Scott McLuckey

Scott McLuckey, John A. Leighty Distinguished Professor of Analytical Chemistry Research the McLuckey laboratory is devoted to understanding the chemistry of gaseous macro-ions. These ions are typically derived via electrospray of proteins, oligonucleotides, synthetic polymers, and clusters. The major tools for studying the ions are various forms of mass spectrometry with particular emphasis on the quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer. The goals are to understand the underlying phenomena that direct the dissociation of high mass ions and the reactions of these ions with neutral molecules and with ions of opposite charge. In realizing these goals, new approaches to the analysis of macro-molecules are enabled. Current areas of interest are the rapid identification of proteins in complex mixtures, sequencing DNA, and structural analysis of large and small molecules of pharmaceutical interest.

An REU student working with the McLuckey group would work with the development of structurally specific chemistries for the characterization of peptides and proteins.  Anticipated REU mentor would be Stella Betancourt, a 4th year Ph.D. student in chemistry.