From Ions to Oceans: Methods to Address Modern Chemical Analysis Challenges
Ross McColloch
Reseach Scientist, Department of Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences
University of British Columbia
Monday, January 13, 2025
9:00 a.m.
In-person: C2-361
On-line: Teams
Abstract: An analytical chemist is concerned with the creation and application of new chemical analysis methods and technologies, which are suitable for the qualitative or quantitative determination of chemical compounds within a broad range of often complex matrices. The products of this research may be transferred to investigators across alternate fields, providing tools to those seeking technical solutions to their specific analysis problems. With a strong background in modern analytical instrumentation, I have a keen interest in broadly developing technical solutions to real-world chemical analysis challenges. I like to build, I enjoy work with my hands and I love to collaborate and create. With a focus on enhancing commercial mass spectrometry methods, my goal is to develop new methods which can be utilized to generate reliable, high quality chemical information about our world. In this talk, we will walk through a journey that has included time spent in both academia and industry. A path that has led me through the creation of novel ionization technologies, the field deployment of robust new analytical techniques, and the development of both research and management skills that I now apply as a sea-going, biogeochemical oceanographic research scientist. In this talk, I will describe the foundation of my multi-disciplinary research experience, and suggest how it may be used to inform my on-going academic research program.