John Goodpaster

John Goodpaster is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Indiana University, Indianapolis (IUPUI), where his research in forensic analytical chemistry addresses law enforcement, public health, and counter-terrorism through advanced chemical analysis.

His educational background includes:

• B.A. in Chemistry from Gustavus Adolphus College (1995)
• M.S. in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University (2000)
• Ph.D. in Chemistry from Michigan State University (2000)
• National Research Council Post-Doctoral Associate at NIST (2001-2002)

Goodpaster's research centers on "Chemistry in the Public Interest," with key projects in explosives analysis (e.g., pipe bomb residues, racing fuels), chemometrics for trace evidence (fibers, fingerprints), and lifestyle markers from biological samples. His group applies mass spectrometry and microbial degradation studies to solve real-world forensic problems like arson investigation and tobacco product characterization.

His 15 most recent publications (2016-2019) reveal a strong trend toward ultra-sensitive detection methods (e.g., TV-SPME/GC-MS) for explosive residues and biological markers, with increasing emphasis on environmental effects like weathering and microbial degradation. Notable work includes blow fly lipid profiling for forensic entomology and nanosensors for fingerprint-based explosive detection at parts-per-quadrillion levels.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Research Top Reviewer, Forensic Chemistry (2019)
• Teaching Trustee's Teaching Award, IUPUI (2018)
• Best Oral Presentation, ANZFSS (2014)
• Certificates from U.S. Treasury (2003) and Commerce (2002)

He has actively mentored 14 graduate students (e.g., Turner, Bors, Kranz on explosives projects) and 6 undergraduates (e.g., Cummins, Carroll on analytical methods), with prior non-academic experience as an ATF Forensic Chemist (2002-2007) and Indianapolis Museum of Art Scholar (2016).

Goodpaster leads a research group collaborating with law enforcement on practical applications, including the development of canine training aids and counter-terrorism tools through detailed chemical profiling of explosives and biological markers.