A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A RESEARCHER IN CHEMISTRY | My PhD and Me

Dr Jessica Gomez
13 Aug 202314:15
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this engaging video, Jessica returns to work after annual leave and shares her day as a research scientist in environmental chemistry. She begins by catching up on emails and missed notes, then moves on to demonstrate the use of a molecular modeling kit, highlighting its educational value for chemistry students. Throughout the day, she tackles various tasks including changing analysis equipment, troubleshooting leaks, and method development for extracting compounds from fish. The video provides a behind-the-scenes look into the challenges and successes of scientific research, emphasizing the importance of taking breaks and continuous learning.

Takeaways
  • 📅 The video is a documentation of Jessica's first day back at work after annual leave, focusing on her routine as a research scientist in environmental chemistry.
  • 💻 Jessica starts her day by catching up on emails and missed notes from a recent departmental seminar.
  • 🧪 In the lab, Jessica works on setting up and preparing for new analysis, including changing columns and equilibrating them for the next two weeks' work.
  • 🚰 She encounters a leak in the equipment and takes the necessary steps to fix it, highlighting the practical aspects of lab work.
  • ☕ Jessica emphasizes the importance of taking coffee breaks to refresh and socialize with colleagues, which helps maintain a good work-life balance.
  • 📈 After resolving technical issues with the LCMS, Jessica confirms that the instrument is working correctly by running standards and checking peak areas.
  • 📝 She spends time recapping samples, organizing them, and preparing for future analysis related to PFOs.
  • 🎓 Jessica mentions using a molecular modeling kit, which she found useful during her undergraduate studies, and promotes the product to her audience.
  • 🐟 Her current project involves method development for extracting compounds from fish, which requires planning and preparation.
  • 🧠 Jessica underlines the importance of planning and structuring her week efficiently to tackle various tasks and projects.
  • 🏆 By the end of the day, she successfully optimizes the needle position in the mass spectrometer, resulting in higher peak areas and improved sensitivity.
Q & A

  • What is the first task the speaker does after returning to work from annual leave?

    -The first task the speaker does after returning to work is to catch up on emails and notes from a recent departmental seminar.

  • What is the significance of the molecular modeling kit mentioned in the script?

    -The molecular modeling kit is significant because it was found to be incredibly useful by the speaker during their undergraduate studies in chemistry, particularly for exams and modeling different situations to describe molecular symmetry.

  • How does the speaker describe the organization of the molecular modeling kit?

    -The speaker describes the kit as being well-organized, with everything coming in a box and having different compartments for atoms, bonds, and other components.

  • What issue does the speaker encounter with the LCMS while preparing for a new analysis?

    -The speaker encounters a leak in the LCMS system, which they need to fix before they can proceed with the new analysis.

  • What does the speaker do during the coffee break at 10 o'clock?

    -During the coffee break, the speaker goes to the canteen with colleagues to catch up and switch off from work-related discussions.

  • What problem does the speaker face when trying to run the standards for the method?

    -The speaker faces a problem with the instrument, which was not working properly, and they also realize they need to change the needle wash from methanol and water to C2 nitrile and water.

  • How does the speaker optimize the needle position for the LCMS analysis?

    -The speaker optimizes the needle position by injecting samples as normal, changing the needle position before injection, and noting the effect on peak signal and sensitivity.

  • What is the main focus of the method development work the speaker is involved in?

    -The main focus of the method development work is related to PFOS and involves extracting compounds from fish samples.

  • What does the speaker do to prepare for the next day's work?

    -The speaker prepares their glassware for salmon extractions and spends time planning the day, looking over previous notes on the method.

  • What advice does the speaker give to viewers regarding breaks during work?

    -The speaker advises viewers to take breaks, as it helps to refresh the mind and maintain focus on work-related tasks.

  • What is the speaker's plan for the rest of the day after planning the next day's work?

    -The speaker plans to do some planning, possibly process data, but expects it won't be very interesting lab-wise, and then head home at 4:30 PM.

Outlines
00:00
📅 Back to Work & Molecular Modeling Kit Review

The video begins with the host returning to work after annual leave, starting the day by catching up on emails and sharing a glimpse of her messy desk setup. She introduces her office environment, mentioning her office mate Sarah and their whiteboard to-do lists. The host then reviews a molecular modeling kit by Joycat, which she received and finds useful for chemistry students. She demonstrates how to use the kit to create a methane molecule, highlighting its features and ease of use.

05:00
🔧 Troubleshooting the LCMS & Method Development

The host transitions to discussing her work as a research scientist, focusing on the maintenance and troubleshooting of the LCMS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) system. She details the process of changing the mobile phases, identifying and fixing leaks, and the importance of pressure in the system. The video also covers her work on method development related to PFOs, including the challenges faced with the instrument and the steps taken to ensure the method's accuracy and effectiveness.

10:01
🎯 Needle Position Optimization & Future Plans

In the final segment, the host delves into the specifics of optimizing the needle position for the LCMS to improve sensitivity and signal intensity. She shares her process of testing and adjusting the needle position, which results in a significant improvement in peak areas. The host also discusses her plans for the rest of the day, including preparing glassware for salmon extractions and planning her week to tackle ongoing method development and standard preparation for another project.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡annual leave
Annual leave refers to the paid time off that an employee is entitled to each year, often used for vacations or personal time away from work. In the video, the speaker has just returned from their annual leave and is catching up on work tasks, highlighting the importance of taking breaks for mental health and productivity.
💡environmental chemistry
Environmental chemistry is the scientific study of the chemical and biochemical processes occurring in natural environments, focusing on the impact of chemical pollutants on the environment and ecosystems. The speaker works as a research scientist in this field, indicating their involvement in studies and experiments related to the chemical quality and preservation of the environment.
💡molecular modeling kit
A molecular modeling kit is an educational tool used to represent and study the structure and properties of molecules through physical models. It typically includes a set of atoms and bonds that can be connected to form various molecules. In the video, the speaker reviews a molecular modeling kit by joycat, emphasizing its usefulness for understanding chemical concepts, particularly for undergraduate chemistry students.
💡LCMS
LCMS, or Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, is a powerful analytical technique that combines the physical separation capabilities of liquid chromatography with the elemental and molecular detection of mass spectrometry. It is widely used in environmental chemistry to identify and quantify compounds in complex mixtures. The speaker discusses the LCMS being shut down and the preparations needed for a new analysis, indicating its importance in their research work.
💡method development
Method development in scientific research involves the creation and optimization of laboratory procedures to accurately and efficiently analyze samples. In the context of the video, the speaker is working on method development related to PFOS, which requires refining the extraction process and analysis technique to ensure reliable and accurate results.
💡needle position
In the context of LCMS, needle position refers to the location where the liquid chromatography column is connected to the mass spectrometer. The position of the needle is crucial for the sensitivity and efficiency of the analysis, as it affects how well the compounds ionize and are detected. The speaker discusses adjusting the needle position to improve the signal intensity of their samples.
💡sample preparation
Sample preparation is the process of getting a sample ready for analysis, which can include steps like extraction, purification, and dilution. In the video, the speaker is preparing for salmon extractions, which involves planning and organizing the necessary materials and procedures to properly collect and analyze compounds from fish samples.
💡column equilibration
Column equilibration is a crucial step in chromatographic techniques like LCMS, where the column is allowed to reach a steady state with the mobile phase before starting the analysis. This ensures consistent and reliable results by removing any residual contaminants and achieving a stable baseline. The speaker discusses the need to change the column and equilibrate it for their new analysis.
💡mass spectrometry
Mass spectrometry is an analytical technique used to identify and quantify substances by measuring the mass-to-charge ratio of ions. It is a key component of LCMS, where the separated compounds from liquid chromatography are introduced into the mass spectrometer for detection and analysis. The speaker's work involves using mass spectrometry to study environmental compounds, as indicated by their focus on the LCMS instrument and method development.
💡coffee breaks
Coffee breaks are short periods of time set aside for rest and socialization, often taken in the workplace to help employees recharge and maintain productivity. In the video, the speaker mentions taking coffee breaks at specific times, emphasizing the importance of taking breaks for mental well-being and productivity.
Highlights

Jessica returns to work after annual leave, catching up on emails and missed tasks.

Jessica's desk setup is described, including her L-shaped desk, two screens, laptop, and posters.

A review of the molecular modeling kit by joycat is provided, highlighting its usefulness during undergraduate chemistry studies.

Jessica shares her experience with the molecular modeling kit, emphasizing its benefits for visualizing molecular symmetry and bonding.

The LCMS has been shut down due to lack of use, requiring Jessica to change the column and equilibrate it for new analysis.

Jessica fixes a leak in the LCMS system, demonstrating her practical skills in maintaining lab equipment.

A coffee break with colleagues is described, illustrating the importance of taking breaks for mental refreshment.

Jessica recaps samples and prepares them for storage in the cold room, showcasing her organizational skills.

Method development for PFOS analysis is discussed, highlighting the ongoing work in environmental chemistry.

Jessica encounters and resolves an issue with the needle wash, demonstrating problem-solving in a lab setting.

The impact of needle position on the sensitivity of the LCMS method is explored, with Jessica optimizing for better peak intensity.

Jessica plans her week, emphasizing the importance of organization and preparation in scientific research.

A second coffee break is mentioned, reinforcing the value of social interactions and relaxation in a work environment.

Jessica successfully improves the LCMS method's sensitivity by adjusting the needle position, showcasing her technical expertise.

Preparations for salmon extractions are discussed, illustrating the practical steps involved in environmental chemistry research.

Jessica reflects on her day's work, highlighting the satisfaction of overcoming challenges and improving methods.

The video concludes with Jessica thanking viewers for watching and expressing interest in creating more content like this.

Transcripts

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EnvironmentalChemistryMolecularModelingLabWorkJessicaJoycatKitMethodOptimizationScienceDayWorkLifeChemistryUndergradLCMSAnalysis