Caplis Endowed Scholarship in Biochemistry

Background

Dr. Michael CaplisDr. Michael E. Caplis was a forensic toxicologist, innovator, philanthropist, and ambassador to the DEA and FBI. A graduate of Wayne High School in Wayne, Michigan, Dr. Caplis enrolled in Eastern Michigan University to pursue a bachelor of science in Chemistry; he went on to earn a M.S. and Ph.D. in biochemistry from Purdue University. During the span of his 45-year career, Dr. Caplis focused on the development of methodology for and implementation of forensic drug analysis and toxicology; DNA and serology-immunology; methodology for drugs of abuse and therapeutic medications in oral fluids; and identifications of firearms and tool marks. Dr. Caplis, a staunch believer in giving back to his community, had a passion for serving and mentoring others, especially students conducting research during pursuit of M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Additionally, Dr. Caplis provided educational pro-bono work for Indiana University's Northwest School of Medicine for first- and second-year medical students in Clinical Biochemistry and Toxicology; he also taught an introduction course in criminalistics for Indiana University Northwest's Department of Environmental Affairs.

 

Recipients

  • 2022 - Isaak Miller