Abby Polapink

(Term 2025 - Present)
Sacramento State University

Abby Polapink is a junior at Sacramento State University majoring in forensic chemistry. She is currently working on undergraduate research with Dr. Justin Miller-Schulze’s on non-targeted analysis for GCMS analysis of nectar and fruit fly samples. In addition, she works as a PAL mentor; (Peer Assisted Learning), for Sacramento State University’s organic chemistry department. Abby is planning to graduate in Spring of 2026 and hopes to continue her studies with a Master’s program in Forensic Science. She is extremely passionate about Toxicology, Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Instrumental Analysis, and Criminology with her dream job working in a crime lab. As much as she loves learning about chemistry the research is her favorite part, and she loves collaborating with other students and faculty to develop their own scientific methods and developments. Her role as a mentor towards other students, and her passion in research is beneficial to Norcal SETAC board as she wants to get others involved in the community and keep them excited about all the amazing research being produced from different areas. Additionally, becoming a board member would help in networking and learning more in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. In her free time, Abby enjoys being with her friends/family, bothering her cat Eroda, playing video games, drawing, hiking and retail therapy.