Dr. Brettell is Professor Emeritus of Chemistry at Cedar Crest College. Since joining Cedar Crest in 2006 Tom has taught undergraduate and graduate forensic chemistry, separations, and analytical chemistry courses and mentored undergraduate and graduate students in research, including 38 Master of Science in Forensic Science thesis projects. Tom served as chair of the Department of Chemical, Physical, & Forensic Sciences from 2020 – 2023 and retired from full-time teaching in 2023. Dr. Brettell previously served for 31 years in the New Jersey State Police Office of Forensic Sciences, whereas Director, he oversaw the operation of the state's regional forensic laboratory system. He has also served as Laboratory Director and Director of Toxicology for the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office Crime Laboratory. Dr. Brettell has published 46 peer-reviewed publications, co-authored a laboratory manual in Forensic Science and has authored 9 book chapters in scientific books in analytical chemistry. Dr. Brettell is a past recipient of the Chromatography Forum of the Delaware Valley Award for service to the Forum and accomplishments in the field of separation science. Dr. Brettell earned his Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from Villanova University, his M.S. in chemistry from Lehigh University and his B.A. in chemistry from Drew University.