Micro Chemistry

Core Facility Name: Kennedy Analytical Lab

Director/Manager: Jens Hegg

Contact information: jhegg@uidaho.edu, kennedy@uidaho.edu

Website address: uidaho.edu/cnr/research

The Kennedy lab maintains a full-service laboratory for analysis of hard part microchemistry across a wide variety of ecological applications. Our services include sample preparation and cutting-edge analysis using thermal ionization and laser-ablation mass spectrometry for trace element and isotopic analysis of otoliths and other hard part samples across numerous taxa. Trace element and isotopic techniques can be powerful tools to answer questions in many ecological and geochemical systems. These chemical tracers have been used to uncover details of origin, movement and life history in aquatic and terrestrial vertebrates as well as plants, as well as age and provenance studies of geological systems. Our lab has the expertise and equipment to help you conduct a robust analysis of your scientific questions. We welcome your inquiries and collaboration.

Core Facility Name: Mass Spectrometry Core Lab

Director/Manager: Lee Deobald, PhD.

Contact information: 208-885-5893, deobaldl@uidaho.edu

Website address:  uidaho.edu/sci/chem/mass-spec-core

The U of I Mass Spectrometry core facility is equipped with mass spectrometers with complimentary capabilities for the analysis of various volatile and non-volatile organic compounds and biochemicals. The lab is equipped with a GC-MS, a Q-Tof ms, a triple quad ms, and an ion trap mass spec. The mass spectrometers in the core are all interfaced to either a gas or liquid chromatograph to accomplish separation of analytes prior to MS analysis, if desired. The lab is also equipped with proteomic sample preparation resources.

Core Facility Name: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Lab

Director/Manager: Dr. Alex Blumenfeld

Contact information: 208-885-9235, blum@uidaho.edu

Website address:  uidaho.edu/sci/chem/nmr-spec-core

The Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Lab operates three Bruker NMR spectrometers (500, 500 and 300 MHz) and one Bruker EPR spectrometer. The new 500 instrument (2016) is equipped with a cold probe which provides 4-5 times increase in sensitivity. We are able to perform almost all NMR experiments available at the market to provide detailed information on molecular structure, conformations and dynamics. The variable temperature experiments are available. The EPR instrument can operate at low temperatures down to 4K.

Core Facility Name: Analytical Sciences Laboratory

Director/Manager: Steven McGeehan

Contact information: 208-885-7900, asl@uidaho.edu

Website address: uidaho.edu/cals/analytical-sciences-laboratory

The Analytical Sciences Laboratory (ASL) is a full service facility that operates within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at the University of Idaho. With a full-time staff of 7 chemists and support personnel, ASL conducts over 200 tests for a broad spectrum of inorganic elements and organic compounds including nutrients, heavy metals, pesticides, vitamins, and minerals. ASL analyzes about 15,000 samples per year in a wide variety of matrices including soils, waters, and biological (plant and animal) tissues including foods and feeds. ASL maintains a wide range of advanced analytical instrumentation including HPLC, LC-MS, GC, GC-MS, ICP, ICP-MS, FIA, TOC, and CVAFS. All work is conducted under a comprehensive Quality Management System that maintains compliance with applicable requirements of the ISO 17025 and AAVLD standards.