Chemistry Instrument Center
The University at Buffalo Chemistry Instrument Center (UBCIC) has been home to specialty analytical instrumentation since 1995. Located on the third floor of the Natural Sciences Complex, services offered include training programs, shared use of instrumentation, and custom sample analysis for researchers, students, and professionals from UB and our surrounding community. Technical staff are onsite to assist collaborators with method development, sample analysis, training, instrument theory and operation. Center staff include two PhD level scientists and two graduate assistants.
Graduate student and UBCIC teaching assistant Kevin Zemaitis (right) analyzes samples with Dr. Valerie Frerichs, UBCIC Director (middle) and Alan Friedman, UBCIC staff scientist (left) using the Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Tandem Mass Spectrometer (FT-ICRMS).
A broad range of instrumentation is available for sample characterization. The newest additions include a Thermo Q-Exactive Orbitrap Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometer, and a Thermo LTQ Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometer. The UBCIC's analytical capabilities include inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, high resolution/accurate mass analysis, gas chromatography mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infra-red analysis, ultraviolet-visible spectral analysis, gas chromatography and liquid chromatograph with multiple detectors. Support for instruments is provided through funding by the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and the UB College of Arts and Sciences, and donations of systems from our alumni professionals working in the field.
Dr. Valerie Frerichs shows graduate student and UBCIC teaching assistant Rebecca Dickman how to prepare a gas chromatograph - mass spectrometric analysis.
The instrument center hired a new director in May of 2017. Dr. Valerie Frerichs has had twenty years’ experience working in laboratory direction for analytical and educational laboratories. Dr. Frerichs directs the UBCIC to serve as a hub for instrumental education and for facilitation of a range of research endeavors. The UBCIC welcomes inquiries at any time at the following email: che-ic@buffalo.edu. A listing of instrumentation and publications facilitated through the use of the UBCIC can be found at the Department of Chemistry’s website.