If you have been following my <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://concentratingonchromatography.com/">Concentrating on Chromatography podcast</a>, you know that I am constantly searching for the cutting edge of separation science. After years of interviewing the brightest minds in the field, it has become clear to me that the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/companies/218">Multidimensional Chromatography Workshop (MDCW)</a> is undeniably the best up-and-coming event in our industry.While I was unfortunately traveling in Asia during the most recent session, I was able to catch every detail thanks to the incredible work of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/companies/1">LabRulez</a>. A huge thank you to Ivo Novotný and the LabRulez team for providing <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLg-M6fM-05MrGrDggkl_UKzzcHPWPmssh">Open Access video presentations</a> of the event. Their <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/">portal </a>is an invaluable resource for anyone who needs to find technical information quickly and efficiently.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Organomation_MDCW_The_Premier_Up_and_Coming_Event_in_Chromatography_2_65b378bf01.jpg" alt="Organomation: MDCW: The Premier Up-and-Coming Event in Chromatography" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Organomation_MDCW_The_Premier_Up_and_Coming_Event_in_Chromatography_2_65b378bf01.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1044" height="455"><h3>The Minds Behind the Magic</h3>I have had the privilege of featuring the core organizers of MDCW on my podcast, including <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/articles?search=Katelynn+Perrault+Uptmor">Katelynn Perrault Uptmor</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/articles?search=Dwight+Stoll">Dwight Stoll</a>, and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/articles?search=Petr+Vozka">Petr Vozka</a>. Their dedication to creating a space where forensic chemistry, environmental analysis, and metabolomics intersect is what makes this workshop so unique. The event is a perfect showcase for how multidimensional techniques—like GC×GC and 2D-LC—are essential for tackling the world's most complex samples.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Organomation_MDCW_The_Premier_Up_and_Coming_Event_in_Chromatography_265c9ec21e.jpg" alt="Organomation: MDCW: The Premier Up-and-Coming Event in Chromatography" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Organomation_MDCW_The_Premier_Up_and_Coming_Event_in_Chromatography_265c9ec21e.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="792" height="230"><h3>Where Sample Prep Meets High-Resolution Analysis</h3>As we often discuss at Organomation, even the most advanced chromatographic systems depend on meticulous sample preparation. Two presentations highlighted in the LabRulez playlist perfectly illustrate the critical role of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.organomation.com/what-is-solvent-evaporation">solvent evaporation</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.organomation.com/what-is-sample-concentration">sample concentration</a>.<h3>Chemical Fingerprints: Emma Macturk’s Quest for Hidden Data</h3><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1W5197sp6IY">Emma Macturk</a>, working in Dr. Katelynn Perrault Uptmor’s lab, is redefining how we look at one of the oldest forms of forensic evidence: the fingerprint. While traditional forensics relies on the physical patterns of ridges and whorls, these are often incomplete or smudged in real-world scenarios. Emma’s research shifts the focus to the chemical residue left behind, which can provide vital "class characteristics" like the biological sex and relative age of a suspect.Her optimized workflow is a masterclass in handling complex biological matrices. Using a cotton swab to extract residue from surfaces, the samples are centrifuged and then "<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/article/5392">blown down</a>" (a critical concentration step for any trace analysis) before <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.organomation.com/what-is-reconstitution">being reconstituted for GC×GC-TOFMS</a>.What makes her work truly fascinating—and highly relevant for our readers at Organomation—is the discovery of anthropogenic compounds. Emma identified UVB blockers like octocrylene and various moisturizers hidden within the natural sterols and fatty acids of the skin. The power of multidimensional chromatography allows forensic scientists to resolve these external "lifestyle" markers from endogenous skin compounds, potentially providing a much more detailed profile of a suspect than a physical print ever could.<h3>The "Green" Revolution: Grace Saunders and the Future of Ballistics</h3><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClD4fjZMNtA">Grace Saunders</a> addressed a looming crisis in forensic ballistics: the shift toward "green ammunition." For decades, the gold standard for detecting gunshot residue (GSR) has been SEM-EDS, which looks for heavy metals like lead, barium, and antimony. However, modern environmental and health standards are leading manufacturers to omit these metals. This means that traditional standards are failing to identify GSR in cases involving green rounds.Grace’s research proposes a dual-pronged approach, using GC×GC to target Organic Gunshot Residue (OGSR). Her liquid extraction protocol is meticulous: samples are extracted in methanol, "<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.organomation.com/what-is-evaporation-to-dryness">evaporated to dryness under nitrogen</a>," and then reconstituted. This ensures that volatile and semi-volatile nitroaromatic compounds, such as nitroglycerin and diphenylamine, are concentrated enough for detection.By optimizing parameters like the modulation period (2.5 seconds) and switching to hydrogen carrier gas, Grace was able to resolve these critical markers from the complex background "noise" of human skin. Her work isn't just about better chemistry; it’s about legal survival. As she noted, forensic methods must meet Federal Rule 702 for admissibility in court. Without the organic profiling Grace is developing, evidence from a "green" firearm discharge might never make it past a judge.<h3>The Future of Chromatography</h3>The workshop also featured brilliant presenters like <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJm_JwHbArE">Ryland Giebelhaus</a>, whose work on the metabolomics of cannabis exposure during pregnancy shows the real-world impact of these technologies.The MDCW isn't just another conference; it is a community-driven powerhouse that bridges the gap between proof-of-concept and field-ready applications. Whether you are looking for advanced data reduction strategies or the latest in high-resolution mass spectrometry, this is the event to watch.<blockquote>If you missed it this year like I did, I highly recommend visiting the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?search=MDCW">LabRulez portal</a> to see the full breadth of research presented!</blockquote>

MDCW: The Premier Up-and-Coming Event in Chromatography

🎤Alex BrodyIn this episode of Concentrating on Chromatography, we sit down with Alex Brody, an organic chemist at Aqua America, to discuss the rigorous analytical methods required for regulated drinking water testing.Alex walks us through the multi-step PFAS detection process using EPA Method 537.1, including extraction, nitrogen blowdown concentration, and LC-MS analysis. He explains why sample preparation and quality control are critical for achieving trace-level detection—and why these methods can't be rushed or simplified, even with new technologies available.We also explore taste and odor investigations, disinfection byproducts, and volatile organic compounds, plus the surprising reality of why regulated labs move slowly when adopting new instrumentation. You'll learn about the quality control checkpoints, peer review processes, and the misconceptions surrounding analytical turnaround times in compliance labs.<h5>Topics Covered:</h5><ul><li>Role of organic chemistry in regulated drinking water labs</li><li>EPA compliance requirements and regulatory bodies (EPA, PA-DEP)</li><li>PFAS detection using Method 537.1 and LC-MS</li><li>The critical importance of nitrogen blowdown sample concentration</li><li>Taste and odor analysis: MIB, Geosmin, and unknown compound identification</li><li>Why regulated methods evolve slowly (validation timelines, approval processes)</li><li>Quality control procedures: calibration checks, matrix spikes, surrogate standards, internal standards</li><li>Automated sample preparation and lab efficiency</li><li>Future PFAS regulations and Method 533 expansion</li></ul><h5>Ideal For:</h5><ul><li>Analytical chemists and environmental lab professionals</li><li>Water utilities and compliance officers</li><li>Chromatography practitioners interested in regulated workflows</li><li>Anyone curious about how drinking water safety is ensured</li></ul><h2>Video Transcription</h2><h3>Ensuring Safe Drinking Water Through Advanced Analytical Chemistry</h3><h4>Insights from a Regulated Water Testing Laboratory</h4>Analytical laboratories responsible for regulated drinking water testing operate under strict compliance frameworks to ensure the delivery of safe and reliable water supplies. In this interview, Alex, an organic chemist at Aqua America, outlines the scope of analytical work conducted in a modern water quality laboratory. The team primarily focuses on the determination of taste- and odor-causing compounds, disinfection byproducts, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These analyses rely heavily on GC-MS and LC-MS instrumentation, supported by rigorous maintenance programs to ensure continuous operational performance and data reliability.<h4>Regulatory Compliance and Quality Control in Drinking Water Analysis</h4>Operating as a regulated drinking water laboratory requires adherence to stringent requirements established by agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state-level regulatory bodies. Compliance is driven by extensive quality control protocols integrated into every analytical batch. Typical workflows include calibration verification, matrix spike recovery assessments, internal standard monitoring, and surrogate performance checks. Notably, analytical batches are often limited in sample number to accommodate a substantial proportion of quality control samples, reflecting the critical importance of data defensibility in regulatory reporting.One common misconception is the perceived speed at which results can be delivered. In reality, comprehensive sample preparation, including extraction procedures and validation steps, can extend turnaround times to a full working day or longer. Additionally, validated regulatory workflows impose limitations on the rapid adoption of new analytical technologies, as method modifications must undergo formal evaluation and approval before implementation.<h4>Analytical Strategies for Taste and Odor Investigations</h4>Taste and odor events represent a significant operational challenge for water utilities. Standard targeted methods are routinely applied for compounds such as 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) and geosmin, which are commonly associated with earthy or musty sensory characteristics. When targeted analysis does not reveal the source, laboratories employ broad-scan GC-MS screening combined with spectral library interpretation to identify potential causative compounds. In some cases, sensory evaluation panels complement instrumental analysis, providing preliminary insight into potential treatment-related or environmental influences affecting water quality.<h4>PFAS Monitoring: Methodological Complexity and Trace-Level Sensitivity</h4>PFAS determination represents a rapidly evolving priority in drinking water monitoring. The laboratory currently applies EPA Method 537.1, with efforts underway to expand capabilities through certification for Method 533, thereby broadening analyte coverage. Analytical workflows typically involve solid-phase extraction followed by solvent evaporation using nitrogen-assisted blow-down techniques to achieve the trace-level sensitivity required for regulatory compliance. This concentration step is essential because PFAS compounds remain non-volatile under controlled evaporation conditions, enabling enhanced detection performance upon reconstitution and LC-MS analysis.<h4>Future Directions in Drinking Water Analytics</h4>Looking ahead, the primary technological driver in regulated water analysis is the demand for increasingly lower detection limits and expanded compound coverage. While regulatory frameworks can slow methodological innovation, laboratories continue to pursue efficiency improvements, such as automated sample preparation systems and optimized analytical workflows. These advances support the growing need to process high sample volumes while maintaining the stringent data quality standards required for public health protection.Ultimately, the work performed in regulated drinking water laboratories represents a critical intersection of analytical chemistry, environmental monitoring, and public safety. Continuous methodological refinement, coupled with advances in mass spectrometry and sample preparation technologies, will play a central role in addressing emerging contaminants and ensuring long-term water quality assurance.<blockquote>This text has been automatically transcribed from a video presentation using AI technology. It may contain inaccuracies and is not guaranteed to be 100% correct.</blockquote><blockquote><h4>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast</h4>Dive into the frontiers of chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation with host David Oliva. Each episode features candid conversations with leading researchers, industry innovators, and passionate scientists who are shaping the future of analytical chemistry. From decoding PFAS detection challenges to exploring the latest in AI-assisted liquid chromatography, this show uncovers practical workflows, sustainability breakthroughs, and the real-world impact of separation science. Whether you’re a chromatographer, lab professional, or researcher you'll discover inspiring content!You can find Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast in podcast apps:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1wZg67rCjoGju4yhqxI3tL">Spotify</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/tz/podcast/concentrating-on-chromatography/id1788429185">Apple podcast</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podscan.fm/podcasts/concentrating-on-chromatography">podscan</a></li></ul>and on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ChromatographyTalk/videos">YouTube channel</a></blockquote>

Regulated Drinking Water Testing: PFAS Detection, Sample Prep & Real Lab Insights

Anna Vanluchene&nbsp;from UCT Prague’s&nbsp;Department of Chemical Engineering has received a&nbsp;prestigious start-up grant from the Dagmar Procházková Fund. However, she did not receive funding right away. In this interview, she describes how she developed ten versions of her&nbsp;Illuminating Flow&nbsp;project idea (combining photocatalysis with flow reactors for pharmaceutical synthesis). She explains why she considers perseverance to be crucial when applying for grants, how international experience has influenced her approach to team management, and how her research can reduce the chemical industry’s&nbsp;dependence on fossil fuels and imports from China.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/VSCHT_Praha_Na_startovaci_grant_jsem_cekala_dva_roky_a_napsala_deset_verzi_projektu_2_5b7d63b8e9.jpg" alt="VŠCHT Prague/Tomáš Balický: I waited two years for a start-up grant and wrote ten versions of my project idea" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_VSCHT_Praha_Na_startovaci_grant_jsem_cekala_dva_roky_a_napsala_deset_verzi_projektu_2_5b7d63b8e9.jpg 127w," sizes="100vw" width="1128" height="1387"><h5>What did the Dagmar Procházková Fund grant mean to you?</h5>I&nbsp;consider it to be a&nbsp;great success. It is the first injection of funding that will allow me to ensure full independence for my research endeavour, to start my own research group, and to fund students so I&nbsp;can get started properly.<h5>What have been your previous experiences with grants?</h5>During my doctorate, a cotutelle (international doctorate under dual supervision), I&nbsp;was funded by a&nbsp;grant from the French government. Then I&nbsp;worked at the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic (CAS) and received a&nbsp;Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowship to go abroad. The idea for my now-funded project was developed about two years ago and, since then, I&nbsp;have gradually developed and adapted the idea for various grant calls. I&nbsp;submitted about ten different versions of the proposal. I&nbsp;did not receive a&nbsp;grant from the Dagmar Procházková Fund last year, but this year, my application was successful.<h5>This probably requires a&nbsp;great deal of patience and perseverance.</h5>Certainly, because the success rates for most grants have been declining for some time. But as a&nbsp;motivational example, I&nbsp;will tell the story of Timothy Noel, a&nbsp;Belgian professor of chemistry living in the Netherlands. He applied for the prestigious European Research Council (ERC) grant, which is among the most sought-after in Europe, seven times. But no failure deterred him and eventually he succeeded and opened the door to potentially massive grant funding. He was already one of the world’s&nbsp;top scientists in the field at that time and openly described his journey on his blog <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.noelresearchgroup.com/2022/03/17/my-personal-story-to-obtain-an-erc-grant-7-submissions-4-interviews-and-6-heartbreaks/">blog</a>.<h5>What advice does this convey to other grant applicants and early career researchers?</h5>Start early, read a&nbsp;lot, don’t&nbsp;give up, and—most importantly—apply repeatedly. Learn from rejections and overcome possible frustration from failures. Read blogs and books by successful people, where you will find not only the glorious results of their work, but also the hardships they faced over their entire journeys. Of course, building your team and laboratory is impossible without finances. I&nbsp;myself still hope that I&nbsp;will be able to receive even bigger grants in the future.<h5>How has your international experience influenced your scientific approach?</h5>A&nbsp;lot and on several levels. Different laboratories teach you how to do&nbsp;things differently. You gain varied experience about how different institutions function. You see other people’s&nbsp;positive motivations, their ability to be ambitious without negativity, their involvement in institutional matters, their openness to cooperation with companies (e.g., tech transfers, spin-offs). The most important thing is to broaden your horizons. I&nbsp;see going abroad as a&nbsp;necessity. What I&nbsp;have taken away the most is drive, great support, and the idea that scientific output is not just about metrics, but also about dedication to one’s&nbsp;topic.<h5>What is your Illuminating Flow: Transport Phenomena in Photocatalysis about, in layperson’s&nbsp;terms, and how is it unique?</h5>Most of today’s&nbsp;chemical industry is still based on thermal processes and fossil fuels. Photochemistry enables electrification, where the energy source is photons delivered by LEDs, which can generate electricity from renewable sources. Current research focuses mainly on chemical reactions and their mechanisms, but as a&nbsp;chemical engineer, I&nbsp;focus on designing processes and reactors suitable for industrial use. In batch reactors, light fades rapidly with distance from a&nbsp;source, so much of a&nbsp;reaction mixture is not illuminated. Flow reactors solve this problem, but they bring new challenges such as working with solid catalysts and subsequently scaling up production and achieving higher production rates of the desired chemicals at a&nbsp;given scale.One can imagine a&nbsp;transparent tube with a&nbsp;catalyst on the walls, upon which light shines and through which reactants flow. This project has a&nbsp;unique emphasis on engineering solutions and overall process efficiency.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/VSCHT_Praha_Na_startovaci_grant_jsem_cekala_dva_roky_a_napsala_deset_verzi_projektu_3_b978abf25c.jpg" alt="VŠCHT Prague/Tomáš Balický: I waited two years for a start-up grant and wrote ten versions of my project idea" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_VSCHT_Praha_Na_startovaci_grant_jsem_cekala_dva_roky_a_napsala_deset_verzi_projektu_3_b978abf25c.jpg 241w," sizes="100vw" width="1228" height="799"><h5>So, were you inspired by a&nbsp;gap in the market to connect photocatalysis with transport phenomena?</h5>Exactly. I&nbsp;combine my areas of expertise: microfluidics, photocatalytic degradation of organic substances (CAS), and synthesis (MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship). The idea itself is not new, and pharmaceutical companies are very interested in “greener” photochemistry, but in practice, there is often a&nbsp;lack of appropriate engineering solutions and apparatus for industrial use.<h5>What are the practical applications of your work and what substances are you focusing on?</h5>Mainly on pharmaceuticals and on the synthesis of so-called fine chemicals, which are often the building blocks for the production of pharmaceuticals. There is also a&nbsp;geopolitical dimension to this, i.e. less dependence on imports from China and sustainable synthesis in Europe where it makes economic sense.<h5>And what chemicals are you specifically talking about?</h5>For example, building blocks for advanced synthesis, compounds prepared by trifluoromethylation reactions, or products of oxidation reactions with singlet oxygen. At the same time, we focus on reactions that are, in the classical design process, less safe or technologically demanding, where new approaches, such as photochemistry in flow reactors, could be safer and have better process control. Of course, this is not a&nbsp;universal solution for all types of reactions.<h5>The goal of this project?</h5>I&nbsp;plan to start a&nbsp;fully functional laboratory and research team, create high-quality experimental data on selected molecules and based on them, try to build cooperation with industrial partners. Without data, it is impossible to come to companies with just an idea. Within three years, I&nbsp;would like to have results that can be realistically presented and further developed.<h5>What are the main challenges in transport phenomena during photocatalysis?</h5>The methodology for repeatability of experiments in photochemistry is relatively demanding and there are unforeseen obstacles in building apparatus. Also, the scale-up from microliters to a&nbsp;larger scale.<h5>What methodology will you use, and how big are the microreactors and their flow rates?</h5>I&nbsp;have two different directions in methodological design. The first direction involves microreactors the size of a&nbsp;laboratory slide. You make a&nbsp;structure using a&nbsp;laser, and then you have to cast it and make a&nbsp;microreactor. This allows you to quickly adjust the geometry of the reactor. This method is, of course, not applicable in the commercial setting, but it is ideal for studying transport phenomena and precise measurements.The second direction involves reactors that are flow cells. These are already larger, approximately 15 x 15 centimetres, and their flow rates are in the order of millilitres per hour. This is the initial scale that we will further increase during the project.<h5>There is a&nbsp;big difference between a&nbsp;flow rate of microlitres per hour and industrial needs. Will it not work differently in reality?</h5>Our research will focus on studying the phenomena themselves for now, and scaling will be addressed later. In addition, we will combine the experimental data obtained with computer simulations that will help design suitable conditions for a&nbsp;larger scale. For some high-value fine chemicals, these scales, combined with continuous operation or parallelization of reactors, may already be practically usable.<h5>What catalysts will you use and how will you attach them to the reactor walls?</h5>I&nbsp;am focusing on heterogeneous photocatalysis, and we will mainly use graphitic carbon nitride and its more advanced modifications. These are semiconductor materials that can be synthesized relatively easily and are suitable for immobilization on glass reactor walls. A&nbsp;key part of this project is the creation of a&nbsp;stable catalytic layer for long-term flow-through operations. To increase the contact of reactants with the catalyst, we will also consider multiphase modes, for example, gas bubbling, in order to disrupt the otherwise laminar flow.<h5>Why did you choose this field and the Department of Chemical Engineering?</h5>During my postdoc in Belgium, the department had an opening for an Assistant Professor position that caught my attention and I&nbsp;applied for it. I&nbsp;did my undergraduate, graduate, and initial doctoral studies here, and I&nbsp;love the department. I&nbsp;have a&nbsp;Bachelor’s&nbsp;degree in Chemistry.<h5>Are you collaborating with anyone?</h5>We collaborate with BUT Brno focusing on creating layers and immobilizing catalysts on glass, as well as with the Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic. And as for organic synthesis, we are connected with Ghent University via postdoc internships. At the same time, my colleague Viola Tokárová and I&nbsp;received a&nbsp;Czech Science Foundation grant in cooperation with BUT Brno and Masaryk University, with our part of the project focusing on the use of flow reactors for photochemical reactions and testing the antibacterial properties of photocatalytic materials. And I&nbsp;am writing other grant proposals in which I&nbsp;am trying to build new collaborations.<h5>What does the creation of an independent research group at UCT Prague look like?</h5>I&nbsp;started by renovating the premises that were assigned to me and gradually building my team. It is important for research work to have Ph.D. students; I&nbsp;have already hired one and we will recruit more. In addition to building the group, I&nbsp;will engage in securing further funding for the group, so I&nbsp;will be writing more grant proposals. It is important to think far enough in advance when it comes to prospective funding for a&nbsp;research group.<h5>What type of students are you looking for?</h5>The laboratory and team I&nbsp;are building will be very multidisciplinary, just like the area I&nbsp;am working on. That is why I&nbsp;am looking for students who are attracted to true multidisciplinary research, those who, for example, have knowledge of engineering, but who don’t&nbsp;mind a&nbsp;little bit of pure chemistry. One student in their own right does not have to (and cannot) know every subject, so I&nbsp;will ideally have a&nbsp;team consisting of different people with different research backgrounds. Motivated, DIY-type students who would rather enthusiastically build or invent something themselves than conduct repetitive measurements. Organic or analytical chemists will also find their place here. If this topic is interesting to students in any way, they can definitely contact me. I&nbsp;am also open to interdepartmental cooperation with other UCT Prague Faculties.<h5>How would you describe your path to photocatalysis/chemical engineering?</h5>Studying Chemistry as an undergrad gave me a&nbsp;broad perspective, but I&nbsp;was gradually narrowing my focus and eventually chose engineering. Chemical engineering intrigued me with its logic and was the easiest for me to grasp at the time. But I&nbsp;have always enjoyed working on projects more than the studies themselves. Even during my Bachelor studies, I&nbsp;really enjoyed and was interested in the Professor Štěpánek Group’s&nbsp;projects, where I&nbsp;was doing something completely different than I&nbsp;do&nbsp;now. I&nbsp;only got into photochemistry during my time at CAS and then, during my postdoctoral fellowship, I&nbsp;devoted myself to electrochemistry. My current focus is, thus, a&nbsp;natural interlinking of all these areas. Consequentially, I&nbsp;developed an awareness of the necessity to become independent and return to the department with my own, different research agenda, which, in my opinion, is an important and correct basis for establishing my own research group.<h5>What is the biggest challenge of this project for you?</h5>The transition from being a&nbsp;postdoc to a&nbsp;leadership position is a&nbsp;big change for me and I&nbsp;think it is not talked about enough. It means a&nbsp;shift from my own experimental work to leading a&nbsp;team, planning and delegating tasks, and motivating students. From a&nbsp;practical point of view, one of the main challenges is the transfer of reactions from the microscale to functional systems, the construction of reactors, the immobilization of catalysts, and generally confirming that this direction makes sense in the long term and that it has future potential.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/VSCHT_Praha_Na_startovaci_grant_jsem_cekala_dva_roky_a_napsala_deset_verzi_projektu_1_66ac267e06.jpg" alt="VŠCHT Prague/Tomáš Balický: I waited two years for a start-up grant and wrote ten versions of my project idea" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_VSCHT_Praha_Na_startovaci_grant_jsem_cekala_dva_roky_a_napsala_deset_verzi_projektu_1_66ac267e06.jpg 155w," sizes="100vw" width="830" height="839">

I waited two years for a start-up grant and wrote ten versions of my project idea

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The University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague is a natural centre of first-rate study and research in the area of chemistry in Czechia and is one of the country's largest educational and research institutions focused on technical chemistry, chemical and biochemical technologies, material and chemical engineering, food chemistry, and environmental studies.

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Waters Corporation

Accelerating Routine Food &amp; Beverage Testing with Optimized Methods
Explore the latest technology and methodology solutions to help you deliver results more easily and efficiently for routine Food and Beverage QC testing for : Sugars, Sugar Substitutes Additives, Vitamins and Amino Acids.
<h3>EPISODE 2 - Sugar Additives Analysis</h3>
<h3>Agenda</h3>
<h4>Developing Efficient Methodologies for Sugar Substitute Analysis</h4>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Dr. Jinchuan Tran (Principal Scientist - Waters​)</li>
</ul>
Sugar taxes and consumer demand for sugar-free versions of popular beverage brands have seen a continued increase in the development of diet and zero sugar products. Analyzing sugar substitutes and other ingredients in food and beverages is an important assay to ensure a product is within specification. The concentration and combination of different sweeteners in beverages are key to a product’s characteristic flavor and need to be consistent wherever the product is manufactured. In this talk, we will explore how Waters separation technologies can support the development of efficient methodologies for the routine analysis of sugar
<h4>Increase your laboratory efficiency with Empower</h4>
Speaker: to be announced
Abstract: Increase your laboratory efficiency with Empower. Learn how Empower&#39;s system suitability checks and custom calculation fields can help streamline food and beverage testing. Ensure system readiness, simplify workflows, and eliminate transcription errors.
Three methods of sweeteners: Steviol, Acesulfame, and Sucralose on soda and tea matrices
<ul>
<li>Presenter: to be announced</li>
</ul>
Abstract: Available soon
<h5>Live Q&amp;A session</h5>
<ul>
<li>Moderator: Cecile Pinto (Food &amp; Environmental Market Development Manager, South Europe - Waters)
</li>
<li>Speaker: Dr. Jinchuan Yang (Principal Scientist - Waters)
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Jinchuan Yang (Principal Scientist, Scientific Operations, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Jinchuan Yang is a principal scientist in the Scientific Operations at Waters Corporation. Since he joined Waters in 2002, his roles at Waters have mainly focused on application development, marketing development, as well as support for R&amp;D and training. His main technical expertise is in the food and the environmental analysis areas as well as in material characterization. He volunteers in technical groups at AOAC International and USP and serves as a member of expert panels in these organizations.
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Analysis of Sugar Substitutes in Food and Beverages​

Analysis of Sugar Substitutes in Food and Beverages​

Topics: Developing Efficient Methodologies for Sugar Substitute Analysi; Increase your laboratory efficiency with Empower.

The scientific experience is critical to the success and efficiency of the entire laboratory ecosystem – from software and instruments to workflows and processes. Scientists need to be able to focus on their critical work, and not be burdened by challenges such as siloed data, manual processes, and old technology. It is critical that organizations keep pace with technological and scientific advancements, as those changes have a direct impact on how a lab operates.
The way that laboratory personnel need to interact with software, instruments, equipment, and systems makes a significant impact on their daily work. Access to mobile applications, barcode-driven workflows, voice control capabilities, and extended reality software provides innovative and easier ways for scientists to achieve their goals. New automation capabilities improve efficiency, eliminating manual intervention and streamlining processes and workflows in the lab. Improved tools, such as enhanced dashboards and new AI/ML capabilities, deliver knowledge from data and empower the scientist to make faster, more informed decisions. Lab software solutions built with pre-configured QA/QC capabilities provide an intuitive, easy process to execute typical scientific workflows with minimal training.
<h5>By attending this presentation you will learn about:</h5>
<ul>
<li>Novel ways to interact with LIMS - Mobile, barcode driven workflows, voice control, and extended reality</li>
<li>Delivering knowledge from data – Dashboards and data analytics, including AI/ML capabilities</li>
<li>Automation solutions - Drive Business Intelligence, eliminate manual intervention, and improve efficiency</li>
<li>Intuitive workflows – Easier, more simplified processes with pre-configured QA/QC capabilities</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Nicola Gardner (Senior Manager, Product Marketing – Digital Science Solutions, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
As Sr. Manager, Product Marketing for the Digital Science Solutions business at Thermo Fisher Scientific, Nicola leads the marketing strategy around our product portfolio, and describes to customers how they can apply laboratory software to move towards a smarter lab and digitally transform their business. A Masters in Analytical Chemistry and a wealth of laboratory experience provides Nicola with a solid understanding of process, data, and connectivity challenges. Nicola helps to drive discussion around technology adoption to inform businesses on their digital transformation journey and to enable scientists to spend more time focusing on science.
</blockquote>

Pixabay/Photo Mix: Enhancing the scientific experience using laboratory software

Enhancing the scientific experience using laboratory software

Novel ways to interact with LIMS. Delivering knowledge from data. Automation solutions. Intuitive workflows.

The scientific experience using laboratory software

Accelerating Routine Food &amp; Beverage Testing with Optimized Methods
Explore the latest technology and methodology solutions to help you deliver results more easily and efficiently for routine Food and Beverage QC testing for : Sugars, Sugar Substitutes Additives, Vitamins and Amino Acids.
<h3>EPISODE 2 - Sugar Additives Analysis</h3>
<h5>Developing Efficient Methodologies for Sugar Substitute Analysis</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Carsten Fischer, Ph.D. (Principal Technical Specialist Informatics Product Marketing EMEA - Waters)</li>
</ul>
Sugar taxes and consumer demand for sugar-free versions of popular beverage brands have seen a continued increase in the development of diet and zero sugar products. The concentration and combination of different sweeteners in beverages are key to a product’s characteristic flavor and need to be consistent wherever the product is manufactured. Analyzing sugar substitutes and other ingredients in food and beverages is an important assay to ensure a product is within specification. In this talk, we will explore how Waters separation technologies can support the routine analysis of sweeteners and other ingredients in beverages to ensure high and consistent quality of products.
<h5>Increase your laboratory efficiency with Empower</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Carsten Fischer, Ph.D. (Principal Technical Specialist Informatics Product Marketing EMEA - Waters)</li>
</ul>
Increase your laboratory efficiency with Empower. Learn how Empower&#39;s system suitability checks and custom calculation fields can help streamline food and beverage testing. Ensure system readiness, simplify workflows, and eliminate transcription errors.
<h5>Three methods of sweeteners: Steviol, Acesulfame, and Sucralose on soda and tea matrices</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Marie-Laure Riandiere (Laboratory Manager - Antartic)</li>
</ul>
We are pleased to receive a special guest Marie-Laure Riandière from the company Antartic SAS, Mousquetaires group. A great thanks for their participation and collaboration to share their quality control expertise in our webinar. Marie-Laure Riandière and her team will be pleased to present their QC analysis of different sweeteners in beverages with HPLC systems and give some highlights on their methods , and chromatograms examples on various matrices.
<h5>Live Q&amp;A session</h5>
<ul>
<li>Moderator: Cecile Pinto (Food &amp; Environmental Market Development Manage, South Europe - Waters)
</li>
<li>Presenter: Carsten Fischer, Ph.D. (Principal Technical Specialist Informatics Product Marketing EMEA - Waters)
</li>
<li>Presenter: Carsten Fischer, Ph.D. (Principal Technical Specialist Informatics Product Marketing EMEA - Waters)
</li>
<li>Presenter: Marie-Laure Riandiere (Laboratory Manager - Antartic)
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Jinchuan Yang (Principal Scientist, Scientific Operations, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Jinchuan Yang is a principal scientist in the Scientific Operations at Waters Corporation. Since he joined Waters in 2002, his roles at Waters have mainly focused on application development, marketing development, as well as support for R&amp;D and training. His main technical expertise is in the food and the environmental analysis areas as well as in material characterization. He volunteers in technical groups at AOAC International and USP and serves as a member of expert panels in these organizations.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Carsten Fischer, Ph.D. (Principal Technical Specialist Informatics Product Marketing, EMEA, Waters)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Carsten Fischer, Ph.D., joined Waters in 2004. After a number of years in the Empower data support group, in business development and in informatics sales, his current role is principal technical specialist in the informatics product marketing group for the EMEA region. He provides internal support for Empower CDS Software and is focused on enterprise informatics, compliance, and data science.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Marie-Laure Riandiere (Laboratory Manager, Antartic SAS)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Marie-Laure Riandiere joined Antartic SAS in 1990 and is Laboratory Manager since 2015
</blockquote>

Developing Efficient Methodologies for Sugar Substitute Analysis. Laboratory efficiency with Empower. Three methods of sweeteners...

How about a 20 minute coffee break along with a bite of Empower? Here you go!
Increase the resilience of your lab operations with the Empower™ Business Continuity (BC) LAC/E™ &amp; SecureSync™.
Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity are theoretical exercises…until they aren’t.
Prepare a coffee and join!
<blockquote>
Presenter: Carsten Fischer (Informatics Product Marketing Manager·Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Experienced Business Development Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the Research Industry. Skilled in Chemistry, Life Sciences, Strategic Planning, and Laboratory Informatics. 
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Empower Business Continuity (BC) LAC/E & SecureSync

Empower Business Continuity (BC) LAC/E & SecureSync

Complement your #Empower CDS with sample management, equipment inventory and data archiving.

This seminar introduces a powerful feature in OpenLab CDS: Custom Calculator.
OpenLab CDS users or chromatographers thinking of moving to OpenLab CDS from another data system can see how this unique feature allows the addition of user defined chromatography calculations directly into the OpenLab CDS data system.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Kathleen O&#39;Dea (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Kathleen O’Dea has a 20 year history with Agilent’s OpenLab products. As an Informatics Application Engineer, Kathleen has visited customers around the world in a wide variety of market areas, helping them to select and implement OpenLab software products.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Introducing the Custom Calculator in OpenLab CDS

Introducing the Custom Calculator in OpenLab CDS

Powerful feature in OpenLab CDS: Custom Calculator.

Integration is essential to chromatography for the identification and determination of peak area and height.
Although Software does an excellent job with integration, chromatography is not always perfect and careful consider must be given to integration.
In this presentation, three essential integration topics are covered: Integration parameters--some basic parameters must be understood when reviewing chromatography to ensure optimal analyses. Integration techniques--the most appropriate for solving some common problems are discussed. Finally, manual intervention--given the overall goal to achieve robust integration, when and why manual integration should be performed.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Greg Hunlen (Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Gregory Hunlen has served as an Application Scientist with Agilent Technologies since 2012. He applies his expertise to the Agilent Infinity II series of LC instruments, providing knowledge of LC solutions such as two dimensional LC and LCMSD workflows. He also delivers product demonstrations and lunch &amp; learns. As a key value, Greg likes to talk about maximizing the use of all features our technologies provide. Often, instruments are under-utilized perhaps as a lack of understanding of all that they can offer. When we explore these features, we discover that we can truly optimize the efficiencies of our instruments. Prior to joining Agilent, Greg spent 20 + years in the pharmaceutical research industry on the liquid phase chromatography side of drug development.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: HPLC Integrate with Confidence

HPLC Integrate with Confidence

Integration parameters--some basic parameters must be understood when reviewing chromatography to ensure optimal analyses.

Are you an analyst, manager, or reviewer who needs to get work done but may not be in the lab?
Especially important today, remote access is a key feature that can increase productivity, reduce compliance costs and is a key part of a disaster recovery plan. This virtual seminar introduces options for thin client technology enabling all Masshunter, ChemStation or OpenLab CDS products to be accessed outside the lab, whether this is at from nearby desks, across sites, or from home.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Mike Ratto (Lab Informatics Applications Specialist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Mike Ratto has been with Agilent for 29 years as a field representative for both hardware and software products. In his current role as an Informatics Application Specialist, Mike presents technical solutions of OpenLab family of products to customers all over the world.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Agilent Software products and Architecture to enable work from home options

Agilent Software products and Architecture to enable work from home options

Options for thin client technology enabling all Masshunter, ChemStation or OpenLab CDS products to be accessed outside the lab.

Agilent Software products and Architecture to enable work

Are you an analyst, manager, or reviewer who follows the social distancing guidelines but need to get work done without full access to your lab?
Especially important today, Remote Access is a key feature that can increase productivity, reduce compliance costs and can be an integral part of a disaster recovery plan. This virtual seminar introduces options using “Thin Client technology which enables all Masshunter, ChemStation or OpenLab CDS products to be accessed outside the lab, whether this is at from nearby desks, across sites, or from home.
Our learning objectives during this 1 hour session are as follows:
<ul>
<li>An introduction to “Thin Client” technology
</li>
<li>Data and instrument access options from lab, office or home with OpenLab
</li>
<li>Learn technology options that support Social Distancing in the laboratory
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Mike Ratto (Lab Informatics Applications Specialist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Mike Ratto has been with Agilent for 29 years as a field representative for both hardware and software products. In his current role as an Informatics Application Specialist, Mike presents technical solutions of OpenLab family of products to customers all over the world.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: OpenLab CDS/ECM Remote Access Solutions to support Social Distancing in the Lab

OpenLab CDS/ECM Remote Access Solutions to support Social Distancing in the Lab

Options using “Thin Client technology which enables all Masshunter, ChemStation or OpenLab CDS products to be accessed outside the lab.

OpenLab CDS/ECM Remote Access Solutions

Agilent has a suite of products that help you advance your laboratory operations and meet new social distancing guidelines.
Crosslab Connect can utilize data collected in OpenLab ECM to capture lab-wide instrument utilization data and present them in dashboards helping you increase efficiency with data driven decisions concerning your instrument assets. iLab operations software is a web based lab and instrument management tool that can help you schedule and share instrument resources so only a planned amount of users can use the intended space or equipment.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Melissa Zeier (Applications Expert, Lab Productivity Solutions)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Melissa has been in the drug development, testing, and laboratory services industries for approximately 15 years. She began her career in big pharma working in high throughput biomarker testing, then moved into the pre-clinical contract testing field specializing in chiral analyte method development for LC-MS/MS. Melissa transitioned to auditing GLP bioanalytical studies before exercising her expertise in the pharma and biopharma sectors as a business intelligence analyst, driving product and service development in the pre-clinical testing industry for a top 3 preclinical CRO prior to joining Agilent. Now, with Agilent, Melissa works in a presales capacity to assist with technical topics and conversations about laboratory productivity solutions. Melissa has a B.S. in Chemistry with minors in Cellular Biology and Mathematics, an M.S. in Analytical Chemistry, and an M.A. in Applied Economics.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Rick Chrisos (Account Manager, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Rick primarily works with enterprise research administration and lab operations across the United States. Dual-wielding as a newly minted member of the Informatics Product Specialist and Team Lead for iLab Operations Software Americas, Rick is responsible for designing solutions to enable his clients to digitize their lab into a virtual landscape. Outside of his role with Agilent, Rick enjoys an active outdoor lifestyle as a “New Englander” and can often be seen accompanied by his dogs. Rick holds a B.S. in Business Administration &amp; Marketing from University of Massachusetts, Amherst.​
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Advance Laboratory Operations by Measuring Instrument Utilization and Scheduling Assets to Meet Social Distancing

Advance Laboratory Operations by Measuring Instrument Utilization and Scheduling Assets to Meet Social Distancing

Suite of products that help you advance your laboratory operations and meet new social distancing guidelines.

Crosslab Connect and data collected in OpenLab ECM

<h4>Intro</h4>
Mnova MSChrom is a vendor agnostic desktop application for review, processing, analysis, and interrogation of LC/MS data.
<h4>Overview</h4>
Mnova MSChrom brings expert tools to the desktop user, with game changing enhancements in peak picking, spectral display, and spectral subtraction.
<h4>What to expect</h4>
<ul>
<li>Introduction of the new ‘enhanced peak picking’ algorithm</li>
<li>Instantly display the information you want to see, how you want to see it – MS Navigator</li>
<li>Subtract the background or any signal from your LC/MS experiment</li>
<li>Search and compare MS database hits</li>
<li>Automate meta-analysis, databasing, reporting with Mnova Gears</li>
</ul>
<h4>Key points</h4>
<ul>
<li>Updated functionality – Mnova MSChrom is a competitive desktop application for LC/MS</li>
<li>Extensibility – Mestrelab Research provides scripting, API and automation for heterogeneous and high throughput laboratories</li>
<li>Continuous improvement – committed to developing the capabilities that you desire</li>
</ul>
<h4>Who should attend?</h4>
Those using hyphenated MS techniques, especially LC/MS with a need to review, process and analyze data away from the instrument.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Gavin Shear (Business Development Manager, Mestrelab)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Gavin brings over 20 years of experience in the software industry, including previous work with SCIEX as a Mass Spectrometry test lead, also as senior applications scientist for a major cheminformatics company.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Gavin received his Honours degree in Chemistry at the University of Waterloo in Canada. After graduation, he experienced life as a Chemist in several industries including pharmaceutical analysis, agricultural research and oil additives. Notably, Gavin incepted the Applications Science team at ACD//Labs helping to connect scientists to emerging technologies such as computer aided structure elucidation, and high throughput laboratory automation. After a 4 year stint at mass spectrometry manufacturer SCIEX, he joins Mestrelab Research with a wealth of practical experience and enthusiasm for his work. In his spare time, Gavin is a semi-professional musician, playing several instruments, including guitars, woodwinds, and brass.
</blockquote>

Mestrelab Research: Advances in Processing and Analysis of Hyphenated MS Experiments

Advances in Processing and Analysis of Hyphenated MS Experiments

Description of expert tools with game changing enhancements in peak picking, spectral display, and spectral substraction using Mnova MSChrom.

LCMS webinars focusing on Software - page 31

Advances in Processing and Analysis of Hyphenated MS Experiments

Analysis of Sugar Substitutes in Food and Beverages

Analysis of Sugar Substitutes in Food and Beverages

Empower Business Continuity (BC) LAC/E & SecureSync

Enhancing the scientific experience using laboratory software

Advance Laboratory Operations by Measuring Instrument Utilization and Scheduling Assets to Meet Social Distancing

OpenLab CDS/ECM Remote Access Solutions to support Social Distancing in the Lab

Agilent Software products and Architecture to enable work from home options

HPLC Integrate with Confidence

Introducing the Custom Calculator in OpenLab CDS

Related content

Regulated Drinking Water Testing: PFAS Detection, Sample Prep & Real Lab Insights

I waited two years for a start-up grant and wrote ten versions of my project idea

MDCW: The Premier Up-and-Coming Event in Chromatography

LCMS webinars focusing on Software - page 31

Advances in Processing and Analysis of Hyphenated MS Experiments

Analysis of Sugar Substitutes in Food and Beverages​

Analysis of Sugar Substitutes in Food and Beverages​

Empower Business Continuity (BC) LAC/E & SecureSync

Enhancing the scientific experience using laboratory software

Advance Laboratory Operations by Measuring Instrument Utilization and Scheduling Assets to Meet Social Distancing

OpenLab CDS/ECM Remote Access Solutions to support Social Distancing in the Lab

Agilent Software products and Architecture to enable work from home options

HPLC Integrate with Confidence

Introducing the Custom Calculator in OpenLab CDS

Related content

Regulated Drinking Water Testing: PFAS Detection, Sample Prep & Real Lab Insights

I waited two years for a start-up grant and wrote ten versions of my project idea

MDCW: The Premier Up-and-Coming Event in Chromatography

Analysis of Sugar Substitutes in Food and Beverages

Analysis of Sugar Substitutes in Food and Beverages