This research group uses cutting edge chromatographic methods, primarily comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC), to characterize and discriminate highly complex bioanalytical samples related to life, health, disease, and death. The complex comparative data obtained from comprehensive chemical analyses is transformed to understand forensic science and other life science applications, with a focus on developing chemical measurement tools to reach routine use in their fields.

Nontargeted Separations Laboratory: Laboratory

Research

The list of some current ongoing projects in the Nontargeted Separations Laboratory:

• Understanding the use of renewable carrier gas choices for comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography
• Characterizing volatile organic compounds from postmortem microorganisms commonly associated with decomposing remains
• Developing a method for latent fingermark characterization and nontargeted screening of fingermark contaminants
• Coordination of organic gunshot residue profiling using GC×GC-TOFMS with traditional SEM-EDX gunshot residue analysis
• Multiplatform bioanalytical methods for volatolomics and genomics of fermented beverages
• Evaluation of sample introduction and methods for decomposition volatile organic compounds analysis using hydrogen carrier gas

Nontargeted Separations Laboratory: Laboratory

People

Nontargeted Separations Laboratory: Katelynn Perrault Uptmor Group

Dr. Katelynn Perrault Uptmor

Dr. Kate Perrault Uptmor is Assistant Professor of Chemistry at William & Mary (W&M) and the Principle Investigator of this research group. She obtained her PhD from University of Technology Sydney in Australia and performed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Liège in Belgium. She also worked as a faculty member at Chaminade University of Honolulu in the Forensic Sciences/Chemistry program from 2017-2023 prior to coming to W&M in August 2023. Her research group is comprised of Undergraduate and Masters research students in the area of analytical chemistry. Her research focuses on using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) to uncover volatiles as mediator chemicals in processes associated with life, health, disease, and death. This research highlights the use of GC×GC in a wide range of fields has been recognized by a number of major awards including the ACS Satinder Ahuja Award for Young Investigators in Separation Science, the John B. Phillips Award, the Henry Dreyfus Teacher Scholar Award, and most recently being named for the second time to The Analytical Scientist’s Top 40 Under 40 Power List in 2022. In Dr. Perrault Uptmor’s free time she enjoys sailing, hiking, and exploring her new Virginia home with her husband and two dogs.

Dr. Katelynn Perrault Uptmor

Current Students

Breanna Christensen

Breanna Christensen recently began pursuing a Master of Science in Environmental Chemistry at William & Mary in the summer of 2025. She graduated with honors from Western Illinois University, earning a Bachelor of Science in forensic chemistry with minors in applied mathematics and environmental studies. To continue her research in environmental chemistry, she will use two-dimensional gas chromatography for volatile organic compound profiling of macroalgae co-cultured with clams and for studying canine scent detection of American foulbrood disease in honey bee larvae. Outside of the lab, Breanna enjoys exploring the outdoors with friends, dancing, watching movies, and spending time with family.

Abby Jones

Abby Jones is a member of the class of ‘27 and intends to major in both chemistry and biology. She has always wanted a career in forensic science and hopes to apply both her degrees and her work in this lab to future forensic jobs. Abby will be working on research involving GC×GC-TOFMS in forensic science fields. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and aspires to visit all 63 national parks as well as hike the whole Appalachian trail.

Sarah Foster

Sarah Foster began studying at William and Mary in the Fall of 2023 and is a Chemistry major. In this research laboratory, Sarah assists in running experiments related to comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography for nontargeted applications of fermented beverages such as kombucha. In her free time, Sarah enjoys listening to music, volunteering with various on-campus organizations, and watching movies and TV with her friends.

Kira Fisher

Kira started studying at William & Mary in the Fall of 2022 and will be graduating in 2026. She is a Chemistry major planning to work in research. Her project will focus on finding a more sustainable and efficient carrier gas in two-dimensional gas chromatography, hoping to further the use of two-dimensional gas chromatography in forensics and other laboratories. When she is not researching and studying, Kira enjoys playing soccer, watching movies, and spending time with her family.

Grace Saunders

Grace Saunders is a student in the class of 2026 and is majoring in Chemistry and minoring in Mathematics. She is working on the development of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) for use in the chemical analysis of gunshot residues. Her research goal is to devise a methodology so that GC×GC may be used to strengthen the credibility of gunshot residue as evidence in a forensic investigation. In her free time, she enjoys getting outdoors (especially going hiking!), baking, spending time with her friends and going to events with her social sorority, Tri Delta, and reading whatever she can get her hands on.

Virginia Weina

Virginia Weina is currently a first-year William and Mary student en route to graduate in 2027. She is currently planning to earn a degree in chemistry. Her work will focus on analyzing decomposition odors in submerged environments using GC×GC-TOFMS. While outside the lab, Virginia participates in many forms of physical activity, such as gymnastics, dance cardio, softball, and weight lifting.

Jackson Webb

Jackson Webb is a student in the class of 2028 at the College of William & Mary. He intends to major in either chemistry or biology. Jackson will take part in research that will involve comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography, and hopes to use this experience to pursue a job in the forensic science field.  When not in the lab, Jackson enjoys exploring the outdoors with his friends and reading books by Brandon Sanderson.

Madi O’Brien 

Madi O’Brien is a student in the class of 2027 and is majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Kinesiology. Her research is focused on using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC) to understand the presence of ignitable liquid residue in fire debris; as well as using software for data analysis and problem solving. In her free time, she likes to run half marathons, play field hockey, volunteer at the local shelter, and spend time with friends and her sorority, Chi Omega.

Nontargeted Separations Laboratory: Research