The Carlin Lab was established September 2021 to carry out both toxicology and paint analysis research.

In the toxicology lab, we currently have research on the use of cannabidiol (CBD) products and the other phytocannabinoids that they contain. We are investigating whether these other phytocannabinoids are found in biological matrices and, if so, to what degree. This research involves the use of sample preparation techniques such as protein precipitation, solid phase extraction (SPE), liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and analytical techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid-chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS).

Another area of research in the toxicology lab is to establish a Bayesian network with application to drug death data. The aim is to establish a working database that could be used by pathologists to aid in determining the likelihood of drugs contributing to cause of death.

In the paint analysis lab, we are currently establishing a scientific database of analytical and historical data on pigments, binders and solvents used in construction of works of art. We have collaborations with conservators, museums, historical societies to aid the conservation and authentication processes.