the repair/build-up process using a variety of quality characteristics, consisting of complete systems or components and assemblies that undergo many steps in a repair process and have highly critical tolerances.
- Perform test cell operation of engine, analyzes operating parameters, make final adjustments and verify the engine is operating within acceptable parameters.
- Supervised maintenance personnel during Unit Training Assemblies and Deployments.
- Activated to support Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm (1990-91), Operation Enduring Freedom (2003-2005), Operation Noble Eagle (2006), Iraqi Freedom (2009), Afghanistan (2013-2014) and Operation Freedom Sentinel (2016).
Education
B.S. - Chemistry
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA01.1994
Skills
- Lab operations
- Chemical handling
- Microsoft Excel
- Report writing
AREA OF EXPERTISE
- Qualified as an expert witness in the following United States District Courts, Eastern and Southern Districts of New York, New Jersey, Eastern and Western Districts of Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Florida and the Caribbean.
Timeline
Senior Narcotics Reachback Chemist
BluePath Labs/US Customs & Border Protection
03.2026 - Current
FORENSIC CHEMISTRY INSTRUCTOR
TEMPLE UNIVERSITY
09.2018 - Current
AIR PROPULSION SPECIALIST
United States Air Force
08.2006 - 04.2021
SENIOR FORENSIC CHEMIST
Drug Enforcement Administration
03.1998 - 03.2025
B.S. - Chemistry
Temple University