Ahira Medalla started her career in chemical risk analysis and thirdhand exposures. Her research focused on comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry-based nontargeted analysis to profile novel compounds and trace organic contaminants of concern. She has implemented sample preparation techniques, including solid-phase extraction and QuEChERS, to develop standard operating procedures that attain high extract recovery in complex matrices. As an Associate Health Scientist, Ms. Medalla aims to transition from assessing potential hazards to assessing occupational, environmental, and drug exposures.
Dr. Katrina Jew is a board-certified toxicologist (DABT) with a doctorate in toxicology from the University of Rochester and a research background in nanotoxicology, neurotoxicology, and inhalation toxicology.
Dr. David Fung is a Board-Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) with ten years of professional experience in consulting. He received his PhD in Industrial Hygiene, and his principal research was on the emission of and exposure to particulate matter generated during the operation of cooking ranges.
Amy Matey is a Data Analyst in our Environmental, Health & Safety practice. Her expertise includes coordinating consulting agreements, project setup, materials, deadlines, and deliverables, copyediting and formatting documents, running revenue reports, and managing office equipment, inventory, and functions.
Dr. Jessica Chopyk specializes in toxicology, exposure science, microbiology, and molecular research, with over a decade of experience in evaluating chemical and biological risks to human and environmental health across the United States and Israel. Her work focuses on reconstructing exposure to toxicants, assessing health risks, and analyzing causation between chemical exposure and disease. She has contributed to emergency response efforts involving hazardous substances and has led multidisciplinary research across public health, food safety, and environmental monitoring.
Makenzie Zima's experience includes conducting evaluations of the physical, chemical, and toxicological properties of chemical substances under the guidance of toxicologists and in accordance with agency screening standards, maintaining meticulous records and preparing reports/correspondence related to ongoing projects, and compiling data and scientific literature for expert reports and presentations.
Dr. Michael Hussey is an epidemiologist whose primary professional focus has been determining the impact of long-term environmental chemical exposures over the human life course. His ability to critically evaluate evidence at the intersection of epidemiology and toxicology has also allowed him to assess the human health risk of chemical exposures in the United States and internationally and design research to support novel biotechnology development.
Allison Schmidt's expertise lies in conducting air monitoring and field sampling on industrial hygiene projects and emergency responses, as well as assisting with developing community and worker air monitoring plans for oil spills and other accidental releases. She also has experience reviewing the scientific literature and litigation material related to toxicology and human health risk assessment, analyzing and managing project data, drafting reports, and managing project tasks & budgets.
Taylor Simoneau is an Associate Health Scientist in our Environmental, Health & Safety practice. Taylor specializes in developing health, response, and safety plans, preparing for de-escalation and return-to-work events, assisting with human health risk assessments regarding chemical exposure, and providing technical and ground support for environmental response.
Samantha Nation is a medical research Librarian at J.S. Held. She provides research in toxicology, environmental health, industrial hygiene, occupational health, epidemiology, and pharmacology. She also provides interlibrary loan and reference management services to J.S. Held experts while managing a vast library of scientific resources. She has extensive experience in collection development and has obtained and cataloged over 65,000 items. Samantha is an expert in both Endnote and ReadCube citation management software and has provided setup and training support to staff for both. She also copyedits and provides citation support for expert witness reports and publications.