The central theme of our research is the development of new methods and materials for rapid and sensitive analysis of environmental pollutants and clinically significant compounds. One way we make our methods easy and fast is to exploit multi-dimensional selectivity through the use of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as selective uptake materials. We have a Waters Xevo TQ-S -MS/MS equipped with a Prosolia 2-D Omnispray DESI source available for our work. We also have access to a clean room (ISO 6) for environmental control of the MIP fabrication process. Our methods have been applied to a range of analytes, including petroleum-related pollutants, drinking-water wastewater contaminants, drugs and their metabolites.

Students involved in research in my group will employ a variety of analytical instrumentation, including LC-MS, GC-MS, UV-vis, IR, NMR, etc., use experimental design approaches to optimized methods and may be expected to carry-out some rudimentary organic or inorganic syntheses. We are also involved in collaborative research, e.g. studying sulfur chemistry and corrosion in various industrial processes, with a goal of developing strategies to minimize environmental impact of human activities and improve the quality of the environment.