BioAnalytical Chemistry Core

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BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY CORE – PROJECT SUMMARY In the rapidly changing field of environmental health science, research needs are diverse and complex, requiring integration of sophisticated bioanalyses including the ability to identify and quantitate trace metal speciation and xenobiotic interactions with biomolecular targets. Performing these analyses requires highly trained personnel with specialized expertise and access to advanced high-end equipment, beyond what is typically available in most individual research laboratories. The BioAnalytical Chemistry Core (BACC) provides the NM-INSPIRES Center investigators with the necessary expertise and tools for a variety of modern bioanalyses. Moreover, the Core provides in-house analyses, supports innovative protocol development, and provides training to students, fellows, and faculty in the integrated applications associated with the advanced analytical instrumentation present in the facility. The Core additionally leverages access to several other existing on-campus core facilities to enable innovative biomolecular methods and provides these services at subsidized pricing. Even more important than access to the technology, the BACC provides tailored expertise to investigators to assist in the design of molecular analyses and data interpretation to optimize the utilization of valuable biological samples and resources. The facility will be managed by our Core leaders and knowledgeable staff scientists with strong complementary expertise in bioanalysis and research facility administration. The Core equipment is primarily housed in dedicated space in close proximity to most users. This centralization of resources and knowledge provides consolidated and cost-effective bioanalytical services and technical expertise to the Center members and users. The Core is organized into four units: Metals Analytical Chemistry, Oxidative Stress, Environmental Mass Spectrometry, and Advanced Genomics. These complementary components together will provide Center investigators with a continuum of bioanalytical capabilities for comprehensively characterizing the response to environmental exposures and contaminants. The Specific Aims of this Core are 1) to provide consultation in the design, execution and interpretation of studies that require the use of advanced analytical instrumentation for environmental research; 2) to develop and validate novel analytical methods for detection and quantitation of environmental species in complex samples; and 3) to provide education and training in analytical methods for environmental research through personal outreach, courses and workshops, enabling the integration of cutting-edge analytical technologies into the research of NM-INSPIRES members. Overall, the BioAnalytical Chemistry Core will add considerable value to environmental health research at the University of New Mexico by leveraging existing institutional and NIH investments in research infrastructure to achieve the goals of our NM-INSPIRES research team.