Hey everyone! Welcome to the second post in the GC Orbitrap Guru Series. I’m super excited to share more stories about the amazing scientists and analysts behind the tech. Now in its 10th year, GC Orbitrap has made some pretty powerful impacts over that decade of discovery and I’d like to share them with you in this blog series!
In the first blog, we chatted with Dr. Kerstin Krätschmer from WFSR about POPs analysis and her dream of visiting Vancouver again. This time, we’re heading West to the USA, specifically Columbia University, where I had an awesome chat with Brooklynn McNeil about GC Orbitrap and exposomics Enjoy!
Name: Brooklynn McNeil
Organization: Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health
Job title: Staff Associate, Irving Institute of Clinical and Translational Research, Biomarkers Core Laboratory
Top Applications: Exposomics, Persistent organic pollutants, Emerging contaminants
Years with GC Orbitrap: 4
Dominic Roberts (Interviewer): Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Brooklynn McNeil, a Staff Associate at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. Brooklynn, thank you for joining us. Let’s start with your background. How did you get into the field of exposomics?
Brooklynn McNeil: Thank you for having me! My journey began with a major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Georgia (UGA) and a minor in Global Health. Initially, I was on the path to medical school, but I found myself more drawn to lab research. Over time, my interests shifted towards exposomics, and I’ve been dedicated to this field for the past four years. To further my expertise, I’m also pursuing a master’s degree in Environmental Health Data Science.
Getting exposed to science
Dom: That’s fascinating. Can you tell us about your first job in the scientific field?
Brooklynn: Sure! My first paid scientific job was at the Biosceniatic Laboratory at UGA’s New Materials Institute. There, I worked on analyzing bioplastics and their decomposition in various composting conditions. It was incredibly fulfilling to contribute to solutions for the global plastic problem and it opened my eyes to the vast potential of scientific research.
Dom: That sounds like a significant experience. How did you transition to working with GC mass spectrometry?
Brooklynn: My first encounter with mass spectrometry was with the Thermo Scientific Exactive GC-MS. My boss at the time humorously compared it to learning to drive in a Ferrari because of its advanced capabilities. This was during my time at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, where we conducted non-target analysis of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in human samples. Having the ability to perform non-target full scan data acquisition is really powerful as it enabled us to screen for an almost unlimited number of compounds or go back to the data and re-process to look for specific target analytes.
The importance of exposomics
Dom: How do you explain exposomics to someone who isn’t familiar with the field?
Brooklynn: Exposomics is the study of the exposome, which refers to the total cumulative effect of all environmental exposures we experience throughout our lives and their biological responses. This field aims to understand and measure how different environmental factors—such as chemicals, physical agents, and biological elements—affect our health. By analyzing how these exposures interact with our genetics, lifestyle, and other personal factors, exposomics offers a comprehensive view of the non-genetic causes of diseases. This approach helps us uncover the mechanisms behind disease development and can guide effective prevention and intervention strategies.
Supporting Exposomics with GC High Resolution MS
Dom: What role does high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS) play in your work?
Brooklynn: GC HR-MS, particularly with Orbitrap technology, is crucial in exposomics. The sensitivity to detect low level compounds with sub-ppm mass accuracy allows us to detect and uniquely annotate thousands of chemicals in a single analysis. With compounds present at both low and high concentrations its critical to maintain performance across the full range. The second crucial part is having software and spectral libraries to process the data. For this Compound Discoverer with its statistical tools is helpful. Despite its compact size, the orbitrap is incredibly powerful. However, as a daily user, I do wish some tasks, like performing column installation and leak checks, were a bit easier.
It’s not all work
Dom: That makes a lot of sense. Can you share a memorable moment from your career so far?
Brooklynn: One of the highlights was attending the European Human Exposomics Network meeting in Brussels. The city was beautiful and left a lasting impression on me. I’d love to revisit it as a tourist, especially in the summer when it’s hopefully less rainy.
Dom: That sounds wonderful! Lastly, what advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career in exposomics?
Brooklynn: I would encourage them to explore this field because it’s constantly evolving and full of exciting discoveries. Understanding how our environment affects our health is incredibly important, and there are many opportunities to make a significant impact.
Dom: Thank you, Brooklynn, for sharing your insights and experiences with us. It’s been a pleasure talking with you.
Brooklynn: Thank you! It’s been great sharing my journey.
I was thrilled to have had the opportunity to chat with Brooklyn for my second GC Orbitrap Guru blog. I’m on the lookout for more GC Orbitrap enthusiasts, so if you have a story to tell or just want to share your experiences, please get in touch! You can reach me at dominic.roberts@thermofisher.com. I’d love to hear from you! Need to know more? Please take a look at the Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Exploris GC
Additional references
- Lai et al (2024) High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry for Human Exposomics: Expanding Chemical Space Coverage.Environmental Science & Technology, 58, 29.
- Bruna Rubbo et al (2024 )Exposure to 4,4′-DDE in visceral adipose tissue and weight loss in adolescents from the Teen-LABS cohort. Obesity, 32, 5. p1023-1032.
- Quig Lan et al (2024)EXPOSOME CHARACTERIZATION OF DIESEL ENGINE EXHAUST EXPOSURE. Occupational Medicine. 74, 1.
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