Robert Drawbaugh '64
Outstanding Achievement in a Chosen Profession
Robert Drawbaugh has had a distinguished career in chemical testing in which he focused primarily on forensic and clinical analytical toxicology. During his 34 years with the Vermont Department of Health Laboratory, he held several administrative and technical positions. In addition, Bob was involved in chemical education at the secondary and college levels, and he served as a consultant for a number of VT State agencies. Since his retirement, he continues to act as a consultant to attorneys and laboratories, and often provides expert testimony in the courts.
Bob received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Gettysburg College, a Master of Education degree from Temple University, and a Master of Science from the University of Vermont. He began his professional career as a secondary school chemistry teacher, but while completing his graduate studies he was hired by the VT Department of Health as a chemist. As he moved through various supervisory positions, he became involved in technical oversight and management of laboratory professional staff providing chemical analyses for both forensic and clinical toxicology investigations. Serving as an advisor, interpreter of analytical data and coordinator of analytical services, he provided support for ongoing investigative programs and short-term research projects, and he provided expert testimony in the courts for over 1,000 cases.
Among his many ongoing projects are VT’s childhood lead poisoning prevention program, the VT Occupational Safety and Health Administration workspace investigations, and development of the breath alcohol testing programs in support of highway safety. Several of his short-term projects are collaborations in investigation of contamination of maple sap and syrup for the VT Department of Agriculture, development of testing methods for cyanobacteria toxins in lake and pond waters, and the extent of transport of toxic metals from mothers to neonates by analyzing umbilical cord blood collected at the time of delivery.
Mr. Drawbaugh has taught organic and biochemistry courses at both the University of Vermont and Johnson State University. He has delivered lectures and created course materials, has delivered a course in testing for and physiologic aspects of alcohol at the VT Police Academy, and has provided instruction to nurses for a National Laboratory Training Network course on capillary blood sampling and analysis for the childhood lead poisoning prevention program. He is a member of many professional organizations, has served on technical boards and committees, and much of his research can be found in numerous scientific publications. In addition, he has found time for his community, serving as a Cub master, coaching youth sports, and participating in several musical organizations.
Bob is married to his wife, Carol, a microbiologist, and they have two sons.
Bob received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Gettysburg College, a Master of Education degree from Temple University, and a Master of Science from the University of Vermont. He began his professional career as a secondary school chemistry teacher, but while completing his graduate studies he was hired by the VT Department of Health as a chemist. As he moved through various supervisory positions, he became involved in technical oversight and management of laboratory professional staff providing chemical analyses for both forensic and clinical toxicology investigations. Serving as an advisor, interpreter of analytical data and coordinator of analytical services, he provided support for ongoing investigative programs and short-term research projects, and he provided expert testimony in the courts for over 1,000 cases.
Among his many ongoing projects are VT’s childhood lead poisoning prevention program, the VT Occupational Safety and Health Administration workspace investigations, and development of the breath alcohol testing programs in support of highway safety. Several of his short-term projects are collaborations in investigation of contamination of maple sap and syrup for the VT Department of Agriculture, development of testing methods for cyanobacteria toxins in lake and pond waters, and the extent of transport of toxic metals from mothers to neonates by analyzing umbilical cord blood collected at the time of delivery.
Mr. Drawbaugh has taught organic and biochemistry courses at both the University of Vermont and Johnson State University. He has delivered lectures and created course materials, has delivered a course in testing for and physiologic aspects of alcohol at the VT Police Academy, and has provided instruction to nurses for a National Laboratory Training Network course on capillary blood sampling and analysis for the childhood lead poisoning prevention program. He is a member of many professional organizations, has served on technical boards and committees, and much of his research can be found in numerous scientific publications. In addition, he has found time for his community, serving as a Cub master, coaching youth sports, and participating in several musical organizations.
Bob is married to his wife, Carol, a microbiologist, and they have two sons.