Innovative Research Award

Maggie Schoener is a graduate researcher in chemistry whose academic work focuses on forensic analytical chemistry and advanced instrumental methodologies involving chromatography and mass spectrometry. Her research activities integrate toxicological applications, forensic investigation methodologies, and analytical innovation, contributing to scientific development in forensic chemistry and laboratory analytical sciences.[1]

Abstract

Maggie Schoener is engaged in graduate-level chemistry research emphasizing analytical techniques applicable to forensic science, toxicology, and chemical characterization. Her work includes chromatographic separation methodologies combined with tandem mass spectrometry for compound identification and quantification. Research contributions span cannabinoid analysis, forensic toxicology applications, and chemical synthesis studies supporting analytical chemistry advancement.[2]

Keywords

Forensic Chemistry; Chromatography; LC-MS/MS; Mass Spectrometry; Toxicology; Cannabinoid Analysis; Analytical Chemistry; Forensic Toxicology; Chemical Analysis; Instrumental Chemistry

Introduction

Maggie Schoener completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Chemistry from Western Illinois University in 2025 and subsequently pursued graduate studies toward a Master of Science in Chemistry. Alongside academic coursework, she contributes as a Teaching Support Assistant while participating in laboratory research initiatives involving analytical chemistry applications and forensic investigation technologies.[1]

Research Profile

Her scientific interests focus on chromatography paired with mass spectrometry for forensic analytical applications. Research activities encompass liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry methodologies, toxicological screening, forensic compound characterization, and analytical development supporting chemical investigation frameworks.[2]

• Five completed or ongoing research projects
• Two peer-reviewed publications
• Award-winning poster presentations
• Graduate Service Award recipient
• Member of MATT and MAFS professional organizations

Research Contributions

Research contributions include development and implementation of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry methodologies paired with electrospray ionization technologies. Scientific work emphasizes analytical approaches relevant to toxicology, forensic drug screening, cannabinoid characterization, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug analysis. These efforts support analytical precision and laboratory efficiency in applied forensic chemistry environments.[2]

Publications

• “Knoevenagel Synthesis and NMR Analysis of Stilbene Derivatives.” The Journal of Chemical Education.
• “High-Throughput LC–MS/MS Quantification of Eighteen Cannabinoids in Hemp Flowers with Baseline Separation of Structural Isomers.” Molecules.

These publications demonstrate involvement in both synthetic chemistry education and analytical method development, illustrating multidisciplinary engagement across chemical sciences. Research outputs emphasize instrumental analysis, structural characterization, and quantitative analytical methodologies relevant to forensic and toxicological applications.[3]

Research Impact

Maggie Schoener’s work contributes to analytical chemistry development through applications supporting toxicological assessment and forensic investigation workflows. Her involvement in laboratory methodology advancement demonstrates scientific engagement with technologies widely applicable to chemical analysis and forensic science practice.[2]

Award Suitability

The nomination aligns with the Innovative Research Award category through demonstrated participation in analytical chemistry innovation, publication activity, scientific presentations, and applied research initiatives. Research contributions involving advanced analytical instrumentation and forensic science methodologies reflect engagement with emerging laboratory technologies and scientific advancement.[1]

Conclusion

Maggie Schoener represents an emerging researcher in chemistry whose academic and scientific activities demonstrate ongoing contributions to forensic analytical methodologies. Through research participation, publication development, and professional engagement, her work supports continued advancement in analytical chemistry and forensic laboratory science.[2]

External Links

• ORCID Profile

References

1. 1. 1. Schoener M., et al. High-Throughput LC–MS/MS Quantification of Eighteen Cannabinoids in Hemp Flowers with Baseline Separation of Structural Isomers. Molecules.
         https://www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules
         
      2. Schoener M., et al. Knoevenagel Synthesis and NMR Analysis of Stilbene Derivatives. Journal of Chemical Education.
         https://pubs.acs.org/journal/jceda8
         
      3. Western Illinois University Chemistry Department. Graduate Research and Academic Programs.
         https://www.wiu.edu/cas/chemistry/