My current research focuses on applications of ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) in environmental, biological and biogeochemical context.
My main research topic is the rapid and ultra-sensitive detection of molecules in complex natural mixtures like natural organic matter (NOM), metabolomics and petroleomics. In addition to analytical method development I also utilize chemoinformatics-aided data evaluation techniques.
Currently, I work on the development and application of stable isotope labelling methods. In combination with the high specificity and sensitivity of the FT-ICR MS this allows compound-specific stable isotope analysis (CSSIA) to be implemented in metabolomics and biogeochemical research.
Besides identification of molecules from complex mixtures, also the spatial localization of molecules (chemicals, biological metabolites) in solid samples, e.g. in plant tissues or structured environmental systems (like soils, sediments), is a major research focus. Here, I use (matrix-assisted) laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) to unravel lateral molecule distributions.