Nelson Santos

Nelson Santos has a work history spanning over several decades, primarily in the field of law enforcement and forensic sciences with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Their most recent role was as a Principal Scientist at RTI International starting in 2022. Prior to that, they served as a Deputy Assistant Administrator at DEA from 2010 to 2022.

Before their tenure as Deputy Assistant Administrator, Santos held various positions within the DEA, including Associate Deputy Assistant Administrator at the Office of Forensic Sciences from 2006 to 2010, Laboratory Director at DEA Laboratory Chicago from 2001 to 2006, and Section Chief/Program Manager from 1997 to 2001.

Their career with the DEA began in 1987 at the Miami branch, where they served as a Forensic Chemist and later as a Supervisory Chemist from 1993 to 1995. In this role, Santos supervised a team of Forensic Chemists and occasionally acted as the Laboratory Director.

Overall, Santos has demonstrated expertise and progression within the field of forensic sciences and law enforcement, honing their skills through a range of positions and responsibilities throughout their career.

Nelson Santos completed their B.A in Chemistry from Florida International University between 1983 and 1987. Nelson later pursued their Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Public Administration from George Mason University, graduating between 1999 and 2001.