Yale H. Caplan, PhD, Named Gradwohl Laureate by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) presented Yale H. Caplan, PhD, with the prestigious Gradwohl Medallion today as a Gradwohl Laureate, during the Academy's 71st Annual Scientific Meeting in Baltimore, MD. Caplan joins an elite group of only 15 Academy members who have received this honor since its establishment in 1974. The award is given to an AAFS Fellow who has attained distinction for exceptional contributions to the field of forensic sciences, including outstanding service to the AAFS and outstanding service in a public position. Regarded as one of the most highly regarded experts in the field of Forensic Toxicology, Dr. Caplan has served AAFS and the forensic science profession for more than 50 years.

Dr. Caplan received his bachelor's degree in Pharmacy, and PhD degree in Medicinal Chemistry, from the University of Maryland at Baltimore School of Pharmacy. He was elected into AAFS membership in the Toxicology Section in 1973 and served as AAFS 1987-88 president. He has held numerous offices and committee appointments within AAFS, including service as Toxicology Section Secretary and Chair. Dr. Caplan served on the Journal of Forensic Sciences Editorial Board from 1984 to 2009. He was recipient of the Toxicology Section's Rolla N. Harger Award in 1989 for outstanding contributions to forensic toxicology and was named an AAFS Distinguished Fellow in 1996 for a lifetime of service to the forensic sciences profession.

Dr. Caplan came to the State of Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner as an Assistant Toxicologist in 1969 and served as Chief Toxicologist and Scientific Director of the State of Maryland's Alcohol Testing Program from 1974 to 1991. He was Director of Toxicology and Forensic Toxicology for Quest Diagnostics, Incorporated (formerly Maryland Medical Laboratory) in Baltimore from 1977 to 1999. He then served as Laboratory Director for the State of Maryland, Division of Parole and Probation (1999?2012).

Dr. Caplan was also an active educator. He directed a graduate program in forensic toxicology at the University of Maryland Baltimore and mentored 17 masters and doctoral students. He trained hundreds of medical review officers responsible for reviewing federal drug tests as well as hundreds of alcohol breath test operators in Maryland.

Dr. Caplan is currently a consulting forensic toxicologist. He is Adjunct Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and a consultant for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (SAMHSA) Division of Workplace Programs, and is a member of the Forensic Laboratory Accreditation Committee for the State of Maryland appointed by the State's Governor.

Dr. Caplan's professional activities and awards include: President of the Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (2008?2012); President of the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (1988?2008) and recipient of ABFT's Distinguished Service Award; President of the Society of Forensic Toxicologists (1981); Chairman (1991?1993) of the National Safety Council's Committee on Alcohol and Other Drugs (now Alcohol and Drug Impairment Division) and the recipient of the Council's Robert F. Borkenstein Award (2000); Chairman of the Maryland Section of the American Chemical Society (1973) and recipient of the 1994 Maryland Chemist Award. He is Emeritus Associate Editor of the Journal of Analytical Toxicology. He serves as an advisor to attorneys and companies regarding alcohol and drug testing issues.

About AAFS

The American Academy of Forensic Sciences is a multidisciplinary professional organization providing leadership to advance science and its application to the legal system. The objectives of the Academy are to promote professionalism, integrity, competency, and education, and to foster research, improve practice, and encourage collaboration in the forensic sciences.

Organized in 1948, AAFS serves a distinguished and diverse membership of more than 6,700 forensic-science professionals who are the focal point for public information when forensic-science issues are addressed in the public domain. AAFS publishes the internationally recognized Journal of Forensic Sciences. For more information, visit www.aafs.org.

SOURCE American Academy of Forensic Sciences