MONICA JOSHI

MONICA JOSHI

  • B.S., St. Francis Degree College, Hyderabad, India
  • M.S., Osmania University, Hyderabad, India
  • Ph.D., Florida International University

Courses taught:

  • Forensic Chemistry I and II Lectures
  • Forensic Chemistry Lab
  • Forensic Microscopy Lecture and Lab
  • Chemical Toxicology
  • General Chemistry I and II Labs

Research Areas:

The focus of my research lab has been to provide analytical solutions to various forensic chemistry problems. We study sample preparation techniques and analysis of materials using chromatography, mass spectrometry, spectroscopy, and microscopy.

The specific analytical techniques we use are solid phase microextraction (SPME), gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-QQQ), standalone mass spectrometry, light microscopy, FTIR microscopy, and ion mobility spectrometry.

  • Analysis of organic gunshot residue: Building on the analysis of smokeless powders, I am interested in the various factors that affect the collection, analysis, and interpretation of traces of smokeless powder residues found after the firing of a weapon. I have developed methods for smokeless powder additives using standalone mass spectrometry and GC-QQQ. We are interested in collaborating with other research groups that might be addressing research gaps in the analysis of organic gunshot residue.
  • Analysis of novel psychoactive substances: We have addressed analysis of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) through various techniques. I have collaborated with other research groups for specific classes of compounds.

Selected Research Publications

  1. Monica Joshi, Ion Mobility Spectrometry in Forensic Science in Encyclopedia of Analytical Chemistry, eds R.A. Meyers, John Wiley: Chichester. Published December 15, 2017, 2nd edition in press 2023-
  2. Rose, AR, Joshi, M, Staretz, ME, Wood, M, Brettell, TA., GC-MS Analysis of Eight Aminoindanes Using Three Derivatization Reagents, Journal of Forensic Sciences, June 2023
  3. Monica Joshi and Edward Sisco, Forensic seized drug analysis: Current challenges and emerging analytical solutions, WIREs Forensic Sci. 2023; e1486.
  4. Rose, AR, Staretz, ME, Joshi, M, Wood, M, Brettell, TA. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry of eight aminoindanes: 2-Aminoindane, N-methyl-2-, 5-methoxy-, 5-methoxy-6-methyl-, 4,5-methylenedioxy-, 5,6-methylenedioxy- and 5-iodo-2-aminoindane, and rasagiline. Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom. 35 (24), 2021.
  5. Pauline Leary and Monica Joshi, Applications of Ion Mobility Spectrometry, Chapter in Portable Spectroscopy and Spectrometry, Vol 2, First Edition, John Wiley and Sons, NY, April 2021.
  6. Matthew Quinn, Thomas Brettell, Monica Joshi, Jennifer Bonetti, Lawrence Quarino, Identifying PCP and four PCP analogs using the gold chloride microcrystalline test followed by Raman microspectroscopy and chemometrics, Forensic Science International, Volume 307, 2020.
  7. Candice Bridge and Monica Joshi, Emerging Research Addressing Current Needs in Gunshot Residue Analysis, Chapter in Chemical, Physical, and Biological Analysis of Firearm Trace Evidence: Current Research and Future Perspectives, Nova Publishers, NY, March 2019
  8. Monica Joshi, Bryan Cetroni, Amanda Camacho, Clinton Krueger, Anthony J. Midey, Analysis of synthetic cathinones and associated psychoactive substances by ion mobility spectrometry, Forensic Science International, Volume 244, November 2014, Pages 196-206.
  9. Hu, J.; Joshi, M.; Elioff, M. “Direct observation of fluorescent complex formation of acridinium--thiophene triad with poly-L-glutamic acid” J. Photochem. Photobiol. A Photochem. 2017, 335, 59-69.
  10. Monica Joshi, Bryan Cetroni, Amanda Camacho, Clinton Krueger, Anthony J. Midey, Analysis of synthetic cathinones and associated psychoactive substances by ion mobility spectrometry, Forensic Science International, Volume 244, November 2014, Pages 196-206.
  11. Monica Joshi, Kia Rigsby, Jose R Almirall, Analysis of the headspace composition of smokeless powders using GC-MS, GC-ECD and ion mobility spectrometry, Forensic Science International, 2011, 208(1), 29-36.
  12. Sigalit Gura, Monica Joshi and Jose R Almirall, Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME) calibration using inkjet microdrop printing for direct loading of known analyte mass onto SPME fibers, Analytical Bioanalytical Chemistry, 2010, 398 (2), 1049-1060.
  13. Monica Joshi, Yisenny Delgado, Patricia Guerra, Hanh Lai, Jose R Almirall, Detection of odor signatures of smokeless powders using solid phase microextraction coupled to an ion mobility spectrometer, Forensic Science International, 2009, 188 (1), 112-118.
  14. Hanh Lai, Patricia Guerra, Monica Joshi and Jose R Almirall, Analysis of volatile components of drugs and explosives by solid phase microextraction-ion mobility spectrometry, Journal of Separation Science, 2008, 31, 402-412.

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