Program Overview in Analytical Chemistry at Oregon State University

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Program Overview (Download an Analytical Flyer as a PDF)

Research • Facilities • Graduate Program • Corvallis and the Northwest • Job Placement

RESEARCH INTERESTS. Our faculty have wide-ranging interests including:

• Bioanalytical chemistry
• Proteomics
• Design, fabrication and application of microfluidic analytical devices
• Implementation of molecular recognition elements in bioanalysis
• Application of analytical and microfluidic techniques to environmental problems
• Transport and fate of semi-volatile compounds in the atmosphere and water-borne contaminants in the subsurface environment
• Applications of mass spectrometry to molecular biological problems
• Development of microscale instrumentation and portable sensors for environmental and other analytical uses.
• Laser-based analytical techniques for environmental applications
• Global climate

Faculty members interact extensively with Environmental Health Sciences Center, Environmental and Molecular Toxicology Department, Microtechnology- Based Energy, Biology and Chemical Systems Initiative, and The Subsurface Biosphere Initiative.

Regular Faculty

Manish Gupta - Laser-based analytical techniques for environmental applications, global climate

Claudia S. Maier - Biomolecular mass spectrometry, proteomics.

Vincent T. Remcho - Microscale separations, microfluidic devices, molecular recognition elements for extractions and chromatography, analysis of biomolecules in complex matrices.

Staci Simonich - Regional and global environmental and analytical chemistry of semi-volatile organic compounds.

Adjunct Faculty

Jennifer Field is active in the research of the fate and transport of organic chemicals in subsurface environment in the department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology

Emeritus Faculty

Douglas Barofsky - Ionization processes and instrumentation involving mass spectrometry. Works with professors Field and Simonich on joint projects.

James D. Ingle, Jr. - Chemical sensors and portable field instrumentation. Works with professor Remcho and faculty in other departments on joint projects.

John C. Westall - Environmental chemistry and electrochemistry.

In general, emeritus faculty do not directly serve as research directors by themselves but sometimes serve as a co-research director with regular or adjunct faculty members. Applying students who specify research groups of interest should identify a regular or adjunct faculty member and, if desired, an emeritus faculty that works on joint projects with the primary faculty member. In some cases, emeritus faculty may have independent funding to totally support a graduate student.

FACILITIES. Gilbert Hall and the Ag & Life Sciences Building house chemistry research and administrative offices with separate undergraduate teaching labs located in Gilbert Addition. The following list highlights current instrumentation available in the department:

• Gradient and isocratic HPLC systems, an HP1100 binary high-pressure gradient HPLC interfaced to an APCI quadrupole MS system
• MALDI TOF/TOF mass spectrometer (AB 4700) and capillary LC MALDI target spotter
• Micromass qTOF Ultima Global mass spectrometer
• Kratos MS50TC RF high resolution mass spectrometer
• Perkin Elmer Sciex API-III+ LC/MS/MS ionspray mass spectrometry system with an APCI source.
• Finnigan LCQ ion trap system
• UV and visible spectroscopic instrumentation as well as flame and furnace atomic absorption spectrometers, infrared spectroscopic instrumentation
• Custom-built systems for microscale HPLC and capillary electrokinetic separations
• Waters capillary LC system
• Electronic resources, including Sci-Finder Scholar, are licensed through the Valley Library
• Mascot, a proteomics search engine, is licensed through the Environmental Health Sciences Center.
• Micromass QuatroMicro LC ESI MS/MS mass spectrometry system
• Finnigan TSQ 700 GC EI/CI MS/MS mass spectrometry system.

GRADUATE PROGRAM.
• Graduate students in good standing are fully supported by a combination of research grants and/or departmental funds.
• 2003/2004 annual graduate stipend is $18,000 plus the cost of tuition, totalling approximately $30,000.
• Active seminar series, including Linus Pauling Lecture Series, brings internationally recognized academic and industrial guest speakers to OSU.
• Coursework is individually tailored to student’s interests.
• Career placement includes pharmaceutical labs, forensics and industrial labs, and governmental environmental agencies, as well as academic positions.

CORVALLIS AND THE NORTHWEST. Corvallis, flanked by the Coast Range and Cascade mountains, lies on the southwest edge of the Willamette Valley. The climate is characterized by mild summer temperatures of 85° F, with clear blue skies and low humidity; winters are mild with lows of 37°F . The Pacific Northwest is famous for rain which supports a vast array of crops and nursery stock and provides a beautiful green landscape with waterfalls and rivers. A parade of volcanic peaks marches through the Cascade Mountains offering a spectacular back-drop for hiking, biking, camping, rock climbing, and water and snow sports.

JOB PLACEMENT. Career placement includes pharmaceutical labs, forensics and industrial labs, and governmental environmental agencies, as well as academic positions.