Program
Historical content from the workshop can be found on YouTube via the LabRulez platform:
Keynote Speakers 2027
Prof. Jan H. Christensen
Professor, University of Copenhagen
Title of Keynote Lecture: Multidimensional Chromatography Non-Target Screening of Environmental Contaminants. Strategies for Quantification, Prioritization, and Identification
Jan H. Christensen leads the Analytical Chemistry Group and the Research Centre for Advanced Analytical Chemistry (RAACE) at the University of Copenhagen. His research focuses on developing chromatographic–mass spectrometric methods and data-processing approaches for complex chemical mixtures, with particular emphasis on multidimensional chromatography, chemical fingerprinting, and quantitative non-target screening. Current applications include contaminants of emerging concern in wastewater, surface water, and drinking water, as well as sustainable fuels and bio-oils, food and plant-related systems, and other complex environmental and biological matrices. His group combines LC-HRMS, SFC-HRMS, GC×GC-HRMS, and multidimensional LC and SFC with chemometrics and machine learning to expand chemical coverage and improve identification and quantification in non-target screening. He has authored or co-authored more than 200 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, is (co-)responsible for five analytical chemistry courses, and has supervised more than 110 BSc, MSc, and PhD students.
Professor, University of Copenhagen
Title of Keynote Lecture: Multidimensional Chromatography Non-Target Screening of Environmental Contaminants. Strategies for Quantification, Prioritization, and Identification
Jan H. Christensen leads the Analytical Chemistry Group and the Research Centre for Advanced Analytical Chemistry (RAACE) at the University of Copenhagen. His research focuses on developing chromatographic–mass spectrometric methods and data-processing approaches for complex chemical mixtures, with particular emphasis on multidimensional chromatography, chemical fingerprinting, and quantitative non-target screening. Current applications include contaminants of emerging concern in wastewater, surface water, and drinking water, as well as sustainable fuels and bio-oils, food and plant-related systems, and other complex environmental and biological matrices. His group combines LC-HRMS, SFC-HRMS, GC×GC-HRMS, and multidimensional LC and SFC with chemometrics and machine learning to expand chemical coverage and improve identification and quantification in non-target screening. He has authored or co-authored more than 200 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, is (co-)responsible for five analytical chemistry courses, and has supervised more than 110 BSc, MSc, and PhD students.
Dr. Stephan Buckenmaier
Principal Scientist R&D, Agilent Technologies
Title of Keynote Lecture: Finding Clarity in Challenging Samples: Multiple Heart-Cutting 2D-LC and the Technologies That Enable It
Stephan Buckenmaier is a Principal Scientist in R&D at Agilent Technologies, specializing in advanced separation science and the development of two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC) solutions. Since joining Agilent in 2006, he has held a variety of scientific and technical roles, with a particular focus on innovative chromatographic technologies. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of the West of England (Bristol, UK) and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Tübingen. Stephan has authored numerous scientific publications, contributed a book chapter, and is listed as an inventor on numerous patents in the field of separation science. He regularly presents his work at international scientific conferences.
Principal Scientist R&D, Agilent Technologies
Title of Keynote Lecture: Finding Clarity in Challenging Samples: Multiple Heart-Cutting 2D-LC and the Technologies That Enable It
Stephan Buckenmaier is a Principal Scientist in R&D at Agilent Technologies, specializing in advanced separation science and the development of two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC) solutions. Since joining Agilent in 2006, he has held a variety of scientific and technical roles, with a particular focus on innovative chromatographic technologies. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of the West of England (Bristol, UK) and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Tübingen. Stephan has authored numerous scientific publications, contributed a book chapter, and is listed as an inventor on numerous patents in the field of separation science. He regularly presents his work at international scientific conferences.
Prof. Flavio A. Franchina
Associate Professor, University of Ferrara
Title of Keynote Lecture: Fluorinated pollutants beyond the target list: discovery and monitoring by GC×GC-(HR)MS
Flavio A. Franchina is Associate Professor of analytical chemistry at the Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical, and Agricultural Sciences of the University of Ferrara (Italy), bringing a wealth of international research experience from the University of Messina (Italy), Dartmouth College (USA), and the University of Liège (Belgium).
He is committed to harmonizing analytical strategies for targeted and non-targeted bioanalysis. This includes a comprehensive approach to sample preparation, separation techniques, quantification methods, and data processing, all within application-driven workflows. His research group especially leverages multidimensional gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to investigate specialized metabolites in biological systems and emerging environmental contaminants. His collaborative research across academia and industry has yielded numerous publications covering metabolomics, natural products, food authenticity and safety, and environmental contaminants. He is editor of the book GC-MS for Omics Applications (Wiley, 2026).
Associate Professor, University of Ferrara
Title of Keynote Lecture: Fluorinated pollutants beyond the target list: discovery and monitoring by GC×GC-(HR)MS
Flavio A. Franchina is Associate Professor of analytical chemistry at the Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical, and Agricultural Sciences of the University of Ferrara (Italy), bringing a wealth of international research experience from the University of Messina (Italy), Dartmouth College (USA), and the University of Liège (Belgium).
He is committed to harmonizing analytical strategies for targeted and non-targeted bioanalysis. This includes a comprehensive approach to sample preparation, separation techniques, quantification methods, and data processing, all within application-driven workflows. His research group especially leverages multidimensional gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to investigate specialized metabolites in biological systems and emerging environmental contaminants. His collaborative research across academia and industry has yielded numerous publications covering metabolomics, natural products, food authenticity and safety, and environmental contaminants. He is editor of the book GC-MS for Omics Applications (Wiley, 2026).
Keynote Speakers 2026
Prof. Hilal Ezgi Toraman,
Assistant Professor, Penn State University
Title of Keynote Lecture: Multidimensional gas chromatography for plastic waste pyrolysis
Hilal Ezgi Toraman leads an interdisciplinary research program at Penn State focused on sustainable reaction engineering and catalysis for the valorization of non-traditional carbon feedstocks, particularly plastic waste. Her group integrates advanced pyrolysis experimentation, GC×GC-based analytics, and kinetic modeling to develop and optimize scalable chemical recycling technologies. She leads multi-institutional projects on mixed plastic pyrolysis and catalytic upgrading, where her group contributes intrinsic kinetic studies, GC×GC method development, and data management and analysis infrastructure to support process design and evaluation. Toraman has received both national and international recognition, including the C&EN Talented 12, AIChE CRE Pioneers in Catalysis and Reaction Engineering, and ACS Energy & Fuels Rising Star. She has held leadership roles as Director of AIChE's Catalysis and Reaction Engineering Division and currently serves as president of the Pittsburgh-Cleveland Catalysis Society. Her honors include the Virginia S. and Philip L. Walker Jr. Faculty Fellowship and the Wilson Fellowship. Before joining the Penn State faculty, Toraman was a postdoctoral researcher with the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Delaware Energy Institute at the University of Delaware. She received her B.S. and M.S. degrees in Chemical Engineering from Middle East Technical University, Türkiye (Turkey), and her Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering from Ghent University, Belgium.
Assistant Professor, Penn State University
Title of Keynote Lecture: Multidimensional gas chromatography for plastic waste pyrolysis
Hilal Ezgi Toraman leads an interdisciplinary research program at Penn State focused on sustainable reaction engineering and catalysis for the valorization of non-traditional carbon feedstocks, particularly plastic waste. Her group integrates advanced pyrolysis experimentation, GC×GC-based analytics, and kinetic modeling to develop and optimize scalable chemical recycling technologies. She leads multi-institutional projects on mixed plastic pyrolysis and catalytic upgrading, where her group contributes intrinsic kinetic studies, GC×GC method development, and data management and analysis infrastructure to support process design and evaluation. Toraman has received both national and international recognition, including the C&EN Talented 12, AIChE CRE Pioneers in Catalysis and Reaction Engineering, and ACS Energy & Fuels Rising Star. She has held leadership roles as Director of AIChE's Catalysis and Reaction Engineering Division and currently serves as president of the Pittsburgh-Cleveland Catalysis Society. Her honors include the Virginia S. and Philip L. Walker Jr. Faculty Fellowship and the Wilson Fellowship. Before joining the Penn State faculty, Toraman was a postdoctoral researcher with the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Delaware Energy Institute at the University of Delaware. She received her B.S. and M.S. degrees in Chemical Engineering from Middle East Technical University, Türkiye (Turkey), and her Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering from Ghent University, Belgium.
Dr. Peilin Yang
R&D Fellow, Core R&D Analytical Science, Dow Chemical
Title of Keynote Lecture: Multidimensional Chromatography for Chemical Analysis - from Small Molecules to Synthetic Polymers
Peilin Yang is a R&D Fellow at The Dow Chemical Company. She joined Dow in 2007 after earning a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Michigan. Currently, she leads multiple research efforts at Dow to advance measurement science and material characterization capabilities aimed at developing safer and sustainable materials. Her recent research focuses on developing practical analytical solutions using multidimensional chromatography (GCxGC and LCxLC), coupled with mass spectrometry and other detectors, to address various industrial challenges including small-molecule impurities and complex composition analysis of large synthetic polymers.
R&D Fellow, Core R&D Analytical Science, Dow Chemical
Title of Keynote Lecture: Multidimensional Chromatography for Chemical Analysis - from Small Molecules to Synthetic Polymers
Peilin Yang is a R&D Fellow at The Dow Chemical Company. She joined Dow in 2007 after earning a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Michigan. Currently, she leads multiple research efforts at Dow to advance measurement science and material characterization capabilities aimed at developing safer and sustainable materials. Her recent research focuses on developing practical analytical solutions using multidimensional chromatography (GCxGC and LCxLC), coupled with mass spectrometry and other detectors, to address various industrial challenges including small-molecule impurities and complex composition analysis of large synthetic polymers.
Dr. Haleigh Boswell
Research Chemist, Chevron Technical Center
Title of Keynote Lecture: The GCxGC Effect: Transforming Industries One Molecule at a Time
Haleigh Boswell obtained her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Waterloo. She is a research chemist at Chevron with 6 years of experience in the energy sector. She specializes in comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) with various detectors (FID, SCD, and TOFMS), driving technological innovation to enhance laboratory capabilities and providing technical support to refinery and Chevron internal/external partners. Passionate about mentoring, she volunteers with the UC Berkeley Global Access Program, advising students on graduate school and industry careers, and actively participates in outreach events to inspire future scientists.
Research Chemist, Chevron Technical Center
Title of Keynote Lecture: The GCxGC Effect: Transforming Industries One Molecule at a Time
Haleigh Boswell obtained her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Waterloo. She is a research chemist at Chevron with 6 years of experience in the energy sector. She specializes in comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) with various detectors (FID, SCD, and TOFMS), driving technological innovation to enhance laboratory capabilities and providing technical support to refinery and Chevron internal/external partners. Passionate about mentoring, she volunteers with the UC Berkeley Global Access Program, advising students on graduate school and industry careers, and actively participates in outreach events to inspire future scientists.
Dr. Zachary Breitbach
Principal Research Scientist, AbbVie
Title of Keynote Lecture: 2D-LC as a Powerful Technique in the Pharmaceutical Scientist's Toolbox for Small Molecules and Biologics
Zachary Breitbach earned his PhD in analytical chemistry from UT Arlington in 2010 after completing his BS in chemistry at Clarke College. He co-founded AZYP, LLC, focusing on chiral and HILIC separation technologies, before joining AbbVie in 2016 to develop new methods and technologies for drug development. His research has advanced cyclofructan-based chiral and HILIC phases and superficially porous particle-based chiral stationary phases. He has published over 70 articles, holds 3 patents, serves on several editorial boards, and has received multiple awards, including the ACS Satinder Ahuja Award (2017), LCGC Emerging Leader Award (2018), and the ACS Early Career Investigator Award (2025).
Principal Research Scientist, AbbVie
Title of Keynote Lecture: 2D-LC as a Powerful Technique in the Pharmaceutical Scientist's Toolbox for Small Molecules and Biologics
Zachary Breitbach earned his PhD in analytical chemistry from UT Arlington in 2010 after completing his BS in chemistry at Clarke College. He co-founded AZYP, LLC, focusing on chiral and HILIC separation technologies, before joining AbbVie in 2016 to develop new methods and technologies for drug development. His research has advanced cyclofructan-based chiral and HILIC phases and superficially porous particle-based chiral stationary phases. He has published over 70 articles, holds 3 patents, serves on several editorial boards, and has received multiple awards, including the ACS Satinder Ahuja Award (2017), LCGC Emerging Leader Award (2018), and the ACS Early Career Investigator Award (2025).
