Anna Feerick

Kathy Peter’s SETAC Memorial Session

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Dr. Katherine Peter is widely recognized as a brilliant and compassionate scientist who contributed throughout her career to the advancement of varied environmental topics, spanning from the development of novel materials for the removal of contaminants in water to the discovery of roadway and tire rubber-derived chemicals that trigger mortality in salmon species. Through all her work, it is evident that she was passionate about protecting ecosystems and public health. She continuously pushed the boundaries of science and encouraged her colleagues to do the same. She was a community builder who rose far beyond the call of her positions as evidenced by her significant contributions to organizations such as the Best Practices for Non-Targeted Analysis (BP4NTA) working group, SETAC, and ES&T’s Early Career Editorial Advisory Board and numerous awards including the prestigious James J. Morgan ES&T Early Career Award (2021) and the BP4NTA Outstanding Service Award (2023), which has since been named for her.  Given the long-lasting impact of Dr. Peter’s research, this session will feature presentations describing recent advancements in the areas of environmental chemistry to which she significantly contributed. This will include the development of novel non-targeted high-resolution mass spectrometry methods and tools to identify, quantify, and trace the sources of unknown contaminants in the environment, as well as fabrication and testing of novel materials for the removal of contaminants. Presenters should specifically highlight the advancements that have been built upon her work and their broader impact in the scientific community. The Pacific North West was a special place in Dr. Peter’s professional and personal life, so it is fitting to honor her during SETAC NA held in Portland. This session provides friends and colleagues the opportunity to celebrate her scientific achievements together and to learn about the advancements in environmental chemistry and engineering that have been made possible by her contributions.

Abstract submission is open now through June 4 (no fee) or June 11 ($50 fee). You can submit your abstracts and learn more about SETAC NA 2025 here.

March Meeting: Ongoing Activites Update

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BP4NTA Leadership presented ongoing activities, including invitations to new subcommittees, updates for ongoing subcommittees, and further efforts toward BP4NTA’s goal of education and communication.

The list of topics to be discussed in this meeting includes:

  • The BP4NTA Study Planning Tool
  • The GC working group
  • The PFAS working group
  • The PFAS open-source tools review
  • Collaborations between BP4NTA and various metabolomics working groups
  • Educational material development (Brittany)
  • Kathy Peter memorial activities
  • BP4NTA website updates
  • BP4NTA finances
  • Events of interest

Click here to view the recording: 2025-03-18-meetingrecording.mp4

New Publications from BP4NTA members!

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ORD Scientists Publish Automated Quality Control Workflow for Non-Targeted Analysis (NTA)

The EPA’s Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure’s (CCTE’s) team and additional EPA collaborators published a paper in Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry titled “Automated QA/QC reporting for non-targeted analysis: a demonstration of INTERPRET NTA with de facto water reuse data.” Comprehensive standards do not yet exist to guide NTA quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures. Furthermore, no single software tool meets the needs for QA/QC review and documentation. To address these needs ORD researchers created “INTERPRET NTA” (Interface for Processing, Reviewing, and Translating NTA data), and show utility on a case study of water reuse NTA data.

CCTE contributors: Jon Sobus, Nickolas Sayre-Smith (ORISE), Alex Chao, Troy Ferland (ORISE), Tyler Carr (ORISE), Heather Whitehead, Matthew Boyce (ORISE), Elin Ulrich, and Tony Williams
Additional contributors: CPHEA’s Jeff Minucci, CEMM’s James McCord; and CESER’s Laura Brunelle and Angela Batt

CCTE Scientists Contribute to Study of Quantitative NTA Estimates of PFAS

CCTE’s Shirley Pu (ORISE), Nickolas Sayre-Smith (ORISE), and Jon Sobus contributed to a study in Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry titled “Examining environmental matrix effects on quantitative non-targeted analysis estimates of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.” While NTA outputs are often qualitative, concentration estimation is now possible using quantitative non-targeted analysis (qNTA) approaches. This study used a set of 19 PFAS to examine the impacts of drinking water and waste-activated sludge matrices on qNTA performance. Results suggest that reliable qNTA studies must use carefully produced matrix-matched calibration data.

Postdoctoral Fellow Environmental Chemistry (Borch)

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Link: https://jobs.colostate.edu/postings/157020

Position Details

Position LocationFort Collins, CO
Work LocationPosition is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional PositionYes
Posting Number202500132AP
Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification TitlePostdoctoral Fellows
Work Hours/Week40
Proposed Annual Salary Range$60,000-$80,000 Salary depends on years of experience post-degree.
Employee BenefitsColorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact. Review our detailed benefits information here. Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here. For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator. Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on02/24/2025 (Rolling applications, until a suitable candidate has been identified)
Description of Work UnitThe Department of Soil and Crop Sciences is focused on education, research, and outreach to solve the world’s most pressing food production issues and crucial matters about Earth, its ecosystems, and their services. Our faculty and staff apply research-based solutions to benefit Colorado and the world. We offer academic programs to prepare students to address national and global crop production, sustainability, and environmental quality challenges such as waste management, water quality, and reclamation of drastically disturbed lands. There are numerous opportunities for students to be involved in cutting edge research related to global food production and ecosystem function and protection.
Position SummaryThe post doctoral fellow will develop novel analytical methods for rapid contaminant and toxicity assessment of industrial wastewater. The postdoc will contribute to the design of a cutting-edge non-targeted analysis (NTA) and suspect screening analysis (SSA) methods using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and computational tools to detect and identify unknown or suspected chemicals in raw and treated oil and gas (O&G) produced water (PW).The research will focus on developing a novel approach for non-targeted analysis of compounds in produced water using Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME) in combination with Liquid Chromatography (LC) and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS). SPME offers a rapid, solvent-free method for sample preparation, while LC-HRMS enables precise identification and structural elucidation of both known and unknown contaminants at trace levels. This integrated method will be applied to assess the risk of compounds in treated produced water, with a particular focus on evaluating the environmental toxicity of these compounds.The postdoc will use laboratory measurements (including Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS), LC-Q-TOF MS, LC-QqQ-MS/MS, GC-MS, and SPME) characterize variability of organic constituents in treated and raw PW across the Permian. This will include characterization of chemical classes, and some specific constituents of interest. The postdoc will investigate the potential for using SPME and LC retention times as an effective method for assessing the toxicity risks of compounds present in PW.This position is initially funded as part of a 2 year grant program.
Required Job QualificationsPh.D. in analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, environmental engineering, environmental science or a related field by start of employment. Experience in mass spectrometry analysis, data processing, and/or interpretation. Experience in liquid- and gas chromatography. Relevant laboratory experience. The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date; the department will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Preferred Job QualificationsFourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry Proficiency in R, python, Matlab, or equivalent software for efficient data handling and organization. Expertise in Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME). Familiarity with manipulative experiments. Capabilities for teamwork and independent work. Environmental toxicology. Proficiency in handling moderate-to-large datasets and applying statistical analyses.

Essential Duties

Job Duty CategoryResearch
Duty/ResponsibilityDevelop non-targeted analysis methods for characterization of compounds in produced water using SPME in combination with LC and HRMS. Develop and pursue innovative techniques related to detection of water contaminants by mass spectrometry. Sample raw and treated produced water as well as “uncontaminated” environmental samples such as upstream river water and wetlands. Determine quantitative and qualitative variability in contaminant classes in produced water and natural environments. Develop database with produced water compounds and biomarkers Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments. Mentor students in the lab setting
Percentage Of Time70
Job Duty CategoryAuthorship and Grant Proposal Submission
Duty/ResponsibilityCommunicate research outcomes in scientific publications and presentations. Contribute to the development of grant proposals and progress reports.
Percentage Of Time30

Application Details

Special Instructions to ApplicantsTo apply, please upload a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications, a CV, an unofficial transcript, and the contact information for three professional references. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but for full consideration please apply by February 24, 2025.CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search ContactThomas Borch, Thomas.Borch@colostate.edu
EEOColorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, titleix@colostate.edu.The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, oeo@colostate.edu.The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, oeo@colostate.edu.Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education.
Background Check Policy StatementColorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

References Requested

Minimum Requested3
Maximum Requested3

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

  1. Cover Letter
  2. Curriculum Vitae
  3. Unofficial Transcripts

Call for Abstracts – Internation Conference on Non-Target Screening 2025

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Non-target screening and its applications are the focus of an INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE from October 13-16th, 2025, held in Erding, Germany and online. NTS users from all over the world and vendors from the field of instrumental analysis will present their latest results and applications in keynote lectures, lecture sessions, and poster sessions.

Apply for an Oral or Poster Presentation – until May 15th 2025 (late posters until August 31st 2025)
Templates for abstract submissions and further information are available at www.afin-ts.de/ICNTS25

Information regarding registration fees, early-bird registration, and accommodation is available, with early-bird fees open until June 15th.
For further details, please feel free to contact them via e-mail (education@afin-ts.de)

This conference will promote discussion on NTS main topics, such as:

  • NTS in Products of Daily Use
  • NTS in Health Care, Doping, and Forensics
  • NTS in Environmental Analysis
  • NTS in Food(omics)
  • NTS in Metabolomics
  • NTS in Process Monitoring
  • NTS in Commercial Solutions, Computational Mass Spectrometry
  • NTS with Quality Standards, Data Standardization, Harmonization and Reporting
ICNTS25-FlyerAbstractSubmission2502Download

February Meeting: Ben Place

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Ben Place, a Research Chemist within the Organic Chemical Metrology Group at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), will be giving a talk on “The NIST Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Interlaboratory Study – Exercise 1”. In addition to his work at NIST, Ben is one of the founding chairs of BP4NTA and the current leader of the BP4NTA Study Planning Tool working group.

This meeting will occur on Tuesday, February 18th, from 12 pm – 1 pm EST.

Abstract: As HRMS-based non-targeted analysis (NTA) techniques advance and become more routine, there is a significant need by the research community to understand the interlaboratory comparability of NTA methods and results. As part of a US Department of Defense-funded effort, researchers at NIST designed an interlaboratory study focused on the identification of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in three prepared extract samples. Thirty-four laboratories with experience performing NTA were shipped the samples with a standard reporting form; 27 of the participating laboratories submitted data by the deadline. The initial interpretation of the results show that laboratories reported a wide range of PFAS identities across all three samples and a range of identification confidence (using the Charbonnet et al. PFAS confidence of identification scale). The presentation will cover the design of the study goals and samples, the administration and process of the interlaboratory study, and the results of the study, along with some lessons learned and potential future studies.

Click here to view the recording: BP4NTA Monthly Meeting-20250218_180754-Meeting Recording.mp4

The topics/speakers of the next three meetings will be:

March 18: BP4NTA working group updates

April 15: Jaanus Liigand, Quantem Analytics

May 20: Carsten Baessmann, Bruker Mass Spectrometry

New Publication – Filling the Gaps in PFAS Detection: Integrating GC-MS Non-Targeted Analysis for Comprehensive Environmental Monitoring and Exposure Assessment

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The newest publication from our BP4NTA members highlights the untapped potential of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in non-targeted analysis (NTA) of PFAS. While LC-MS has dominated PFAS studies, these findings show that GC-MS covers a complementary chemical space, crucial for identifying novel and volatile/semi-volatile PFAS that LC-MS may miss.

✅ Less than 10% of known PFAS chemistry is predicted to be amenable to typical LC-MS analysis.
✅ GC-NTA is essential for uncovering unknown PFAS in waste streams, incineration byproducts, air emissions, and consumer products.
✅ Collaboration is needed to overcome challenges and advance GC-NTA in environmental research.

We call on researchers, grantors, and stakeholders to recognize and invest in GC-NTA as a critical tool for fully understanding PFAS contamination. Let’s push the boundaries of PFAS research together!

Read more here: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.estlett.4c00930

New Publication – Communicating with Stakeholders to Identify High-Impact Research Directions for Non-Targeted Analysis

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Non-targeted analysis (NTA) using high-resolution mass spectrometry without defined chemical targets has the potential to expand and improve chemical monitoring in many fields. Despite rapid advancements within the research community, NTA methods and data remain underutilized by many potential beneficiaries. To better understand barriers toward widespread adoption, the Best Practices for Non-Targeted Analysis (BP4NTA) working group conducted focus group meetings and follow-up surveys with scientists (n = 61) from various sectors (e.g., drinking water utilities, epidemiologists, n = 9) where NTA is expected to provide future value. Meeting participants included producers and end-users of NTA data with a wide range of familiarity with NTA methods and outputs. Discussions focused on identifying specific barriers that limit adoption and on setting NTA product development priorities. Stated priorities fell into four major categories: 1) education and training materials; 2) QA/QC frameworks and study design guidance; 3) accessible compound databases and libraries; and 4) NTA data linkages with chemical fate and toxicity information. Based on participant feedback, this manuscript proposes research directions, such as standardization of training materials, that BP4NTA and other institutions can pursue to expand NTA use in various application scenarios and decision contexts.

Click here to access the paper: Communicating with Stakeholders to Identify High-Impact Research Directions for Non-Targeted Analysis.

Welcoming the BP4NTA Steering Committee for 2025! 

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Great and exciting work lies in front of this highly motivated team. Visit the BP4NTA Steering Committee page to learn more about them! 

Chair – Sara Nason (Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station)
Vice Chair – David Schiessel (BABCOCK Laboratories, Inc.) 
Outgoing Chair – James McCord (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
Secretary – Sonja Klee (Tofwerk AG)
Treasurer – Stephan Baumann (Agilent Technologies)
Technical Liason – Anna Robuck (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
Operational Liason – Gabby Black (U.S. Geological Survey)

January Meeting: Dr. Alexander Aksenov

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Dr. Alexander Aksenov is an Assistant Professor at the University of Connecticut. His lab focuses on exploring the metabolome of living systems, focusing on the “dark matter” – the unknown unknowns of the system. For more information, please explore the lab’s website: https://aksenovgroup.chemistry.uconn.edu/

This meeting will occur on Tuesday, January 21st, from 12 pm – 1 pm EST.

Title: Illuminating the Dark Matter of Metabolomics Through Molecular Community Networking

Introduction: Molecular networking connects structurally similar metabolites by leveraging MS/MS fragmentation pattern similarities. This approach has enabled a slew of discoveries over the past decade. However, conventional methods rely on arbitrary global spectral similarity thresholds, despite optimal connectivity being molecule class-specific. We present molecular community networking (MCN), an advanced approach that utilizes unpruned full connectivity metabolite networks parsed using network science tools to identify naturally present “molecular communities.” This strategy preserves intra-community connectivity information and optimizes connectivity patterns for each metabolite class, enabling the rescue of lost relationships and the capture of otherwise “hidden” portions of the metabolome.


Methods: Full connectivity metabolite networks were constructed using LC-MS/MS or EI GC- MS data. The Louvain clustering algorithm was employed to identify naturally occurring “molecular communities” within the unpruned networks. Each community was treated as a separate network and pruned using the maximum weight spanning tree algorithm to preserve connectivity while retaining only the most meaningful information. The resulting MCNs represent partitions of the original networks into continua of molecular space, where connections within each molecular family cluster represent the most similar pairs of metabolites across the entire detected metabolome.


Preliminary Data: We validated MCNs using reference spectra and experimental data, demonstrating their ability to assemble molecular space into continua reflecting structural relationships. MCNs rescue lost connectivity between related molecules fractured by conventional networking, for example, link sodiated ion variants to corresponding protonated precursors. We showcase MCN’s utility in discovering new bile acid structures with dipeptide conjugation produced by human microbial cultures, revealing the metabolic capacity of the human microbiota. These molecules were previously undetectable with conventional networks. MCNs exhibit high modularity, suggesting a natural tendency for molecules to group into communities resembling “small-world” structures found in online social networks. This approach empowers molecular discovery in areas such as natural products research, including the reanalysis of existing data to explore previously unconnected molecules.

Click here if you’d like to access the recording: BP4NTA Monthly Meeting-20250121_183034-Meeting Recording.mp4

Mass Spectrum libraries: RECETOX Exposome HR-[EI+]-MS library (a collection of mostly anthropogenic compounds)
RECETOX Metabolome HR-[EI+]-MS library (a collection of mostly endogenous compounds from MetaSci Human Metabolite Library)