Eric D. Merkley earned a B.S. in biochemistry from Brigham Young University in 2003 and Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Washington in 2010. He completed post-doctoral studies in the well-known proteomics research group at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). In 2013, Dr. Merkley joined PNNL's Chemical and Biological Signature Sciences Group. Research interests include mass spectrometric analysis of biothreat agents and protein toxins, strengthening proteomics bioinformatics strategies to ensure readiness for forensic and legal applications, and developing standards for forensic applications of proteomics.