Christopher A. Pohl and Katelynn A. Perrault Uptmor are the winners of the 18th annual LCGC Lifetime Achievement and Emerging Leader in Chromatography Awards, respectively. The LCGC Awards honor the work of talented separation scientists at different stages in their career (See Table I). The award winners will be honored during an oral symposium at the Pittcon 2025 conference held March 1-5, in Boston, Massachusetts.

Christopher A. Pohl is the 2025 LCGC Lifetime Achievement in Chromatography Awardee. This award honors an outstanding and seasoned professional for a lifetime of contributions to the advancement of chromatographic techniques and applications.

Christopher A. Pohl, the 2025 winner of the LCGC Lifetime Achievement in Chromatography Award, is a well-known innovator and scientist. Over the course of his 50-year career in separation science, Pohl has significantly advanced the field of ion chromatography (IC) with innovations in stationary phases, detection technologies, and sample preparation methods, including 110 issued U.S. patents (Table II). His impact on global analytical chemistry is evident in the wide use of his inventions across laboratories worldwide. As described by his colleagues John M. Riviello and Alexandra Zatirakha, “Pohl’s contributions in ion chromatography, from sample preparation to separation and detection, are used in global laboratories every day for a wide variety of inorganic and organic ion analysis.” This LCGC award recognizes his enduring legacy and influence in separation science.

He has been a driving force in chromatographic research and development, particularly in the realm of ion chromatography. Pohl earned his BS in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Washington in 1973, before embarking on a career that would transform separation science. His work, particularly in the development of polymeric stationary phases, suppressor technology, and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), has reshaped modern analytical chemistry.

Pohl’s many innovations began during his tenure as a research scientist at Clorox Company, where he developed his first suppressible ion pair method, which laid the foundation for mobile phase ion chromatography (MPIC). His efforts propelled him into a long and influential career at Dionex Corporation and later Thermo Fisher Scientific, where he would continue to develop pioneering separation technologies. As Riviello noted, “Chris’ innovations are responsible for making ion chromatography an essential technique in the modern analytical chemists’ toolbox.”

Main Research Topics

Pohl’s research has spanned multiple facets of chromatography, particularly ion chromatography, and he is credited with pivotal advancements in polymeric stationary phase development, detection methods, and post-column technologies. His focus on creating versatile stationary phases has contributed to both high-performance separations and the simplification of complex analytical workflows.

One of Pohl’s signature achievements is the development of hydroxide-selective anion-exchange phases for ion chromatography. This work transformed IC methods by enabling the use of hydroxide eluents, which offer lower detection limits and improved linearity over traditional carbonate eluents. His development of these phases allowed for broader analytical applications, including the analysis of both mono- and polyvalent anions in a single run.

Another major area of Pohl’s research is the advancement of suppressor technologies. His leadership in developing flat membrane suppressors significantly enhanced the performance and reliability of ion chromatography systems, making these suppressors a cornerstone of modern IC instruments.

Pohl also pioneered work in accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), a technique that greatly improves the efficiency of extracting trace components from solid and semi-solid samples. This invention is now widely used for environmental, pharmaceutical, and food safety analyses, further solidifying Pohl’s impact on sample preparation techniques.

IMAGE 1: Group photo of the Dionex chemistry R&D team, the column production team, and the resin synthesis team. Blaine Bowman is standing directly behind the instrument. Those in the front row include from left to right Hamish Small, Bill Rich, Pohl and Lani Angers (manager of column production). Image courtesy of Chris Pohl.

Major Research Contributions

Pohl’s contributions to the field of ion chromatography are numerous and far-reaching. He is credited with 110 U.S. patents (Table II; see above) and has published 149 peer-reviewed manuscripts. His research has led to advancements in various aspects of ion chromatography, including stationary phase design, suppressor technology, and accelerated solvent extraction.

• MPIC: Pohl’s early work on the development of a suppressible ion pair method at Clorox Co. led to the commercialization of MPIC (1). This technique allowed for more efficient and precise separation of ionic species and became a cornerstone of modern ion chromatography.
• Hydroxide-selective anion-exchange phases: Pohl’s development of these phases marked a major breakthrough in IC. By incorporating ethanol substituents in the quaternary ammonium site, Pohl made hydroxide a more effective eluent, offering significant advantages in detection limits and eluent performance (2).
• Flat membrane suppressors: Pohl played a leading role in developing the first commercial flat membrane suppressor, which significantly improved the performance of IC systems (3). This suppressor technology remains a critical component of Thermo Fisher’s IC instruments today.
• ASE: Pohl’s development of ASE revolutionized sample preparation by enabling faster and more efficient extraction of trace components from complex matrices (4). This technique remains a widely used tool in environmental and industrial analyses.

These contributions have had a profound effect on the commercial success of ion chromatography, helping to establish Thermo Fisher Scientific as a global leader in the field. Pohl’s innovations continue to be the foundation of IC systems used today.

IMAGE 2: Photo from 1981 just before the introduction of the ICS-2000 system at Pittcon that year. In the photo from left to right are: Bill Rich (head of R&D at the time of the photo), Ed Johnson (running the application lab at the time), Pohl and Bart Evans (head of engineering at the time). Image courtesy of Chris Pohl.

Summary of Major Issued U.S. Patents

Pohl’s numerous U.S. patents in the field of ion chromatography and related analytical technologies, demonstrate his significant contributions to the advancement of separation science. His inventions span a broad range of topics, including novel ion exchange materials, chromatography columns, and system optimization methods. Below is a summary of key patents from his broad portfolio. Multiple specific advancements and improvements directly to IC technology are demonstrated by U.S. Patents: 11,400,444; 11,105,782; 10,140,627; 10,124,576; 6,436,719; 6,425,284; 6,328,885; 6,077,434; 5,597,734; and 4,999,098 (Table II; see above) (5,6).

Many of Pohl’s patents revolve around ion exchange resins and chromatographic columns designed for improved separation efficiency, selectivity, and capacity. Many patents introduce resins with tunable functional groups and enhanced stability, such as the patents for charge-reversible ion exchange resins (U.S. 10,379,090) and high-capacity ion exchange resins (U.S. 9,954,321), aimed at optimizing ion separation in various pH environments or under extreme conditions.

Other significant contributions include innovations in vial caps and solid phase extraction cartridges (U.S. 10,921,298, U.S. 10,495,614, U.S. 10,258, 576), which enhance the removal of contaminants from liquid samples, improving the purity and reliability of chromatographic analyses. These techniques are designed to automate and improve the sample preparation processes, vital for accurate and high-throughput analyses.

In chromatography systems, patents such as longitudinal gradient chromatography columns (U.S. 11,198,117) and fast startup ion chromatography systems (U.S. 11,105,782) provide solutions to challenges like gradient separation and rapid system initiation, reducing the time and complexity involved in achieving accurate separation results. This is complemented by systems for optimizing buffer conditions (U.S. 11,022,585), which improve peak resolution and analyte detection through the refinement of salt or pH gradients.

Several patents focus on innovations that streamline system calibration and operation. For instance, automated calibration systems (U.S. 10,605,793, U.S. 10,124,576) ensure consistent performance by automating the calibration process, reducing human error and downtime.

Additionally, real-time data analysis systems (U.S. 10,061,234) and integrated detection systems (U.S. 10,286,758) enhance analytical capabilities by providing immediate feedback on chromatography results, improving accuracy and reducing the need for manual adjustments.

Pohl’s contributions also extend to methods for improving the efficiency and maintenance of chromatography systems. This includes systems with built-in cleaning mechanisms (U.S. 9,221,098), techniques to reduce backpressure (U.S. 9,354,321), and methods for preventing column overloading (U.S. 10,045,123), all aimed at extending the life of chromatographic columns and systems while ensuring consistent, high-quality performance.

In summary, Christopher A. Pohl’s patents encompass a wide range of innovations that have advanced chromatographic technologies, making processes more efficient, precise, and reliable, with applications ranging from routine analytical testing to complex industrial processes.

Key Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Pohl has received key awards and accolades for his contributions to separation science and ion chromatography. Some of the most notable awards received include:

• International Ion Chromatography Symposium Award (1990): This award recognized Pohl’s pioneering work in developing ion chromatography methodologies.
• Uwe Neue Award (2018): Given for his excellence in advancing separation science, particularly in the realm of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
• Eastern Analytical Symposium Separation Science Award (2018): Recognized for his leading-edge contributions to separation science, especially ion chromatography.
• George N. Hatsopoulos Technical Innovation Award (2020): Awarded by Thermo Fisher Scientific for Pohl’s leadership and technical innovations, particularly in the development of IC technologies.
• American Chemical Society (ACS) Award in Chromatography (2023): This ACS award honored Pohl’s lifetime contributions to chromatography, cementing his legacy in the field.

IMAGE 3: The Dionex Chemistry R&D team in May 2011 the day before Thermo Fisher Scientific officially acquired the company. The photo was taken in front of Building 1 where all of Dionex was located when Pohl started working there in November 1979. Pohl is the second person to the right of the Dionex logo sign in the top row. Image courtesy of Chris Pohl.

Service to the Scientific Community

Beyond his research and development achievements, Pohl has been an active member of the scientific community, volunteering his time and expertise to a variety of educational and scientific organizations. He has been involved with Destination Imagination, a global science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) program focused on teamwork and creative problem-solving, for over 30 years, serving as a board member and appraiser for state, regional, and global tournaments.

Pohl has also organized and chaired numerous technical sessions at major scientific conferences, including the International Ion Chromatography Symposium and Pittcon. His role as a program chair has helped shape the content and direction of these events, ensuring that cutting-edge research in chromatography is shared with the broader scientific community.

In addition, Pohl has been an active reviewer for leading scientific journals, including the Journal of Chromatography A, Analytical Chemistry, and Analytica Chimica Acta, Heliyon, Chinese Chemical Letters, Analytica Chimica Acta, and Analytical Chemistry. His commitment to maintaining high standards of scientific rigor has made him a respected figure among his peers.

IMAGE 4: The Dionex Chemistry R&D team taken at Building 1. The photo is from around 1984. Pohl is second from the right in the front row. Hamish Small, the inventor of Ion Chromatography is in the front row on the far left (red tie). Image courtesy of Chris Pohl.

Pohl’s contributions to ion chromatography and separation science are enduring. His innovations, ranging from hydroxide-selective stationary phases to flat membrane suppressors and ASE, have transfigured analytical chemistry. As his LCGC Lifetime Achievement award nomination aptly states, “Chris has left an indelible mark in the field of ion chromatography and analytical chemistry,” and this recognition of his lifetime achievements in chromatography is well deserved. His work has not only advanced the technology of ion chromatography but also shaped the careers of innumerable chemists who continue to build upon his legacy.

IMAGE 5: Chris Pohl in his office for a photo for the Dionex annual report circa 1984. Image courtesy of Chris Pohl.

IMAGE 6: Chris Pohl at a customer event in China in May 2019 as part of a team visiting key customers. Image courtesy of Chris Pohl.

Lifetime References

(1) Pohl, C. A., Chromatographic separation and quantitative analysis of ionic species. U.S. Patent 4,265,634, May 5, 1981. https://patents.justia.com/patent/4265634 (accessed 2024-09-20).

(2) Rocklin, R.D., Pohl, C.A., Determination of Carbohydrates by Anion Exchange Chromatography With Pulsed Amperometric Detection. J. Liq. Chromatogr. 1983, 6 (9): 1577–1590. https://doi.org/10.1080/01483918308064876

(3) Pohl, C.; Saini, C.; Jagodzinski, J. Hydrolytically stable resins for use in anion-exchange chromatography. U.S. Patent 5,936,003, August 10, 1999. https://patents.justia.com/patent/5936003 (accessed 2024-09-20).

(4) Pohl, C.; Slingsby, R. W.; Stillian, J. R.; Gajek, R. Modified membrane suppressor and method for use. U.S. Patent 4,999,098, March 12, 1991. https://patents.justia.com/patent/4999098 (accessed 2024-09-20).

(5) Christopher A. Pohl Justia Patents Home Page. https://patents.justia.com/inventor/christopher-a-pohl (accessed 2024-09-20).

(6) USPTO Patent Search Home Page. https://ppubs.uspto.gov/pubwebapp/static/pages/ppubsbasic.html (accessed 2024-10-02).

The Emerging Leader Award

Katelynn A. Perrault Uptmor is the LCGC Emerging Leader in Chromatography Awardee for 2025. The LCGC Emerging Leader in Chromatography Award recognizes the achievements and aspirations of a talented early-career separation scientist who has made strides toward the advancement of chromatography techniques or applications.

Katelynn A. Perrault Uptmor, the 2025 winner of the LCGC Emerging Leader in Chromatography Award, is an assistant professor of Chemistry at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Perrault Uptmor’s work has influenced various applications of analytical chemistry, including forensic science, odor analysis, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) investigation. In 2023, she relocated to William & Mary and now serves as the Principal Investigator of the Nontargeted Separations Laboratory, specializing in complex sample characterization. With a focus on comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC), she has become a recognized authority in her field, making substantial advancements in both fundamental and applied chromatography. The 2025 LCGC Emerging Leader in Chromatography Award recognizes her innovative contributions to chromatography and separation science.

Perrault Uptmor earned her PhD in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Technology Sydney in Ultimo, Australia in 2015, with a specific focus on separation science and multidimensional chromatography. Her recent work delves into sustainable and effective methods for separating highly complex mixtures in various biological and forensic contexts. Her work is particularly impactful in the areas of forensic chemistry and odor analysis, where her application of GC×GC has helped address challenges in forensic search, recovery, and other bioanalytical problems.

IMAGE 1: Katelynn A. Perrault Uptmor is the LCGC Emerging Leader in Chromatography Award, which recognizes the achievements and aspirations of a talented early-career separation scientist who has made strides toward the ad- vancement of chromatography techniques or applications. Image courtesy of Katelynn A. Perrault Uptmor.

James Grinias, professor at the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry Rowan University said, “She is an outstanding chromatographer who has made significant contributions to the areas of multidimensional gas chromatography and the application of this technique to forensic analysis. Additionally, as this award is designed to recognize leadership in the separation science community, she has worked diligently in a number of roles focused on service to our profession that make her most deserving of this recognition.”

Main Research Topics

Perrault Uptmor’s research has centered on chromatographic separations, with a focus on multidimensional techniques. Her use of GC×GC allows for high-resolution analysis of complex mixtures, particularly in applications involving VOCs. One of her primary research interests lies in optimizing and expanding the practical applications of GC×GC technology for non-targeted analysis. Perrault Uptmor has demonstrated how this technology can be employed in forensic investigations, identifying VOCs related to decomposition odors, and uncovering new insights in ethnopharmacology, notably through her analysis of kava root extracts.

IMAGE 2: Perrault Uptmor perusing the most recent edition of Harris & Lucy’s Quantitative Chemical Analysis. Perrault Uptmor believes that teaching quality analytical chemistry at the undergraduate lev- el is imperative for preparing students for the job market in all fields of chemistry. Image courtesy of Katelynn A. Perrault Uptmor.

Her research has improved the resolution and sustainability of odor sample analysis and set a precedent for translating laboratory-scale chromatography into real-world forensic and environmental settings. Through advanced data processing techniques, Perrault Uptmor has expanded the accessibility of this technology, ensuring it can be used by non-expert stakeholders such as policymakers and law enforcement agencies.

IMAGE 3: Alongside GC×GC–TOFMS instrumentation, Perrault Uptmor is with her research team, including BS Chemistry Candidate Grace Saunders, MS Environmental Chemistry Candidate Emma Macturk, and BS Chemistry Candidate Kira Fisher. Image courtesy of Katelynn A. Perrault Uptmor.

Career Highlights

As a leading figure in chromatography, Perrault Uptmor has made significant technological contributions through her key publications and methodological advancements. Among her most noteworthy works is her 2022 publication offers an innovative open-access approach to handling complex GC×GC data without relying on expensive proprietary software (1). This approach has democratized access to advanced chromatography techniques for laboratories and industries with limited resources.

Her work in translating one-dimensional chromatography (GC–MS) to comprehensive two-dimensional methods has similarly broadened the scope of chromatographic applications in forensic science (3). This shift has allowed laboratories to convert existing GC–MS systems into GC×GC setups, opening new avenues for complex sample analysis, particularly in bioanalytical and forensic contexts.

Perrault Uptmor’s contributions have also extended to educational settings, where she has integrated GC×GC into undergraduate chemistry curricula, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience with this cutting-edge technology. Her dedication to developing accessible educational resources has positioned her as a leader in higher education within the field of chromatography (1,2).

Most Influential Research

Among her influential research projects, Perrault Uptmor’s work on decomposition odor analysis stands out. Her 2020 study, “Investigation of decomposition odor in a tropical climate using GC×GC-MS and FID,” provided critical insights into forensic search and recovery techniques in tropical regions (4). By analyzing decomposition odors under different environmental conditions, she has contributed essential knowledge to the field of forensic science, particularly in missing persons cases where tropical climates can complicate the detection and identification of remains.

Emanuela Gionfriddo, an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry University at Buffalo, The State University of New York writes, “Dr. Perrault Uptmor is internationally recognized for her work in advancing forensic science through multidimensional chromatography,” she said. “Her research, focusing on the analysis of odors involved in biological processes, diseases, and post-mortem decomposition, has significant implications for both fundamental and practical aspects of chromatography.”

Another key piece of research is her work on kava root analysis, published in 2022, which used GC×GC to examine the volatile profile of this traditional Pacific Island beverage (5). This study not only expanded the number of detectable compounds in kava but also bridged modern scientific analysis with traditional ethnopharmacological knowledge, making her findings relevant to both scientific and indigenous communities.

IMAGE 4: Members of the Nontargeted Separations Laboratory receive training from Perrault Uptmor on using chromatography data software to analyze complex mixtures. Image courtesy of Katelynn A. Perrault Uptmor.

Key Awards and Honors

Perrault Uptmor has received several awards in recognition of her contributions to chromatography and analytical chemistry. Her significant accolades include the 2021 John B. Phillips Award at the 18th GC×GC Symposium, the 2019 Satinder Ahuja Young Investigator Award in Separation Science from the American Chemical Society (ACS), and the National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award in 2018.

In addition to professional honors, Perrault Uptmor’s dedication to mentorship and education has earned her recognition within academic circles. The President Mackey Award for outstanding mentorship and the Fr. John Bolin Award for Scholarship are testaments to her role in shaping the next generation of chemists through her research and teaching.

IMAGE 5: Perrault Uptmor uses state-of-the-art comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) to characterize complex samples. Image courtesy of Katelynn A. Perrault Uptmor.

Service to the Scientific Community

Dwight Stoll, a professor of chemistry at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, said, “She is recognized as a leader in her field, having received numerous early career awards and serving on major separation science event organizing committees.”

Perrault Uptmor’s service to the scientific community extends beyond her research and teaching contributions. She is an active member of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and serves as Secretary for the ACS Subdivision of Chromatography and Separations Chemistry. In this capacity, she has played a pivotal role in organizing symposia and facilitating the exchange of ideas among separation science professionals.

As the co-chair of the Multidimensional Chromatography Workshop since 2017, Perrault Uptmor has helped shape this annual event into a leading forum for researchers and practitioners to share developments in multidimensional chromatography. Her involvement in the GC×GC Symposium’s organizing committee since 2021 has further cemented her status as a key thought leader in the field.

Additionally, Perrault Uptmor’s outreach efforts extend to the public sphere, where she promotes the importance of chemistry through community programs and volunteer work. Her engagement with local organizations, such as the Girl Scouts of Hawaii and local law enforcement, has demonstrated her commitment to making science accessible and relevant to a broader audience.

A Bright Future

Stoll writes, “Through her impactful research, commitment to education, and service to the scientific community, Perrault Uptmor has firmly established herself as an emerging leader in chromatography. Her ongoing work promises to influence both the present and future of separation science.”

Looking ahead, Perrault Uptmor’s work promises to continue making waves in the field of chromatography. With a growing research group at the College of William & Mary, she is poised to expand her studies on GC×GC and its applications in forensic and biological contexts. Her work on decomposition odors, in particular, is likely to have a lasting impact on forensic science, as she continues to refine methods for analyzing VOCs in complex environmental settings.

Moreover, her efforts to enhance chromatography education at the undergraduate level will contribute to building a strong foundation for the next generation of analytical separation scientists. Her unique position at a primarily undergraduate institution has allowed her to innovate in how chromatography is taught and practiced, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the challenges of modern analytical chemistry.

IMAGE 6: Perrault Uptmor photographed on the William & Mary campus. William & Mary is a public university in Williamsburg, Virginia. It was founded in 1693 and considered to be one of the nation’s first universities. The chemistry department offers undergraduate and masters level degrees and faculty research programs are predominantly comprised of undergraduate researcher assistants. Image courtesy of Katelynn A. Perrault Uptmor.

Emerging References

(1) Oliva, D. J.; Cheung, C.; Perrault, K. A. Fisher Ratio Feature Selection by Manual Peak Area Calculations on Comprehensive Two-dimensional Gas Chromatography Data Using Standard Mixtures with Variable Composition, Storage, and Interferences. Anal. Bioanal. Chem. 2022, 415 (13), 2575–2585. DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-04484-8.

(2) Byrne, J. M.; Dubois, L. M.; Baker, J. D.; Focant, J.-F.; Perrault, K. A. A Non-targeted Data Processing Workflow for Volatile Organic Compound Data Acquired Using Comprehensive Two-dimensional Gas Chromatography With Dual Channel Detection. MethodsX 2020, 7, 101009.

(3) Dubois, L.D., Aczon, S., Focant, J.-F., Perrault, K. A. Translation of a One-dimensional to Comprehensive Two-dimensional Gas Chromatography Method with Dual-channel Detection for Volatile Organic Compound Measurement in Forensic Applications. Anal. Chem. 2020, 92, 10094–10098.

(4) Dubois, L. M.; Carter, D. O.; Byrne, J. M.; Gutierrez, C.; Focant, J.-F.; Perrault, K.A. Investigation of Decomposition Odor in a Tropical Climate by Comprehensive Two-dimensional Gas Chromatography Coupled to Mass Spectrometry and Flame Ionization Detection. LCGC North Am. 2020, 39, 236–241.

(5) Cheung, C.; Baker, J. D.; Byrne, J. M.; Perrault, K.A. Investigating Volatiles as the Secondary Metabolome of Piper Methysticum from Root Powder and Water Extracts Using Comprehensive Two-dimensional Gas Chromatography. J. Ethnopharmacology 2022, 294, 115346.

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