Emily R. Sekera

My academic training and research experience have provided me with a strong background in multiple disciplines including computational, biochemical, and analytical chemistry. As an undergraduate, I was able to conduct research in three separate research groups. Under the guidance of Dr. Paul Craig, I learned about programming, chemical education research, and the basics of mass spectrometry and proteomics. At my summer internship, I worked under Mr. Kenneth Marshall. In his lab I learned about computational chemistry and how it can be integrated into wet lab research to streamline the research process. In my last year of undergraduate work, I did research under Dr. Hans Schmitthenner. In his lab I realized my passion for wet chemistry and learned about organic synthesis and multiple different separations techniques. As a PhD student I have built upon my previous knowledge to propel me forward. In my work in the instrument center, I have gained knowledge on the use and maintenance of multiple mass spectrometers such as GC-MS, LC-MS, ICP-MS, Orbitrap and FT-ICR MS, as well as other instrumentation. I have also had the opportunity in this line of work to collaborate on projects that combine my expertise in mass spectrometry with other researchers to aid in their respective fields of research. This work has given me a strong background for my current research projects. Under the guidance of Dr. Troy Wood, I have been able to complete research in bio-analytical chemistry utilizing mass spectrometry to: identify and quantitate biomarkers for autism spectrum disorder, investigate the structures of proteins with implications in diabetes, and utilize imaging mass spectrometry to investigate lipids in multiple sclerosis. The culmination of these projects with my work experience have provided me with a strong background in the elucidation and quantification of metabolites utilizing various mass spectrometry techniques.