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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Science and research

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.

UCT Prague

Organomation, founded in 1959, designs and manufactures high-quality nitrogen evaporators and extraction systems. Known for innovation and durability, their lab instruments are used globally for efficient sample preparation with strong customer support.

Organomation

Separation Science

Agilent Technologies

Phenomenex

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Wasson-ECE Instrumentation

SelectScience

Waters Corporation

Dioxins and POPs analysis is evolving as historic instrumentation reaches its limits and obsolescence. Learn how you can equip your lab for the future with APGC-MS/MS technology that simplifies operation while exceeding regulatory performance requirements.
Join our webinar to find out how APGC could improve your methods with: 
<ul>
<li>Sensitivity</li>
<li>Selectivity</li>
<li>Robustness</li>
</ul>
You will also hear from the industry experts about their experiences about APGC and how it helps to advance them further and stay in line (or exceed) regulatory limits, while also dealing with throughput demands.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Rhys Jones (Principal Consulting Scientist, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Rhys has worked for Waters in research and development for 20 years with a strong focus on gas chromatography mass spectrometry. ​The early part of his career was spent developing and supporting the AutoSpec magnetic sector instrument. ​One of his current responsibilities is the research, development and support of the atmospheric pressure gas chromatography (APGC) chemical ionization source, which has allowed the full range of Waters’ mass spectrometry techniques to be applied to GC analyses.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Janitha de Alwis (JD) (Senior Applications Chemist, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Janitha de Alwis (known as JD) is an applications chemist in the European demo lab, based in Wilmslow, UK. His main role focuses on application development work for the food and environmental sector. JD takes great pride in speaking to, and advising, many food and environmental customers. His position requires him to be reactive and proactive to the changes in the food industry, such as changing regulations, topical issues and food safety risks.
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Change the Game Part I - POPs Analysis with Atmospheric Pressure GC (APGC)

Change the Game Part I - POPs Analysis with Atmospheric Pressure GC (APGC)

Join our webinar to find out how APGC could improve your methods with: Sensitivity, Selectivity, Robustness.

Part I - POPs Analysis with Atmospheric Pressure GC (APGC)

Webinars will cover the following Gas Chromatography topics:
<ul>
<li>6/27 - Vaporizers for LPG Samples</li>
<li>7/11 - Dynamic Blending for Linearity and LDL</li>
<li>7/18 - GC Valves: Purposes and Service</li>
<li>7/25 - Calibration Techniques for Accurate Data</li>
<li>8/1 - Sample Capture, Transport, and Introduction</li>
<li>8/8 - GC Detectors I: PDHID and SCD</li>
<li>8/15 - GC Autosamplers for Gas and LPG Samples</li>
<li>8/22 - GC Detectors II: The Strengths of Mass Spectrometry</li>
<li>8/29 - Methanizers for Trace CO &amp; CO2</li>
<li>9/5 - Training Program for GC Operators</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: John Wasson (President, Wasson-ECE Instrumentation, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
John Wasson has over 40 years of experience in Gas Chromatography and Chemical Instrumentation.
</blockquote>

Wasson-ECE Instrumentation: Free GC Webinar Series

Training Program for GC Operators

Pyrolysis is one of the most challenging analysis types in GC-MS.
A lot of matrices and analytes that are not volatile can be analyzed with pyrolysis. This can be samples from the industrial field such as plastic bottles or car tires, environmental samples and food samples. The spectra is broad. Every sample contains its own issues.
Our pyrolysis expert in this session is Dr. Michael Soll from Frontier Labs who will answer all your questions on pyrolysis, from plastic samples, to micro and nano plastic, from qualitative results to quantitative results.
This webinar is relevant for:
<ul>
<li>Researchers from the food, plastic and environmental field
</li>
<li>Control and governmental labs
</li>
<li>Plastic manufactures
</li>
<li>Cosmetic industry or research and control labs for this industry
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Michael Soll (European Business Development Manager, Frontier Laboratories Ltd)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Michael Soll studied biology and received his PhD in 1993 at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
He has over 25 years of experience in business development, marketing and sales at various companies active in analytical instrumentation and analytical services in Europe. His functional experience includes marketing, application and sales of LC- and GC-coupled mass spectrometry, MALDI-TOF MS and chromatographic tools. End of 2014, he joined Frontier Laboratories, a global leading company in GC/MS coupled analytical pyrolysis. Here, he is managing and supporting distribution partners and supports users of analytical pyrolyzers in whole Europe in terms of applications and technical concerns.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
His most recent employment history is as follows:
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Frontier Laboratories Ltd, Koriyama, Japan, 2014 to present: European Business Development Manager - Responsible for support of distribution partners and users in Europe, marketing directed to sales channels and customers
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
LECO Germany, Mönchengladbach, Germany, 2008 to 2014: Managing Director - Responsible for achievement of sales targets, strategic directions, marketing and service optimization.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
SGS, Geneva, Switzerland, 2006 to 2008: Business development manager biopharma quality control Europe.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
ABSciex, Darmstadt, Germany, 1999 to 2006: Sales Manager Proteomics products in DACH territory: increase sales of Mass Spectrometry and Chromatography products.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Petra Gerhards (Regional Marketing Manager GC&amp;GC-MS, EMEA, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Petra holds a diploma engineer in instrumentalized analytical chemistry from the Technical University Krefeld/Germany. For more than 30 years, she worked in the field of GC and GC-MS and covered many technologies in GC and GC-MS. Currently, she supports users and customer application teams all over EMEA in her position as EMEA Regional Marketing Manager.
</blockquote>

Thermo Scientific: Ask-the-expert on the analysis of microplastics with pyrolysis GC-MS

Ask-the-expert on the analysis of microplastics with pyrolysis GC-MS

Questions on pyrolysis, from plastic samples, to micro and nano plastic, from qualitative results to quantitative results.

The analysis of microplastics with pyrolysis GC-MS

Testing for pesticides, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and other semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) traditionally requires labour-intensive sample handling and preparation that utilise large sample and solvent quantities at a considerable cost for our environmental analytical chemistry testing laboratories.
Join this webinar and discover an automated workflow to reduce solvent usage and costs, increase sample throughput, and improve data quality.
In this webinar, Dan Carrier, a specialist at ThermoFisher Scientific, will discuss how liquid-liquid extractions for SVOC analysis can be automated for high throughput environmental testing using the Thermo Scientific TriPlus RSH SMART autosampler coupled to GC-MS. Dan will share customer experiences with automation and a recent collaboration with John Quick at ALS Environmental using Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction (DLLME) for environmental contaminants. A video will show the instrumentation in action!
Learning points:
<ul>
<li>How to significantly reduce labor-time for sample preparation
</li>
<li>How to save costs on solvent usage and reduce waste 
</li>
<li>How to improve data quality and reliability through automation 
</li>
<li>How to increase confidence in meeting regulatory requirements
</li>
</ul>
Who should attend:
<ul>
<li>Environmental and water testing laboratories 
</li>
<li>Laboratory scientists and technicians using GC 
</li>
<li>Analytical chemistry laboratory managers
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dan Carrier (Senior Applications GC &amp; GC-MS Specialist, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dan Carrier is a Senior Applications GC Specialist at Thermo Fisher Scientific where he is developing analytical methods and providing customer support in GC and GC/MS. He is a strong advocate of Laboratory Automation and he has been working on Automated Sample Preparation methods for many years. Dan has previously worked at GSK and Anatune.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Daniela Cavagnino (Product Marketing Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Daniela Cavagnino received a Master Degree in Chemistry at the University of Milan, Italy. She started her career in gas chromatography at Thermo Fisher Scientific spending several years in the R&amp;D laboratories working on GC technology innovation and more than 15 years in product and marketing management roles promoting GC/GCMS technology and applications.
</blockquote>

Thermo Scientific: Reducing costs for environmental companies through advances in automation

Reducing costs for environmental companies through advances in automation

Automated workflow to reduce solvent usage and costs, increase sample throughput, and improve data quality.

Reducing costs for environmental companies

Headspace sampling is a powerful GC introduction technique that, when used appropriately, can reduce or eliminate most sample prep and improve throughput.
Several applications are defined using headspace samplers (USP &lt;467&gt;, blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for forensics, and volatiles in water), but there are many eligible candidates. Is headspace a better fit for your sample and analytes? You might be surprised! Let’s review the principles of headspace and start thinking about headspace potential.
All current and prospective GC-Headspace users can gain knowledge from this event. Consumables, columns, and accessories available for Agilent Headspace GC systems are discussed. New and existing software tools and intelligent features are demonstrated on the Agilent 8697 Headspace platform.
By attending this presentation you will:
<ul>
<li>Gain a better understanding of when it is more appropriate to use headspace versus liquid injection
</li>
<li>Learn how to add headspace capabilities to your laboratory in a practical and economical way
</li>
<li>Refresh your knowledge on the tools and workflows that the most advanced headspace labs use to maximize efficiency
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Adam Bivens (Product Manager - GC Headspace, Agilent)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Adam Bivens is the Product Manager of GC Headspace at Agilent. A chemical engineer turned chromatographer, Adam has over 10 years of experience in both liquid and gas chromatography products. Before joining Agilent, Adam was a customer using GC to analyze fuel cells and electrolyzers.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Abbey Fausett (Applications Chemist - Gas Phase Separations Division, Agilent)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Abbey Fausett is an applications chemist within Agilent’s Gas Phase Separations Division, where she develops methods and training focused on new features released in GC and GC/MS systems. Before joining Agilent in 2011, she was an Agilent customer for 10+ years, dedicated to multi-technique method development and validation.
</blockquote>

Separation Science: How to decide between liquid or headspace sampling and recent improvements in headspace technology

How to decide between liquid or headspace sampling and recent improvements in headspace technology

Is headspace a better fit for your sample and analytes?

How to decide between liquid or headspace sampling

In this session, join Pascal Fuchsmann, Head of Flavor Analytics at the Agroscope research center, and Stefan Cretnik, Product Manager at CTC Analytics as they discuss a fully automated approach to vacuum in-tube extraction (V-ITEX), a simple and fully automated technique using PAL system autosamplers.
The application examples include flavors, fragrances, off-flavors, pesticides, and biomarkers by extractions directly from the food sample matrix, such as honey, bee wax, cheese, onions, blood, and urine.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Ederina Ninga (Postdoc, Research Group for Analytical Food Chemistry, Danish Technical University)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Gwen Lim (Specialist for automated sample preparation, CTC Analytics)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Thomas Preiswerk (Senior Account Manager, CTC Analytics)
</blockquote>

SelectScience: Analysis of flavors, pesticides, and biomarkers directly from complex food matrix using the automated vacuum in-tube extraction (V-ITEX)

Analysis of flavors, pesticides, and biomarkers directly from complex food matrix using the automated vacuum in-tube extraction (V-ITEX)

Fully automated approach to vacuum in-tube extraction (V-ITEX).

Automated vacuum in-tube extraction (V-ITEX)

Key Learning Points:
<ul>
<li>Learn different sample preparation techniques, including solid support liquid extraction, Quechers and SPE
</li>
<li>How to develop a SPE method based on sample matrix and compound properties
</li>
<li>The challenge and workflow in the food Industry
</li>
</ul>
Who Should Attend:
<ul>
<li>Any beginner or intermediate scientists looking to learn more about sample preparation</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Grace Guo (Senior Technical Specialist, Phenomenex)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Grace graduated from the Johns Hopkins University with a Master’s degree in Material Science and Engineering in 2014. In her graduate study, she developed a low-voltage organic phototransistor with an organic small molecule. After her graduation she moved from the east coast to west coast because she loves the all year long sunshine in South California.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
She spent 3 years in a start-up company as Device Scientist doing single walled carbon nanotube separation and making thin film transistor with them. Most of her experience with Flash system are gained from there. In 2017, she joined Phenomenex as a Technical Specialist supporting globally, especially the Asia-Pacific area. Bilingual in Chinese and English makes it easy for her to communicate with customers in both US and China.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
At Phenomenex she has more opportunity to have hands-on experience in HPLC, GC and SPE. Discussing the crazy troubleshooting cases with other technical members improves her chromatographic skills every day!
</blockquote>

Phenomenex: Sample Prep for Crude Extraction Removal & SPE Method and Development

Sample Prep for Crude Extraction Removal & SPE Method and Development

Learn different sample preparation techniques, including solid support liquid extraction, Quechers and SPE.

Sample Prep for Crude Extraction Removal & SPE Method

Microplastics pose an alarming issue in India, as the country ranks third globally in plastic waste generation.
However, we are still at an early stage of understanding and mitigating its impact. The lack of regulatory guidelines and standardised methods leads to variations in results, hindering the comprehensive understanding of the issue. Join us as we uncover India&#39;s Microplastics problem- Challenges, Impact and Solutions. 
Gain in-depth insights and engage in discussions with our expert speakers: Dr. V Arya (a leading researcher &amp; Assistant Professor, Dept. of Environmental Engineering, IIT Delhi) will discuss:
<ul>
<li>Microplastics and their Impact on Environment and Human Health
</li>
<li>Prevalence and urgency of microplastics pollution in India
</li>
<li>Need for clear regulatory guidelines and standardized analytical solutions for characterizing microplastics in environmental samples.
</li>
</ul>
Dr. Andreas Kerstan (Product Specialist for Molecular Spectroscopy, Agilent Technologies, Germany) will present:
<ul>
<li>Agilent&#39;s innovative 8700 LDIR Chemical Imaging System, a faster and more reliable alternative for Microplastics Analysis
</li>
<li>How it outperforms traditional methods offering a fully automated workflow, high identification accuracy, repeatability, and enhanced sample throughput.
</li>
</ul>
Who Should Attend:
<ul>
<li>Environmental Researchers, 
</li>
<li>Environmental Regulators, 
</li>
<li>Professionals, and stakeholders in environmental labs and industries.
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. V Arya (Assistant Professor, Dept. of Environmental Engineering, IIT Delhi)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Arya V is an Assistant Professor at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. Her research interests include the occurrence and fate of emerging contaminants in the environment and affordable technologies for wastewater treatment with a special focus on the removal of emerging contaminants.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Andreas Kerstan (Product Specialist for Molecular Spectroscopy, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Andreas Kerstan works as a product specialist for Molecular Spectroscopy at Agilent Technologies in Germany. After his doctorate in 2011, he started at Agilent as an application chemist for FTIR and imaging and then two years later became a product specialist for the DACH region. For 3 years now he has also been responsible for the development of the new IR-based QCL imaging system LDIR 8700, which is specialized for the analysis of microplastics.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Tackling India's Microplastics Menace: Impact and Solutions

Tackling India's Microplastics Menace: Impact and Solutions

Microplastics and their Impact on Environment and Human Health.

Ensuring the cleanliness and integrity of substrates before bonding or coating is a crucial application in numerous industries.
Contaminants, even in trace amounts, can significantly impact a substrate&#39;s surface, affecting its stiction (static friction) properties. This, in turn, can lead to compromised bond strength and adhesive properties, causing premature wear and, ultimately, material failure.
Our webinar will delve into the cutting-edge technology of the Agilent 4300 handheld FTIR spectrometer, specially equipped with the specular reflectance interface. This powerful tool enables precise identification of substrate materials and evaluation of the presence of contaminants. Moreover, it allows for accurate quantification of these contaminants, ensuring your substrates meet the highest quality standards.
Why attend this webinar?
<ul>
<li>Understand the importance of substrate analysis identifying and characterizing various substrate materials.
</li>
<li>Gain insights into the cutting-edge Agilent 4300 handheld FTIR spectrometer.
</li>
<li>Discover practical techniques for detecting and characterizing various substrate materials and contaminants.
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Donald Inglis (Product Specialist EMEAI for FTIR, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Donald Inglis has worked in analytical instrumentation for over 30 years. He started his career as a field service engineer in chromatography and mass spectroscopy before moving into commercial sales; he has been a product specialist in portable and handheld FTIR and Raman systems at Agilent for over a decade. His role at Agilent involves advising customers on, and building solutions for, the various analytical challenges they face in their workspace.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Non-Destructive Analysis of Substrates and Contaminants by Handheld FTIR

Non-Destructive Analysis of Substrates and Contaminants by Handheld FTIR

Cutting-edge technology of the Agilent 4300 handheld FTIR spectrometer, specially equipped with the specular reflectance interface.

Non-Destructive Analysis of Substrates and Contaminant

In Part II we describe how Empower supports both Step 2 – Validation by translating your written SOP into an Empower Method Validation Manager (MVM) scheme and Step 3 – On-going verification through the setup of Trend reports in Empower

Waters Corporation: USP 1220 & ICH Q14-Q2(R2) Part II – Validation & Verification

USP 1220 & ICH Q14-Q2(R2) Part II – Validation & Verification

Validation by translating your written SOP into an Empower Method Validation Manager (MVM) scheme.