Young Investigator

Abstract

Supervisor’s supporting comments I have always been impressed with John’s ability to conduct research in an independent and highly effective manner. His first set of projects involved the creation of new methods based on high-performance affinity chromatography for the analysis of free drug and hormone fractions in clinical samples. This area is of great interest, since the non-protein-bound fraction of such substances is believed to represent their true biologically active form. The approach John and his coworkers developed was based on ultrafast immunoextraction, in which miniaturized columns containing immobilized antibodies were used to selectively and quantitatively isolate a target drug or hormone in a short time frame (typically 100–200 ms). John extended this concept to a new method known as a reverse displacement immunoassay. John has also created new chromatographic-based methods for the rapid determination of drug–protein dissociation rate constants. This work should be of great use in the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields. I rate John’s research and coursework as outstanding. This is a reflection of his knowledge, skill and strong work ethic within the laboratory. I have extremely high expectations for John in the future as he continues his research and pursues a career in the field of bioanalysis. Nominated by David S Hage Chemistry Department, 704 Hamilton Hall, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588-0304, USA; Tel.: +1 402 472 2744; Fax: +1 402 472 9402; E-mail: dhage@unlserve.unl.edu