This month, our team at Chemistry Matters Inc. were able to share some of our knowledge through a peer reviewed publication that was published in a scientific journal called Forensics International. The paper describes the use of comprehensive two-dimensional chromatography (GCxGC) for fire debris samples....
Who invented gas chromatography?
Gas chromatography (GC) is an analytical technique that characterizes a chemical mixture by separation and identification of the chemical components. At Chemistry Matters, data generated from GC is used in arson investigations, biomonitoring, and environmental forensic investigations. Developing a concise timeline...
PITTCON 2019 Conference Summary
What happens when 14,000 people gather in one place, most of which are chemists? PITTCON happens. I am sure the city of Philadelphia cringed when they heard that that many nerds were gathering in one place and if they did not realize it before, they certainly do now. With jokes about Heisenberg or that alcohol is...
Kid in a candy store = Analytical chemist at PITTCON
Next week, I will be traveling to Philadelphia for the PITTCON Conference. I will be meeting another Chemistry Matters colleague, Michelle Misselwitz there as well. It is not so far to travel for Michelle as she is a resident of Pennsylvania but I will be spending some ever important focus time on a couple of plane...
Why is our conference attendance important for you?
It is not the Belgium beer or chocolate that is taking us to Europe in January. Chemistry Matters Inc. (CMI) scientists are heading off to Belgium in January for the 10th Annual Multidimensional Chromatography Workshop being hosted by the University of Liège. Dr. Kates and I will both be presenting on the use of GCxGC...
Do Samples Need Ice for Storage and Transport to the Laboratory?
During my seminars on arson and legal sampling over the years, one fundamental question is asked a lot regarding the collection of samples for ignitable liquid residue (ILR) analysis for a potential arson investigation. That question is, "Do my samples really need ice for storage and transport to the laboratory?"
How does the Golden Age of Analytical Chemistry Apply to ILR Analysis?
As part of my seminars, with the latest being in April 2017 at the 2017 International Association Arson Investigations (IAAI) in Las Vegas, I routinely discuss the future of analytical chemistry, and in this case how it applies to ignitable liquid residue(ILR) analysis.
I will tell the audience that we are currently...
What Sample Container is Best for Fire Debris Analysis?
I was attending and presenting at the 2017 International Association Arson Investigations (IAAI) Conference in Las Vegas in April. My four hour presentation covered many aspects of legal sampling and chain of custody as well as providing a fundamental description of laboratory analysis of ignitable liquid residues...
2DGC: Why You Need to Know about this Niche Analytical Technique
You may have heard about an analytical technique called 2DGC or Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography. Or perhaps you have not.
Arson sample collection - Any old paint can will do? Part 2
The training seminar presentation on Forensics Laboratory Analysis and Process which was delivered at Life of a Fire Investigator seminar being hosted by the Fire Investigation Association of Alberta (FIAA) went very well. It was nice to meet those involved in FIAA and have the opportunity to talk with them. I thought...