James Watterson

James Watterson serves as a Full Professor of Forensic Science and Director of the Forensic Science Institute for Research and Professional Development at Laurentian University's School of Natural Sciences. Previously employed as a forensic toxicologist at Toronto's Centre of Forensic Sciences, he maintains active consulting work in the field.

His academic credentials include:

• B.Sc. in Chemistry from McGill University
• M.Sc. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Toronto
• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Toronto

Dr. Watterson's research pioneers toxicological analysis of skeletal remains, analytical method development for drug metabolites in complex tissues, forensic alcohol toxicology, and chemometric applications in forensic analysis. His work bridges advanced analytical chemistry with practical forensic challenges, particularly in difficult biological matrices requiring innovative detection techniques.

Professional recognition includes:

• Fellow of the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (F-ABFT)
• Faculty of Science & Engineering Teaching Excellence Award (2013)
• Laurentian University Research Excellence Award (2014-15)

As Institute Director, he drives research collaborations and professional development initiatives while maintaining consulting forensic toxicology practice. His laboratory work focuses on method validation for decomposed remains and impaired driving cases, with ongoing projects examining novel psychoactive substances in challenging substrates.