MRI: Acquisition of a Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer for Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Research and Teaching in Chemistry and Biology

James Madison University, Harrisonburg VA

Investigators

Abstract

With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation program, Professor Christine A. Hughey, Jennifer L. Funkand and Jason Keller will acquire a Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer. The instrument will support three research projects: 1) Small molecule quantitation for fundamental negative ion electrospray ionization studies, 2) Small molecule quantitation of alcohol and acid intermediates formed during the anaerobic decomposition of wetland organic matter, and 3) Targeted quantitation for plant proteomics. Mass spectrometry (MS) is employed to identify the chemical composition of a sample and determine its purity by measuring the mass of the molecular constituents in the sample after they are ionized and detected by the mass spectrometer. Mass spectrometry is widely used as an analytical tool by chemists, biologists and biochemists. Undergraduate students will be trained in the use of this important tool preparing them for future careers in professional schools, industry and science education.