Exploring Cutting-Edge Research & Analytical Services at UNR's Core Lab
In this video, David Oliva, General Manager of Organomation, interviews Sarrah Dunham-Cheatham, Director of the Core Analytical Lab at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). Sarrah discusses the unique advantages of working in a university core laboratory, the diverse range of projects they undertake, and the essential role of advanced analytical equipment. From testing THC and CBD in hemp to supporting Nevada's growing lithium battery industry, Sarrah’s lab is at the forefront of agricultural and environmental research.
For more information, visit the core lab's website and check out her personal website.
Key Topics Covered in the Video:
1. The Advantages of a University Core Lab:
Sarrah highlights how core labs provide access to specialized equipment, expert teams with diverse backgrounds, and a network of laboratories across the western region. This collaborative environment allows for a wide variety of projects, from hemp research to environmental contaminant analysis.
2. Focus on Agriculture and Environmental Research:
The Core Analytical Lab at UNR, which operates under the Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station and the USDA Agricultural Research Service, is primarily focused on agricultural research. Projects include testing THC and CBD levels in hemp, exploring lithium extraction for battery development, and analyzing pesticide residues.
3. Collaborative Research and External Partnerships:
While the lab's primary mission is to serve university faculty and students, it also collaborates with external private companies. Sarrah mentions a 50/50 split in projects between university-related research and external work, reflecting the lab’s adaptability to diverse analytical needs.
4. Chromatography and Spectroscopy Applications:
The lab employs a range of techniques, with a focus on GC-MS and ICP-MS for various analyses. Sarrah mentions how these techniques are used to support faculty research, including metabolomics studies and environmental monitoring for mining and agriculture.
5. Adulteration in Commercial Products:
Sarrah shares insights from her own research on adulteration in pet food, where the ingredients listed on labels didn’t match the actual contents.
Conclusion:
Sarrah's expertise and her lab's capabilities make the Core Analytical Lab at UNR a key resource for agricultural and environmental research. Whether testing for purity, assisting in hemp research, or supporting new energy initiatives, the lab is equipped to handle complex analytical challenges.