Washington Chromatography Discussion Group (WCDG) meets monthly from September to May. Meetings are currently being held virtually.
May Meeting
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May 19, 2021
Speaker: Roland F. Hirsch
Title: How Analytical Chemistry, and especially Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry, is enabling progress in understanding climate
Abstract: The Earth’s climate is a highly complex system. There is an urgent need for more accurate information about past climate and improved knowledge about the factors that influence climate today, in order to develop plausible models of future climate. Analytical chemistry, which plays a key role in studying past temperatures, rainfall, extent of ice and glaciers, and other relevant climate properties, is essential for gaining knowledge about climate-related processes that are occurring now in the atmosphere (such as formation and impact of aerosols). Mass spectrometry is the key technique for most of these studies. Chromatography, both gas and liquid, is also essential for many of these studies, usually in combination with mass spectrometry. This talk will discuss how these techniques are being used in climate research. Examples will be provided from the scientific literature.
Bio: Roland F. Hirsch lives in Overland Park, Kansas, with his wife of 49 years, Paula Jean. He received his Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from the University of Michigan. He joined the chemistry faculty of Seton Hall University, where he taught courses in general chemistry and analytical chemistry. In 1975-6 he was a Senior Visitor with Courtney Phillips at Oxford University, studying gas-solid chromatography. In 1984 he joined the Department of Energy as a program manager for analytical and separations chemistry. In 1988 he joined the civil service at NIH and in 1991 became a staff member at the DOE. He retired in 2018 and moved from Maryland to Kansas. He is a Fellow of the ACS, Honorary Fellow of the Library of America, and has been involved in ACS governance in the North Jersey Local Section and the Division of Analytical Chemistry.
New to analytical chemistry or looking to sharpen your skills? Visit NIST’s site for videos and PowerPoints on Tutorials in Analytical Chemistry