Mr. Bills was a recipient of an award under NIJ’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program.
Brandon Bills is working toward his Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). He is developing new tests to screen for THC, synthetic cannabinoids, and fentanyl analogs. The NIJ GRF has been a useful tool beyond just funding for research, Brandon says. It enabled me to go to conferences to network with other scientists and get feedback on my research. The extra time enabled me to co-found a graduate student organization in our chemistry department to help graduate students plan their careers and facilitate community involvement through volunteer events. Brandon also notes, Even the application process was helpful, as it gave me experience in grant writing.