A new academic achievement award, starting in May 2013, has been created – The Mabel Hores Award in 
Forensic Chemistry. The first recipient of the award was Kyle Kroeze, a Chemistry major from Brick, NJ. Kyle plans to pursue a career in forensic chemistry, possibly following in the footsteps of TCNJ alumna Mabel (Ngai) Hores.
The new Mabel Hores Award in Forensic Chemistry is made possible by a gift from the Ngai Family. Dr. John Allison, Professor of Chemistry and Director of Forensic Chemistry at TCNJ, said “we are very pleased to have had the opportunity to work closely with the Ngai family to honor one of their own, and to recognize the outstanding graduating Chemistry major with a Forensic Chemistry Specialization.”
Mabel Ngai attended Trenton State College and graduated with a B.A. in Biology in 1974. It was here that she met her future husband, Ken Hores, who was stationed at the nearby McGuire Air Force Base. They were married in 1975.
Mabel worked for 25 years in the New Jersey State Police Forensic Labs. She became an expert in Trace Evidence Analysis – with special expertise in arson investigations, hair and fiber analysis, and gunshot residue analysis. A valued member of her laboratory, she often testified in criminal trials. For years, Mabel worked at the Trace Evidence Unit at the Central Labs that were then located in Ewing.
Mabel Hores had a reputation for helping others. She trained many student interns at the State Forensic Labs. In 2001 and 2002 she volunteered her time to help with the challenging task of identifying the DNA in human tissue found at the World Trade Center.
Mabel retired as a Senior Forensic Scientist in 2004, and after a long battle with cancer, she passed away the same year.
TCNJ is honored to participate in this recognition of one of our successful alums, who had a substantial impact in her field.