ZACARIAH L. HILDENBRAND, PH.D.

Founding Partner | Lead Scientist

Dr. Zacariah L. Hildenbrand is a Partner at Medusa Analytical and an Adjunct Research Professor at the University of Texas at El Paso, where he continues to advance scientific understanding in environmental and forensic chemistry. He holds both his Bachelor’s and Doctorate degrees in Chemistry from UTEP and completed a prestigious Post-Doctoral Fellowship at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

With more than 15 years of experience in environmental analysis, point-source attribution, natural products characterization, and blood analysis, Dr. Hildenbrand has authored over 70 peer-reviewed journal articles and textbook chapters. His research has been instrumental in bridging the gap between scientific discovery and real-world application—particularly in cases where data accuracy and analytical integrity are paramount.

At Medusa Analytical, Dr. Hildenbrand leads the scientific direction of the firm’s forensic and environmental initiatives, guiding teams in method development, data interpretation, and expert testimony. His rare blend of academic rigor and practical experience ensures that every analysis stands up to both scientific and legal scrutiny.

A former collegiate golfer, Zac applies the same focus and competitive spirit from the course to his research and client work. When not in the lab or mentoring young scientists, he enjoys spending time with his family and finding new courses to play.

KEVIN A. SCHUG, PH.D.

Founding Partner | Lead Scientist

Dr. Kevin A. Schug is a Partner at Medusa Analytical and the Shimadzu Distinguished Professor of Analytical Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). He is also the Co-Founder and Director of the Collaborative Laboratories for Environmental Analysis and Remediation (CLEAR) at UTA, a leading research center focused on advancing analytical science for environmental and industrial applications.

Dr. Schug earned his B.S. in Chemistry from The College of William & Mary and his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Virginia Tech, where he studied under Professor Harold M. McNair. He later completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of Vienna under Professor Dr. Wolfgang Lindner.

Across more than two decades of research and with over 225 peer reviewed journal articles, Dr. Schug has built an international reputation for excellence in analytical chemistry, with expertise spanning biological, environmental, forensic, pharmaceutical, and energy-sector applications. He has served as an expert witness in numerous forensic, environmental, and patent litigation cases, including those involving oil and gas waste characterization and recycling technologies.

Recognized among the top 100 most influential analytical scientists in the world by The Analytical Scientist magazine, Kevin brings both depth and clarity to complex analytical challenges—helping Medusa’s clients understand and defend the science that underpins their cases. He earned a prestigious a fellowship from the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board at Palacky University in Olomouc, Czech Republic.

Outside the lab, Kevin is an enthusiastic home renovator, avid sports dad, and barbecue devotee—most often found cheering on his three sons or perfecting the art of smoked brisket.

DANIELLE SCHUG

Founding Partner | Director of Operations

As a founding partner of Medusa Analytical, Danielle (“Dani”) Schug oversees the firm’s administrative, organizational, and marketing operations—ensuring that every client engagement runs seamlessly from first contact to final deliverable. A 1999 graduate of The College of William & Mary, Dani began her career in finance before expanding into business development and large-scale conference management, where she honed her expertise in coordination, logistics, and client experience.

At Medusa Analytical, Dani is often the first voice clients hear and the steady presence guiding them through complex projects with clarity and care. Her combination of financial insight, operational precision, and genuine warmth makes her an invaluable partner to both the legal teams and scientists the firm supports.

When she isn’t connecting with clients or orchestrating the many moving parts of Medusa’s operations, Dani enjoys spending time with her family, cheering on her favorite sports teams, walking her dogs, and pretending to garden.

MELISSA GIGUERE, DFS

Scientific Expert Consultant

Melissa Giguere joined the Medusa Analytical team in 2024 as an independent consultant. Most recently, she has reviewed documents from 17 states, 25 Texas counties, over 30 laboratories, and continues to aid clients in understanding the science behind their results, having been qualified as an expert in multiple states.  Dr. Giguere has over ten years of experience conducting forensic bench and data analysis on medical examiner and human performance cases. She also participated in internal audits of the ISO 17025 standard, gaining significant expertise in method development and validation. Before embarking on her forensic career, she spent thirteen years in various roles within law enforcement. She received her B.S. in Biology in 2003 and a Master's in Industrial Chemistry in 2013, both from The University of North Texas. In 2023, she was awarded a Doctor of Forensic Science from Oklahoma State University. In her limited free time, Melissa enjoys spending time with friends and family, and occasionally has the opportunity to engage in some crafting, particularly making custom cups.

CARRIE C. CAYLOR

Partner | Business Development

Carrie Caylor joined Medusa in 2025, and serves as Head of Business Development, where she connects legal teams and energy professionals with the scientific expertise needed to evaluate forensic evidence, and scientific innovations with confidence.  A graduate of Texas Christian University with a degree in Political Science, Carrie has built a reputation for developing efficient systems and trusted relationships that empower both clients and collaborators. Known for her structured yet personable approach, Carrie leads with a philosophy of integrity, precision, and collaboration, connecting people, processes, and purpose to help clients achieve clarity and confidence in every engagement.  In her personal life, Carrie performs music alongside her husband in her band The Shambha La’s, parents her young son, and commits time to public service in Bastrop, Texas. 

RAMÓN SÁNCHEZ ROSARIO, PH.D.

Scientific Expert Consultant

Ramón A. Sánchez is a chemist specializing in produced water treatment, environmental forensics, and analytical chemistry. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from The University of Texas at El Paso, where his research focused on unconventional methods for produced water characterization and treatment. He also holds advanced degrees in analytical techniques. Currently, Dr. Sánchez serves as faculty at the University of Texas at El Paso, and adjunct research professor at Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña in the Dominican Republic. His work bridges academia and industry through projects on water quality, bacteriophage applications, and the valorization of agro-industrial residues. He has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals on produced water, microbial diversity, avocado seed extracts, and toxicology. Dr. Sánchez hobbies include gardening and attending to ballroom dancing gatherings.

ERIN JEFFREY

Scientific Expert Consultant

Erin Jeffrey is an Independent Consultant at Medusa Analytical. She has over twelve years of hands-on experience within multiple fields of chemistry. Earning her B.S. in Chemistry from Truman State University in 2010, she then traveled to Texas to complete her Masters in Analytical Chemistry, with an emphasis in forensics, from the University of North Texas in 2013. Her main passions lie within the forensics field, specifically toxicology. She has performed thousands of analytical bench tests on both medical examiner and human performance cases during her decade as a forensic toxicologist. She has also participated in method development, validations, and internal audits that utilize the ISO 17025 standard. She has experience working with judicial system participants and testifying within a court of law. In addition to toxicology, she has worked within the fields of seized drugs, and food and cosmetic testing. In her free time, Erin is the Head Non-Skating Official (HNSO) for her local roller derby league. She also enjoys reading, playing D&D, and sewing unique shaped handbags.