This award is supported by the Major Research Instrumentation and the Chemistry Instrumentation Programs. Professor Valerie Frerichs from SUNY at Buffalo and colleagues Luis Colon, Diana Aga and David Lacy are acquiring a high-resolution gas-chromatograph tandem mass spectrometer (Orbitrap). In general, mass spectrometry (MS) is one of the key analytical methods used to identify and characterize small quantities of chemical species embedded in complex samples. In a typical experiment, the components flow into a mass spectrometer where they are ionized into ions and the ions' masses are measured. This highly sensitive technique allows the structure of molecules in complex mixtures to be studied. An instrument with a gas chromatograph can separate mixtures of gaseous compounds before they reach the mass spectrometer. The tandem mass spectrometry capabilities increase the ability to identify molecules. The acquisition strengthens the research infrastructure at the University and regional area. The instrument broadens participation by involving diverse groups of students in research and research training using this modern analytical technique. The number and range of enabled research projects generate and disseminate knowledge. Proficiency using contemporary instrumentation is pivotal to the training of future generations of researchers and students choosing non-scientific which is important in science policy and governance. Increasing early exposure to the process of scientific research is based on models from the NSF funded Center for Authentic Science Practice in Education (based at Purdue University) and from the NSF funded National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science (based at U. Buffalo). Advancement of scientific knowledge in environmental and other areas contributes to the achievement of societally-relevant outcomes.
The award is aimed at enhancing research and education at all levels. It especially impacts investigations on the fate, transport, effects, and mitigation of contaminants in the environment and the exploration of enzyme active site modeling, molecular energy science, and catalyst design The mass spectrometer is also used for the identification of synthetic di-oxygenase enzymes and for the study of small molecule activation and generation. The instrument is employed in other projects related to environmental toxins, metabolomics, and mechanistic synthetic studies.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
