Dr. Chris Hassell named FBI laboratory director

Monday, June 16, 2008

(June 16, 2008--FBI Release) Dr. David Christian (Chris) Hassell has been named as the new FBI Laboratory Director. Director Robert S. Mueller, III appointed him to this position to replace Dr. Joseph A. DiZinno, who recently retired. Dr. Hassell comes to the Bureau from the Oklahoma State University Multispectral Laboratories (UML), where he led Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluation. The UML is a national multidisciplinary interagency complex focused on the testing, evaluation, and implementation of defense, homeland security, energy, and intelligence systems.

Dr. Hassell previously served as Assistant Vice President for Science and Technology at Applied Marine Technologies Incorporated. Prior to that position, he led programs in analytical chemistry, instrumentation development, and forensics and attribution for weapons of mass destruction at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). During this time, he also served as a subject matter expert for chemical/biological warfare on the Iraq Survey Group. Earlier in his career, Dr. Hassell was a Senior Research Chemist for DuPont, developing online analytical instrumentation for chemical and bioprocess facilities for research and manufacturing.

Dr. Hassell earned his PhD in analytical chemistry from the University of Texas and his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Brigham Young University. He has published numerous scientific articles in peer reviewed journals and books, and he has held leadership positions in professional societies and technical symposia.

The FBI Laboratory, located in Quantico, Virginia, employs over 600 talented men and women dedicated to performing a wide array of forensic services for the law enforcement and intelligence communities worldwide.