Ralph N. Adams Institute for Bioanalytical Chemistry
The Ralph N. Adams Institute for Bioanalytical Chemistry is an interdisciplinary consortium of researchers dedicated to achieving international leadership in Bioanalytical Science by fostering the highest quality research and education in the field of Bioanalytical Chemistry. Institute researchers, including the director, Susan M. Lunte, develop and use state of the art sampling, separation, detection and characterization techniques to promote our understanding of fundamental life processes and to increase our knowledge of how to intervene in those processes to regulate biological function and restore health. These techniques include:
Student Researcher, Craig Lunte Group
- microdialysis,
- mass spectrometry,
- single molecule imaging and spectroscopy,
- microchip analytical devices, and
- electroanalytical techniques.
In addition, the Institute is focused on developing the enabling technologies necessary for expanding the capabilities of high throughput screening, development of whole cell assays for drug discovery, and working on new approaches for the study and early detection of diseases including cancer, stroke, AIDS and neurodegenerative diseases.
The mission of the Adams Institute for Bioanalytical Chemistry is to foster education and research in Bioanalytical Chemistry. Bioanalytical Chemistry is the development and application of analytical techniques to characterize biological systems and the use of biochemical entities for chemical analysis. Bioanalysis is central to advancements in understanding biological processes. The Institute will develop analytical technologies that will increase the effectiveness of high throughput screening, develop and extend the use of biomarkers in whole cell assays for drug discovery, and assess new approaches for early detection and diagnosis of diseases such as cancer.
Institute Faculty Researchers.The University's program in Bioanalytical Chemistry has achieved national recognition and prominence; consequently, it is important for KU build on its strength in this area. Promising young faculty, such as Heather Desaire and Michael Johnson, have joined a group of veteran researchers, including Bob Dunn, Craig Lunte, Sue Lunte, Mario Rivera, Christian Schöneich, John Stobaugh, and George Wilson in building the visibility of the Institute. The Chemistry Department is in the process of hiring two faculty to augment the University's capacity for leadership in bioanalysis. Scholarly areas for these faculty may include the development of technologies and assays that will be incorporated into new analytical detection methods and biosensors, and novel applications of spectroscopy in the detection, identification and monitoring of important intermediates in biological processes. These capabilities will expand the capacity of KU's Life Science research community to study fundamental chemical interactions involved in biological processes.
Furthermore, this expansion of our spectroscopic capabilities will raise the university's competitiveness in projects that require multidisciplinary approaches to the isolation, identification and quantitation of biomacromolecules, hormones, therapeutic agents and their metabolites, as well as the biological markers for the chemical reactions that accompany the aging process. The research mission of the Institute is supported by state-of-the-art instrumentation and facilities, including the 800 MHz NMR spectrometer, high resolution MS-MS instrumentation, and a new Microfabrication Laboratory in the Multidisciplinary Research Building.
Institute Activities.The Adams Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry will foster education and research in Bioanalytical Chemistry through sponsorship of graduate and post-graduate study in Bioanalytical Chemistry at the University of Kansas. This sponsorship will occur through three mechanisms.
- First, outstanding KU graduate students pursuing the Ph.D. with an emphasis in Bioanalytical Chemistry will be provided financial support as Adams Fellows.
- Second, beginning scientists will be attracted to KU to pursue post-doctoral research in Bioanalytical Chemistry as Adams Scholars.
- Third, established leaders in Bioanalytical Chemistry will be brought to KU to speak as Adams Lecturers at a semi-annual Symposium on Bioanalytical Chemistry to be held at the University of Kansas.
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