New HPLC workshop enhances graduate students' lab skills and career development
The Berthiaume Institute for Precision Health (BIPH) at the University of Notre Dame, in partnership with Waters Corporation, recently hosted its first workshop on High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The event equipped students with vital technical skills while bridging the gap between academic learning and industry requirements.
“We are grateful to Waters Corporation for their partnership. This workshop provided an invaluable opportunity for students to refine their laboratory skills and analytical acumen using HPLC, a technique that is both essential for rigorous research and highly sought-after by employers across multiple industries,” said Matthew Webber, acting director of BIPH.
“The Berthiaume Institute is proud to offer training opportunities like this, which deepen students' scientific knowledge while broadening their career pathways.”
Webber, who also holds the Keating-Crawford Collegiate Associate Professorship in the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, emphasized the institute’s commitment to advancing both education and career preparation. “The Berthiaume Institute is proud to offer training opportunities like this, which deepen students' scientific knowledge while broadening their career pathways.”
HPLC: A Critical Skill Across Research and Industry
HPLC is an analytical technique used to separate, identify, and precisely quantify components in liquid samples. Proficiency in HPLC is essential not only for academic research but also across a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and the food and beverage sector.
BIPH assistant director Prakash Nallathamby noted the importance of filling skill gaps in student training. “Some of our students pursue careers in academic research, yet many are eager to explore opportunities in industry as well. This workshop provided students with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to operate HPLC systems, preparing them for roles both within and beyond academia.”
Hands-on Training with Industry Experts
The two-day workshop gave graduate students a thorough introduction to HPLC, blending classroom learning with practical, hands-on experience. Led by Waters Corporation professionals Zack McKelvey (Chemistry Account Manager) and Cody Kroft (Senior Technical Support Specialist), the sessions covered essential topics such as:
- Chromatography principles
- Particle composition and ligands
- Solid-phase extraction techniques
- HPLC system setup and operation
The program exceeded enrollment expectations, prompting organizers to expand capacity to meet student demand. Upon completion, participants earned a digital micro-credential that can be shared on professional platforms like LinkedIn, enhancing their visibility to potential employers.
Student Reflections on the Workshop's Impact
Students expressed enthusiasm for the workshop and highlighted its value in building both technical competence and career confidence.
“HPLC is an essential skill for every analytical chemist,” said Julius Reitemeier, a PhD candidate in Analytical Chemistry. “The workshop provided a comprehensive theoretical understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of chromatographic separation and method development strategies as well as practical, hands-on experience with HPLC systems. I am profoundly grateful to Waters for conducting this workshop and highly recommend it to other analytical chemists looking to enhance their analytical skill set.”
“HPLC is an essential skill for every analytical chemist”
Bernice Webber, a graduate student in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, echoed these sentiments. “The workshop enhanced my confidence in using HPLC instrumentation effectively and efficiently,” Webber said. “Offering this workshop empowers aspiring scientists and equips us with the skills that will help us advance in our respective fields.”
In response to overwhelmingly positive feedback, BIPH plans to continue offering similar opportunities to further align student education with the demands of an evolving job market.
Contact:
Brett Beasley / Writer and Editorial Program Manager
Notre Dame Research / University of Notre Dame
bbeasle1@nd.edu / +1 574-631-8183
research.nd.edu / @UNDResearch
About Notre Dame Research:
The University of Notre Dame is a private research and teaching university inspired by its Catholic mission. Located in South Bend, Indiana, its researchers are advancing human understanding through research, scholarship, education, and creative endeavor in order to be a repository for knowledge and a powerful means for doing good in the world. For more information, please see research.nd.edu or @UNDResearch.
Originally published by at precisionhealth.nd.edu on October 28, 2024.
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