Stephanie Basiliere is a Ph.D. candidate in Forensic Science at Sam Houston State University. Her research in forensic toxicology primarily focuses on improving the detection and identification of mitragynine (kratom) and related alkaloids. She is also examining the stability and metabolism of these compounds. "Mitragynine is a drug of growing importance because of the opioid epidemic, and this award will help provide timely information to the scientific community," Stephanie says. "The GRF allowed me to focus on this research and disseminate my findings in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific meetings. The GRF has also exposed me to the federal grant-funding system, which will be beneficial for any future research projects I pursue in the future."