{"id":324354,"date":"2026-06-30T07:03:08","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T07:03:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/324354\/"},"modified":"2026-06-30T07:03:08","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T07:03:08","slug":"fdle-relocates-orlando-toxicology-lab-to-ucf-strengthening-partnerships-and-research-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/324354\/","title":{"rendered":"FDLE Relocates Orlando Toxicology Lab to UCF, Strengthening Partnerships and Research"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is deepening its strategic public safety partnership with UCF by embedding experts at the university\u2019s Academic Health Sciences Campus. Relocating FDLE\u2019s toxicology laboratory to the UCF facility in Lake Nona better connects academic-industry research, workforce development and forensic testing in one of the nation\u2019s fastest-growing medical and technology corridors.<\/p>\n

Previously based in downtown Orlando, the FDLE Orlando Toxicology Lab handles approximately 10,000 cases per year. Working more closely with UCF in Lake Nona supports FDLE\u2019s mission to deliver timely, high-quality forensic testing for law enforcement agencies across Central Florida and the state, helping investigators and prosecutors rely on sound science in pursuit of justice.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier (left), Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Deputy Commissioner David Binder (center) and UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright (right) at the FDLE Toxicology Lab unveiling event.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis partnership reflects what UCF was built to do \u2014 bring talent, technology and applied research together in service to Florida,\u201d says Alexander N. Cartwright, UCF president<\/p>\n

\u201cThis partnership reflects what UCF was built to do \u2014 bring talent, technology and applied research together in service to Florida,\u201d says UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. \u201cBy welcoming the FDLE Orlando Toxicology Lab to UCF\u2019s Academic Health Sciences Campus, we are bringing state forensic operations closer to faculty expertise and future workforce, creating opportunities to make smarter use of public resources while strengthening the knowledge, talent and tools available to keep Floridians safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

FDLE leaders say the partnership reflects a broader strategy to modernize forensic services while building a strong talent pipeline.<\/p>\n

\u201cThrough this partnership between FDLE and UCF, we are investing in the future of forensic science,\u201d says\u00a0FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass. \u201cThis partnership enhances our ability to recruit highly trained forensic scientists, develop new techniques and deliver timely, high-quality results to law enforcement agencies for investigations.\u201d<\/p>\n

Research Driving Real-World Impact<\/p>\n

Now part of Lake Nona Medical City, FDLE experts will benefit from proximity to UCF researchers as they \u2014 together\u00a0\u2014 aim to strengthen the region\u2019s role as a hub for biomedical research, health innovation and forensic science. This includes work to advance drug detection methods, study emerging synthetic substances, improve toxicology workflows and develop faster analytical tools to support criminal investigations.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe closer our researchers are to operational labs, the more responsive and impactful their work becomes,\u201d says Jack Ballantyne, UCF chemistry professor and director of the National Center for Forensic Science. \u201cWe\u2019re able to identify challenges in real time and immediately begin working on solutions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier (center) FDLE Deputy Commissioner David Binder (left of center) and UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright at the (right of center) and UCF Board of Trustees Vice Chair Bill Christy (second right of center) with other FDLE officials.
\nFrom Classroom to Crime Lab<\/p>\n

Over the years, numerous UCF alums have built impactful careers at FDLE. Many credit their hands-on training, research opportunities and mentorship at UCF, as well as guest speakers from FDLE, for preparing them to excel in high-stakes forensic environments.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was lucky enough to complete my internship with FDLE Toxicology, where I was able to experience firsthand what the day-to-day workflow is like before graduating,\u201d says Lauren McCool \u201915, a UCF forensic science alum and FDLE crime laboratory analyst who remains engaged with UCF as an FDLE guest lecturer. \u201cWhen I began my career with FDLE I was able to navigate the laboratory with confidence due to the real-world and hands-on experience I had at UCF.\u201d<\/p>\n

With FDLE\u2019s new proximity, students will have even greater access to internships, experiential learning and professional networking \u2014 accelerating the pathway from classroom to career and helping prepare more graduates for forensic science roles that serve Florida\u2019s communities.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"At the FDLE Toxicology Lab unveiling, UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright presented Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and FDLE Deputy Commissioner David Binder with the university\u2019s first challenge coin. The coin features palm fronds, a space shuttle and constellations, the UCF Reflecting Pond and a circuit design, reflecting UCF\u2019s strengths as Florida\u2019s Technological University.
\nLeading Forensic Science Education<\/p>\n

UCF brings the academic depth, research capacity and student pipeline needed to support FDLE\u2019s long-term forensic science needs. The partnership reinforces UCF\u2019s role as Florida\u2019s Technological University and a national leader in forensic science education and research.<\/p>\n

UCF ranks No. 6 in the nation for Bachelor\u2019s in Forensic Science Degree Programs, according to CriminalJusticeDegreeSchools.com. UCF\u2019s undergraduate<\/a> program was established in 1974, making it one of the oldest forensic science programs in the country. About 500 students are currently enrolled across UCF\u2019s bachelor\u2019s, master\u2019s and doctoral forensic science degree offerings.<\/p>\n

Established in 1997, the National Center for Forensic Science, based in Central Florida Research Park, is made up of UCF faculty and staff whose research touches everything from DNA analysis to chemical analysis of trace evidence.\u00a0Their work often contributes to industry-wide advancements in forensic science. This includes research earlier this year on the \u201cfantastic four\u201d chemical standards to provide a consistent and critical reference point for forensic anthropology and toxicology work.<\/p>\n

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