Team Members

Thomas Ledergerber, B.S. 

Thomas Ledergerber is a doctoral student from the C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry at West Virginia University. He joined the Trejos research group in the Spring of 2022, studying innovative technology and comprehensive approaches for the interpretation of gunshot residue evidence. His research includes the use of fast ambient ionization mass spectrometry methods, techniques for enhancing the visualization and understanding of GSR deposition, and machine learning algorithms for the characterization of the residue. Thomas graduated from West Liberty University with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 2021.  Thomas' LinkedIn ORCHID ID: 0000-0002-9969-887X

Zachary Andrews, M.S.

Zachary Andrews is a doctoral student that works on the glass and physical fits research teams in the Trejos group. Since joining the team in the summer of 2019, Zach graduated with Bachelor (2020) and Master of Science (2022) degrees in forensic science from WVU. His research focuses on developing consensus-based methods for the examination, analysis, and interpretation of various types of glass by micro-X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (µXRF).

Leah Thomas, B.S.

Leah Thomas is a master’s student in the Trejos group and has been working on the GSR research project since summer of 2022. Leah’s research focuses on the innovation of mobile technologies used for the analysis of gunshot residue and a cost-benefit approach for implementation in crime laboratories. Additionally, Leah has worked as a research assistant on a state-funded project to improve the quality and efficiency of forensic science in Costa Rica. In May 2023, Leah graduated from WVU with a bachelor’s degree in forensic chemistry and minors in Spanish and philosophy. Leah's LinkedIn

Madison Lindung, B.S.

Madison Lindung is a master’s student who joined the Trejos research group in Spring 2022 as an undergraduate research assistant. Since then, she has worked on the GSR and polymer teams. Her master’s project focuses on the characterization and comparison of modern nail polish products as they relate to forensic evidence and its analysis. Madison graduated from WVU in May 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in forensic chemistry and minors in statistics and criminology. Madison's LinkedIn

Addio Fiordigigli, B.S.

Addio is a graduate researcher in the Trejos group, and since joining in January 2023, Addio has worked in both the polymers and GSR research groups. His current research focuses on instrumental analysis of organic gunshot residue using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, flame ionization, and electron capture  detectors. Addio graduated from WVU in May 2024 and continued his education in the master's program shortly after.

Liliana Barbosa, B.S.

Liliana is a graduate researcher in the Trejos GSR research group. Her research focuses on the characterization of gunshot residue by ammunition and firearm types through the analysis of organic components via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Liliana graduated from WVU in May of 2024 with a degree in Forensic Chemistry. 

Allison Carranza

Allison, a undergraduate student studying forensic chemistry, is a researcher working on the analytical procedures of glass and nail polish evidence in the Trejos Group since joing in January 2024.

Brooke Weiss

Brooke is a undergraduate student majoring in forensic chemistry and joined the Trejos research group in January 2024. She focuses her research on the analysis of glass and gunshot residue.

Jenna Goldberg

Jenna is a undergraduate student in the forensic chemistry major and joined the Trejos research team in January 2024. She works on the polymers team to conduct research on nail polish samples.