Our research centers on the development instrumentation and methods for the application of mass spectrometry and, especially, tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) in the areas of biological, materials, and environmental chemistry. There is a strong synergism between the research involving development of new instrumentation and the applications. Development of new instrumentation allows us to do novel experiments in the characterization of different chemical systems, while understanding the needs for analysis of these systems drives the development of the next generation instrumentation. Currently the primary focus in instrument development involves quadrupole ion traps and new ionization techniques.

In the area of biological applications we focus on peptide and protein analysis. We are interested in not only identifying peptide and protein structure, but also in understanding the influences of both primary and secondary structure on the resultant MS/MS spectra.

Development of methods for polymer analysis using electrospray ionization (ESI) is the current focus of our research in materials chemistry. Ion trapping instruments offer unique capabilities that allow the deconvolution of the polymer MW distribution from the ESI charge state distribution while the multiply charged ion generated by ESI facilitate MS/MS.

On the environmental front, we are currently involved in developing new methods for analysis of drinking water disinfection by products and for characterization of aerosol particles.