Laboratory Director

Mandy Tinkey

Mandy Tinkey began her career as a scientist in the Drug Chemistry Section of the Allegheny County Coroner's Office in 2003, now the Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner (ACOME). Mandy went on to become an expert in the fields of Drug Chemistry and Crime Scene Processing.

Mandy entered a management role for the Medical Examiner's Forensic Laboratory Division overseeing several disciplines including Drug Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Latent Prints, Crime Scene Processing, and a Mobile Forensic Laboratory. In 2014 she accepted a position of Manager of Operations for the Medical Examiner's Office, adding Morgue Operations (Investigations, Autopsy, and Histology) to her disciplines. In 2020, Mandy became Director of Forensic Laboratory.

A graduate of Beaver Falls Area High School, Mandy attended Edinboro University of Pennsylvania where she was the first graduate to receive a bachelor of science degree in Forensic Chemistry with minors in Biology and Criminal Justice. She completed her Master's degree in Forensic Science in 2006. Mandy serves as adjunct faculty teaching Forensic Science at Duquesne University as well as the adjunct faculty teaching Forensic Science at Franciscan University. She holds certifications as a Crime Scene Analyst from the International Association of Identification and as a Certified Forensic Manager. She serves on several committees through the American Society of Crime Lab Directors, the Association of Forensic Quality Manager Assurance Managers, the Pennsylvania State Coroners Association, and serves as a Board Member of the PA Forensic Laboratory Director's Working Group.

In 2014, Mandy was awarded the Distinguished Young Alumni Award from Edinboro University. She is frequently asked to speak to organizations about forensics, the role of women in science and leadership, and vicarious trauma and peer support.