Alexa Genalo is a Senior Instructor in the Forensic Science Program at George Mason University, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in Forensic Chemistry. She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science and Master of Science in Forensic Science, with a concentration in Forensic Chemistry Analysis, from George Mason University. She is currently completing her PhD in Chemistry and Biochemistry at Mason as well. Alexa brings more than five years of teaching experience to this role, having previously served as an Adjunct Professor in the Forensic Science Program. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she is an undergraduate advisor for the Forensic Science Program and is a member of the Donor Response Team for Mason’s Forensic Science Research and Training Laboratory (FSRTL). Prior to her work in academia, Alexa spent more than six and a half years with the Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS), where she progressed through multiple positions within the Toxicology section. She began her career at DFS as a part-time Forensic Laboratory Specialist at the Northern Laboratory in Manassas before advancing to a full-time Forensic Laboratory Specialist position at the Western Laboratory in Roanoke. She later returned to the Northern Laboratory as a Forensic Scientist, marking the culmination of her progression through the laboratory. In this role, she analyzed biological fluids and tissues for the presence of alcohol, drugs, and other chemicals in a variety of casework, including medical examiner, DUI/D, sexual assault, and non-lethal overdose cases. She also provided expert testimony in several courts throughout Northern Virginia. Alexa is passionate about Forensic Science, particularly Forensic Chemistry, and is committed to sharing her professional experience and knowledge with the next generation of forensic scientists. Through her teaching, research, and mentorship, she hopes to inspire students to pursue careers in the field and contribute to the continued advancement of forensic science.