CHRIS A. JAKOBER
Agricultural & Environmental Chemistry
B.S., Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, 2001
Research Focus:
"Analysis of polar organic compounds present on diesel emission particulate matter, and their photo-oxidation products." The importance of airborne particles to modern society continues to elevate. As the understanding of the toxicology associated with these particles develops, more accurate compositional data will be required. Current analytical methods do not facilitate the complete identification of the compounds comprising particulate matter. Our hopes are to extend the analytical capabilities of current analysis techniques to facilitate their utilization for higher molecular weight polar organic compounds, specifically polycyclic aromatic species.
This project involves investigation into the ideal conditions that facilitate complete PFBHA derivatization of a wide range of compounds with varying molecular weights. Additional efforts are currently underway to investigate the possibility of using liquid chromatography coupled with ion trap mass spectrometry for analysis of compounds that are either too large or not volatile enough for gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. In addition to the analytical method development/adaptation, the particles samples that are to be used for initial analysis will have duplicates subjected to particle aging experiments. These aging experiments will expose the particles to a variety of potential atmospheric conditions (e.g. sunlight, ozone, NOx, etc.). The aged particles will then undergo PFBHA derivatization procedure again in order to characterize the new products formed.
Internship or Partner Interaction:
Nanophases in the Environment, Agriculture and Technology-Integrative Graduate Education, Research and Training (NEAT-IGERT) traineeship recipient for the 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 academic years. The research project is under the supervision of Dr. M. Judith Charles and Dr. Cort Anastasio.
Personal Statement:
The diversity of the NEAT-IGERT faculty members has allowed me to draw knowledge and guidance from many different academic disciplines. In my experience, the faculty are always more than willing to accommodate the needs of the students, whether they are involved with an actual research project with them or not. The focus of the NEAT-IGERT program on interdisciplinary research has pushed me to establish relationships with many people outside of my home department. These relationships have already proven to be invaluable with regards to coursework and research aspects.
In addition to the educational benefits of the program, it also helps form meaningful social relationships as well. With students from so many different areas, it is likely that most of them would never meet without the common thread of the NEAT-IGERT program. The program allows the students to interact with each other through IGERT courses, seminars, retreats and social gatherings, leading to enhancement of the students' knowledge breadth and social skills.
I consider myself very fortunate for having the opportunity to participate in the NEAT-IGERT program. The National Science Foundation definitely has provided the base for an extremely productive and beneficial graduate student experience through funding of the IGERT program. I can only hope that this IGERT program continues to receive the support of the NSF.
