Biophysical chemistry and mass spectrometry lab
Welcome to the Donald Group!
Research interests
Mass spectrometry is a core enabling technology that is used in many emerging and existing scientific fields.
We are developing and applying experimental methods in mass spectrometry with an emphasis on fundamental and applied problems in chemistry and biochemistry.
Our current objectives are to:
- Significantly improve the rapid detection of organic molecules, biomarkers, and proteins with ultrahigh sensitivity by use of advanced ionization, ion mobility and tandem mass spectrometry methods.
- Understand the molecular origins of cellular heterogeneity by developing novel single cell mass spectrometry methodologies.
- Develop high-performance, portable ion detectors in silicon chips that operate at ambient pressure for the detection of many different chemicals nearly simultaneously.
- Discover and explore the mechanisms of chemical reactions that are mediated by transition metal complexes and catalysts using ion-molecule reactions, ion fragmentation methods, and ion spectroscopy.
Our research is highly interdisciplinary and we actively collaborate with other researchers in pharmacology & medicinal chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, molecular biology, proteomics, surface and materials chemistry, physical chemistry and electrical engineering.
