Science Lecture Examines Forensics, Materials Science, and Cancer Therapeutics
Elmira, NY (11/09/2018) — The third lecture in this year's "Lecture Series in the Sciences" features Christine M. Mahoney, Ph.D. on Tuesday, November 13, at 6:00 p.m. in Peterson Chapel. Mahoney's presentation, titled "Chemistry Across Disciplines: From Explosive Forensics and Materials Science to Cancer Therapeutics," explores one scientist's perspective and experiences in the chemistry field.
According to Mahoney, chemistry plays a critical role across many disciplines of science, and thus many career opportunities are available in a myriad of fields ranging from materials science to biological applications. Her presentation begins with an introduction of an important surface analysis tool, the Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) - a chemical imaging approach that uses an ion beam to sputter desorb material from solid sample surfaces. The material is subsequently analyzed with a mass spectrometer in order to identify the elemental, molecular and isotopic composition from the top 2 nm of a surface. The chemistry of the ion beams play an important role in these tools and will be discussed briefly.
The presentation continues with more detailed discussions on how to use such tools to exploit chemical signatures in explosives and for studying glass surfaces in detail before concluding with, a brief introduction to cell protein analysis and fluorescence imaging in drug resistant cancer cells. The discussion, says Mahoney, will highlight, along the way, many of the trials, tribulations, and even some stumbles, in the career of one scientist.
The "Lecture Series in the Sciences" is free and open to the public. The annual series highlights various topics ranging from plant sciences, forensic science, marine biology, and bacteria.
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