Anna Feerick

February Webinar: Dr. Oliver Fiehn

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Please join us for our monthly meeting on February 18th, 12 pm EST. Dr. Oliver Fiehn will be presenting his talk, titled “MS/MS is not enough: retention time prediction and large-scale analyses in MassWiki.Metabolomics.us“.

Prof. Oliver Fiehn has pioneered developments and applications in metabolomics with over 500 publications to date with a current h-index 133, i10 index 484. He started his career as group leader at the Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology in Potsdam, Germany. Since 2004 he is faculty member in the College of Biological Sciences (MCB department) and Professor at the UC Davis Genome Center, overseeing his research laboratory and the satellite core service laboratory in metabolomics research. In 2012 he became the Director of the UC Davis West Coast Metabolomics Center, supervising 30 staff operating 16 mass spectrometers. To focus on large cohort studies and translational metabolomics, he has added the ThermoFisher Center of Excellence in Clinical Metabolomics at the UC Davis clinical campus in Sacramento, CA since 2021. In public outreach, the West Coast Metabolomics Center holds monthly public webinars, has a YouTube channel, a newsletter, invites international scholars to research visits and organizes two metabolomics professional courses per year.

January Monthly Meeting

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Happy New Year BP4NTA!

We are ready to kick off 2026 with our first meeting on January 21 at 12 pm EST.  It has been designed to be both interactive and engaging and should provide attendees the opportunity to give valuable input to the steering committee.  It will also allow you to provide input on the current direction of the group and its subcommittees. Lastly, you will have some interaction in regard to the speakers and sectors you are most interested in hearing from.  We are currently forming the speaker list for 2026 and are seeking speakers that will provide professional value to our membership.

Please recall that nominations for the Kathy Peter Outstanding Service Award are still being accepted.  Please see the previous post for instructions on how to submit nominations.

Nominations open for the 2026 Kathy T. Peter BOS Award

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Nominations are open for the 2026 Kathy T. Peter Memorial BP4NTA Outstanding Service Award! To nominate a deserving BP4NTA member, please fill out this form by February 17, 2026.

The BP4NTA Outstanding Service Award recognizes an individual for their outstanding contributions and service to BP4NTA in support of the BP4NTA mission. Such contributions may include, for example: enabling the inclusion and integration of diverse voices and perspectives in BP4NTA products and projects through exceptional leadership; dedicated involvement in and visionary contributions to BP4NTA operations, committees, and/or scientific products; enthusiastic recruitment and mentorship of BP4NTA members (particularly early-career scientists and stakeholder/non-researcher members), fostering their participation in BP4NTA committees and projects; or committed advocacy to raise awareness of BP4NTA goals and products within the larger NTA community and promote external collaborations.  Selection is based on the quality of the individual’s contributions to BP4NTA and the impact of their service on the quality of BP4NTA operations and/or projects (75%), and the quantity of service contributions to BP4NTA, including the time spent on service to BP4NTA (25%).

This award is named in memory of Kathy Peter, who was a highly active and influential BP4NTA member. She tragically passed away in late 2024. An article highlighting her career achievements, including her work with BP4NTA was recently published in ES&T. Help us continue her legacy by nominating deserving folks for this year’s award.

November Speaker: Dr. Michael Rush

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Please join us for our monthly meeting on November 18th, 12 pm EST. Our speaker, Michael Rush, is a Distinguished Chemist at Edwards Lifesciences, specializing in advanced mass spectrometry and non-target analysis. As co-chair of the BP4NTA E&L technical subcommittee, Michael drives best practices and workflow harmonization to improve reproducibility and innovation in chemical characterization

Abstract: Non-targeted analysis (NTA) continues to evolve as a critical tool for comprehensive chemical characterization, particularly in complex matrices such as medical device extractables and leachables (E&L). Recent work, including our publication in Analytical Chemistry (DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5c04247), demonstrates how advanced mass spectrometric workflows can improve reliability and reproducibility in E&L studies. This research highlights issues with quantitation strategies for medical device biocompatibility. 

A second focus of this presentation will be communicating confidence in identifications—a cornerstone for regulatory acceptance and scientific transparency. We will explore the ISO10993-18 and FDA draft guidance in respect to how Edwards reports confidence levels in identifications.  

Finally, we will provide an update on the BP4NTA E&L Technical Subcommittee, which aims to harmonize best practices for NTA in E&L testing. The subcommittee’s initiatives include integrating regulatory guidance, promoting collaboration across industry and academia, and developing educational resources to support newcomers and experienced practitioners alike. These efforts seek to advance reproducibility, foster innovation, and strengthen community standards for non-targeted workflows.

Postdoctoral Scientist Position at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES)

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Drug abuse is a major problem affecting individuals and communities worldwide, but it is difficult to study. Analysis of untreated wastewater is an increasingly common technique for assessing drug use on a community scale. We are investigating drug abuse in cities across Connecticut by combining wastewater analysis with street level data collection in collaboration with local harm reduction groups and the Yale School of Public Health. The postdoc hired for this project will be responsible for planning and executing wastewater sample collection, conducting wastewater analysis using mass spectrometry techniques, and communicating with collaborators across disciplines to share data and publish meaningful results. We are seeking a recent Ph.D. with training in environmental engineering, analytical chemistry, environmental health, or a closely related field. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in the following areas:

  • Interdisciplinary collaboration and communication
  • Field sampling of wastewater systems
  • LC-MS analysis (including targeted and non-targeted methods) and sample preparation for analysis of organic contaminants in complex matrices
  • Complex, multivariable statistics
  • GIS software

Candidates must have a valid U.S. driver’s license and be confident driving to different cities for sample collection. The candidate should demonstrate enthusiasm for the projects, a willingness to learn, a commitment to work cooperatively, and must be able to work independently and as part of a team. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required. A significant record of productivity as demonstrated through refereed publications is preferred. The appointment is for 1.5 years, with potential extension subject to performance and funding availability. The starting salary is $56,982/yr with competitive medical and dental benefits. The ideal start date is November 1, 2025.

Interested candidates should submit the following documents electronically:

  1. A letter of application describing your interest in the position, research interests and career goals, and a brief overview explaining how your research experience will help you succeed with the position duties.
  2. A Curriculum Vitae
  3. The names and contact information (including email addresses) for three professional references.

Please send the above materials to Sara Nason (sara.nason@ct.gov) and Anuja Bharadwaj (anuja.bharadwaj@ct.gov). Review of applicants will begin ASAP and continue until a suitable candidate is found. Candidates can contact Sara with any questions about the position.

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station is the nation’s first state Agricultural Experiment Station, founded in 1875. The main campus is located in New Haven, Connecticut. The CAES also encompasses a 75-acre research farm in Hamden, a satellite research facility and farm in East Windsor, and a research farm in Griswold. The CAES is a state-supported scientific research institution dedicated to improving the food, health, environment, and well-being of Connecticut residents.

Postdoc ad – NasonDownload

September Meeting: Dr. Jeremy Koelmel

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Please join us for our monthly meeting on September 16th, 12 pm EST. Our featured speaker is Jeremy Koelmel, an Associate Research Scientist in Epidemiology at the Yale School of Public Health, who will present on “Non-Targeted Analysis in Exposomics: Global Perspectives from the NEXUS International Survey.”

Abstract: In this presentation, we will discuss the essential role of non-targeted analysis in exposomics, and assess the multi-omics landscape of measurement science covering: lipidomics, metabolomics, xenobiotics, adductomics, and other approaches. Results are based on a survey conducted with over 150 participants (including a large presence of BP4NTA members!) and consisting of over 200 questions, giving both high-level and granular information pertaining to multi-omics analysis. Results we will cover include the types of matrices analyzed, instrumentation and software used, and chemical coverage. Community strategies in sample preparation, acquisition, and data-processing methods will also be discussed.  Beyond the survey we will also discuss other Network for EXposomics in the U.S. (NEXUS) initiatives including the development of training materials for non-targeted analysis and exposomics and a user-friendly platform for processing non-targeted analysis data. NEXUS is a U24 Center for Exposome Research Coordination. NEXUS serves the broad biomedical research community by coordinating and advancing exposome research. The Center engages existing and ongoing exposome initiatives around the globe to promote methodological advancement and best practices, provide training and education, and foster national and international collaborations.

Please email us if you are having trouble accessing the Zoom meeting.

August Meeting: David Weil

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Please join us for our monthly meeting on August 19th, 12 pm EST. Our featured speaker is David Weil, a Master Applications Scientist at Agilent who will present on “Challenges and Best Practices for Extractable and Leachable Nontargeted Analysis”

Abstract: Extractable Leachable (E&L) analysis is just one of the many application areas that currently utilize nontargeted data analysis workflows.  As pointed out in the recent publication from the BP4NTA group, E&L analysis faces many challenges starting with the complex nature of polymer extract samples and ending with compound identification.  The talk will start by giving a brief overview of E&L analysis; then overview the regulatory landscape and recent push for standardization, emphasize how “good” chromatography matters to reduce false positives and enhance separation/sensitivity and wrap up by talking about methods to improve compound identification leveraging third-party online content.  During the talk I will be give “Tips and Tricks” on ways to improve the quality of data being collected (MS and MSMS modes) and examples of where NTA required manual intervention.

Please email us if you are having trouble accessing the Zoom meeting.

Post-doctoral Scholar Position in Environmental Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

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The Remucal research group at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is searching for a full-time post-doctoral scholar to apply high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), including Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance MS and Orbitrap MS, to investigate complex mixtures in aquatic systems. Our group studies the composition and reactivity of mixtures including dissolved organic matter (DOM) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). While HRMS generates extremely rich data sets, we can only annotate a fraction of the collected data and seek to develop novel approaches for data analysis. The post-doctoral scholar will have the opportunity to work on multiple collaborative projects within this space, depending on their interests and expertise. The scholar will be responsible for analytical measurements and data analysis, and may be involved in sample collection. The post-doctoral scholar will be based in the Water Science and Engineering Laboratory, which is located on the shore of Lake Mendota.

This position is for up to two years, with renewal for the second year considered after a successful first year. The position is directly funded by the university. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. A start date during the fall 2025 is preferred, but later start dates are possible if needed.

Minimum Requirements. Applicants must have a PhD in environmental engineering, environmental chemistry, chemistry, or related fields, excellent written and oral communication skills, strong quantitative and analytical skills, and a good track record of first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals. Applicants must have a demonstrated ability to design experiments and conduct independent research, as well as to work collaboratively on a team.

Preferred Qualifications. Experience with some combination of the following skills is preferred:

  • Experience in LC-MS/MS and/or HRMS analysis and sample preparation, or other related analytical chemical analysis
  • Experience or interest in data analysis (e.g., experience with R)
  • Interest in science communication and/or outreach

To apply, please send a cover letter describing your interest in the position, a CV, and a list of three references as a single pdf to remucal@wisc.edu.

For more information about our research group, go to: http://remucal.engr.wisc.edu

July Meeting: Dr. Carrie McDonough

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Please join us for the monthly BP4NTA meeting on July 22 at 12 pm US Eastern Time. Note that this is delayed a week from our normal schedule due to a speaker conflict! The Zoom link was sent out in an email to all BP4NTA members. Please email BP4NTA directly if you’d like access and have not received the email. Our featured speaker is Carrie McDonough, who will present on her work on PFAS using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), ion mobility spectrometry (IMS), and FluoroMatch

Abstract: We are continuously exposed to mixtures of per/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) via drinking water, diet, indoor dust, and commercial products. These mixtures include highly persistent perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and their precursors. There are thousands of PFAS precursors (i.e., PFASs that can be transformed via environmental and biological processes to form PFAAs) with a wide range of physical/chemical properties. However, few of these compounds are available as neat standards, which are necessary for unequivocal identification, quantification, and toxicity assays. Here, I will discuss our work using in vitro and in vivo techniques applied directly to complex PFAS mixtures containing known and unknown PFASs. These techniques enable us to identify, prioritize, and assess bioaccumulation potential of novel PFASs that are overlooked by traditional monitoring methods. I will also discuss recent results from our work using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), ion mobility spectrometry (IMS), and the open-source software FluoroMatch to characterize these PFAS mixtures and track compositional changes between external exposure and internal dose. These approaches were used to characterize serum, urine, kidney, and liver tissue from mice dosed via gavage with an electrochemically-fluorinated aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). N-glucuronidated C4-C6 perfluoroalkyl sulfonamides (N-glu-FASAs) were identified in urine excreted throughout the dosing study, highlighting glucuronidation as a significant chain-length-dependent excretion pathway for FASAs and substituted FASAs after dealkylation. Chromatographic patterns and drift time spectra suggest that doubly glucuronidated FASAs were also formed and excreted in urine. Longer-chain (>C8) FASAs primarily accumulated in liver and kidney tissues and were not detected in post-depuration serum. Some examples of applications of these techniques to prioritize detection of novel PFASs in challenging trace-level samples and complex environmental mixtures will also be discussed.