Jay R. Vargas

Jay R. Vargas, Ph.D., is a Professor in the School of Criminal Justice and Criminalistics at California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA), within the College of Health and Human Services. His work bridges forensic science, pharmacology, and neuroscience through innovative research and teaching.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Utah (2011)
• BS in Chemistry with Forensics & Criminalistics Emphasis, Northern Arizona University (2002)

Dr. Vargas specializes in developing analytical techniques for forensic science, studying the toxicology and pharmacology of controlled substances, and exploring neurocriminology. His research also investigates non-neuronal cell roles in neurological conditions to identify novel pharmacological targets.

Dr. Vargas teaches courses such as Introduction to Forensic Science, Forensic Toxicology, and Clandestine Laboratory Investigations, emphasizing ethics and practical forensic chemistry skills. He leads the Forensic Chemistry Research Lab, offering students opportunities to collaborate on controlled substances analysis and forensic toxicology projects, often tied to the Criminalistics Masters Program.

Contact Dr. Vargas at Room 248, Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center, via email (jay.vargas86@calstatela.edu), or by phone at (323) 343-4613.