Analytical/Physical Chemist, Instrument Designer
Resume:
Curriculum Vitae for Alan Ronemus
United States Citizen
I am an analytical/physical chemist with a broad range of experience in science, methods, and instrumentation. I have designed, built, repaired, and modified instruments in the analog, RF and digital domains, and have completed two semesters of graduate instrumentation theory and design coursework. I have a broad instrumentation background that includes NMR, mass spectrometry (TOF, ICR, trap and magnetic sector), spectroscopy from the microwave to the ultraviolet (FT-IR, GC- and LC-IR, IR microscopy, FT-Raman, NIR, UV/Vis, etc.), chromatography (column and capillary GC, HPLC, TLC, and preparative), and radionuclide preparation and detection.
I obtained my PhD in solid-state NMR, studying the motion of biphenyl in beta-cyclodextrin clathrates using deuterium wideline NMR. I have a wide exposure to a variety of NMR applications:
* Applications: catalysis, polymers, structure, quantitation, physical properties
* Solid-State: MAS and static, spin-1/2 and quadrupolar nuclei, CRAMPS, 2D
* Process: high-resolution and wideline, solid-state and solution
* Solution: 1D and 2D, multinuclear; molecular structure determination
* Hardware: design, construction, and troubleshooting
Although my thesis research and early employment history were dominated by solid-state NMR, this experience provided the tools to branch into diverse areas later.
One of my major projects during my tenure in the Amy Facility for Chemical Instrumentation in the Purdue University Chemistry Department was the design and construction of a Negative Ion Photoelectron Spectrometer. The NIPES incorporates time-of-flight analyzers for ion mass and electron energy, as well as an electron impact ionization source and a tripled YAG for photodetachment, all under computer control with nanosecond resolution via a custom LabVIEW GUI. I also designed and implemented RGA-based mass spectrometers for chemical research and undergraduate teaching laboratories, and the meteorological sensor suite for an autonomous buoy for arctic deployment. I am thoroughly familiar with signal processing methods, sampling theory, statistics, etc.
While at Union Carbide Corporation, I developed a (relatively) inexpensive process solid-state NMR instrument to determine the physical properties of polyolefins. Previously, these properties were determined in a plant laboratory by highly-trained technicians using procedures that required eight to twelve hours. However, the residence time of the reactors is 2-4 hours, so process control was problematic. The process NMR method obtained the necessary properties in fifteen minutes, allowing real-time control of the process and reducing production of off-specification products. I also worked extensively with the characterization of polyurethane foams, particularly in the molecular basis of stomper fatigue.
During my undergraduate studies I worked in the Pharmacology Department at Michigan State University designing and implementing stopped-flow kinetic studies of 32P-labeled ATP to Na,K-ATPase in intact membrane fragments. I also worked in the Department of Crop and Soil Science developing and performing analyses of soil, water and plant tissues for nutrients, micronutrients and trace metals using AA, OES, colorimetric methods, ion-specific electrodes, Kjeldahl distillation, and other techniques.
I have substantial experience with air- and water-free techniques, and have participated in product development and manufacturing support. I have qualified and operated a laboratory under GLP conditions. I have supervised three technicians, including training, and performance coaching and evaluation. I have qualified and operated a laboratory under GLP conditions. I have experience working with energetic materials. I have managed laboratory budgets, and been the team leader on numerous projects. I have worked with designed experiments and fully appreciate the power of the technique. I am well-versed in sampling techniques and statistical methods for data analysis and quality control.
A central part of my PhD thesis research was a program to simulate deuterium NMR lineshapes in the presence of motion. The program consisted of 3000 lines of FORTRAN code that I ported to several computer platforms - IBM 9000, VAX750/780 (BSD Unix), Celerity RISC (BSD Unix), Cray XMP-48, and Sun (SysV Unix). The simulations required substantial amounts of time and had to be highly optimized on each platform. I have used Unix(BSD, SysV, SunOS and Solaris), DOS, Windows (3.1-Vista), and Macintosh (MacOS 2-9) platforms as a user and an administrator. I have experience in other programming languages as well as shell scripting (sh, csh, ksh). I am familiar with a variety of desktop applications including Microsoft Office, Orcad Suite, Autodesk Inventor, Adobe Acrobat and Photoshop, Xming, SecureCRT, various web browsers and e-mail programs, and numerous security and administrative tools.
I am particularly apt at the interface between research scientists and engineers as I understand both cultures and am able to translate requirements (especially those assumed on either side) in both directions.
I am looking for employment in a challenging and dynamic environment that rewards expertise, innovation and originality.
Recent Activities and Accomplishments
* Design, construct, and troubleshoot a Negative Ion Photoelectron Spectrometer; user training and SOP development
* Design and implement a suite of meteorological instruments for arctic deployment on a buoy
* Select, install and maintain a solid-state NMR in the Purdue Interdepartmental NMR Facility
Function as the in-house expert on solid-state NMR, advising researchers on methods and implementation
Develop training materials and standards; train and advise operators
Design and implement new pulse sequences and hardware modifications to enable novel research directions
Design and supervise facility renovations, utilities and HVAC; perform installation and commissioning
* Participate in new faculty startups, defining instruments, space, utilities, etc. and the necessary budget to acquire them
* Design, construct and document mass spectrometers for undergraduate teaching and chemical research laboratories
Specialized Skills
Extensive experience in nuclear magnetic resonance
* Applications: catalysis, polymers, structure, quantitation, physical properties
* Solid-State NMR: MAS and static, spin-1/2 and quadrupolar nuclei, CRAMPS, 2D
* Process NMR: high-resolution and wideline, solid-state and solution
* Solution NMR: 1D and 2D, multinuclear; molecular structure determination
* NMR Hardware: design, construction, troubleshooting and maintenance; component to system level
Working knowledge of a wide range of analytical technology
* Spectroscopy: NMR, IR, EPR, ENDOR, AA, AE, UV-Visible, Raman, fluorescence, mass spectrometry
* Chromatography: GC, LC, HPLC, TLC
* Radionuclides: safety, preparation, labeling and counting
Computer programming, networking and administration
* FORTRAN in a variety of environments including PC, Macintosh, Sun, VAX, and Cray
* UNIX (BSD and Sys V), MacOS and Windows system administration
* Familiar with many desktop programs on PC (DOS and Windows) and Macintosh platforms
Management and supervision of analytical and instrumental service laboratories
Knowledge of experimental instrumentation
* Design, troubleshooting, repair and fabrication of RF, AF and digital electronics and optics
* Medium, high and ultra-high vacuum design, fabrication, troubleshooting and repair
Preparation and presentation of technical courses
Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Chemistry, August 1987
Master of Science in Chemistry, June 1985
School: Department of Chemistry, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
Advisors: Professor Robert L. Vold* 757-***-**** and Professor Regitze R. Vold (deceased)
Dissertation: Solid-State 2H NMR Studies of Biphenyl in the beta-Cyclodextrin Complex
* Current Address: Department of Applied Science, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, March 1981
School: Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
Research: Studies of isopoly- and heteropolymolybdate chemistry using stopped-flow kinetics and 95Mo NMR
Non-Degree Program in Physics, May 1999
School: Department of Physics, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907
Employment History
Instrumentation Scientist, February 1998 to June 2009
Employer: Purdue University Department of Chemistry, Jonathan Amy Facility for Chemical Instrumentation, 425 Central Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2018
* Design, construct, modify and repair instruments to support research in the Chemistry Department
* Select, install and maintain a solid-state NMR in the Purdue Interdepartmental NMR Facility; train and advise operators
* Interface between researchers and JAFCI staff to facilitate full understanding of their needs and limitations
* Serve as a technical resource for the JAFCI Director and researchers
Project Scientist, October 1991 to February 1998
Senior Chemist, September 1987 to September 1991
Employer: Union Carbide Corporation, Post Office Box 8361, South Charleston, West Virginia 25303 (now Dow Chemical)
* Application, design and development of solid-state NMR for characterization of catalysts and polymers
* Design, development and application of process NMR technology to support manufacturing
* Supervision and training of as many as three technicians, laboratory management and budgeting
* Design, implementation and maintenance of a network to facilitate data delivery and analysis
Graduate Research Assistant, September 1983 to September 1987
Employer: Department of Chemistry, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
* Design and execution of solid-state NMR experiments
* Creation of software for modeling/simulation of 2H quadrupole-echo spectra
* Unix (BSD and Sys V) computer system and network administration
* Design and construction of NMR spectrometers, probes and ancillary hardware
* Teach laboratory and classroom courses
Applications Specialist, March 1982 to September 1983
Employer: Nicolet Analytical Instruments, Post Office Box 4508, Madison, WI 53711
* Preparation and presentation of courses for customers and in-house personnel on FT-IR applications, theory and operations
* Instrument and method development
* Preparation of a comprehensive FT-IR applications manual
Manager, Instrumentation Laboratory, April 1981 to February 1982
Employer: Department of Chemistry, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky 40292
* Operation, maintenance, repair and fabrication of NMR, EPR, UV-Visible, IR, and other instruments; train and advise operators
* User training and assistance
* Supervision and training of technicians
NMR Technician, September 1979 to March 1981
Employer: Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
* Operation, maintenance, repair and fabrication of NMR and EPR instruments
* User training and assistance
Senior Laboratory Technician, May 1975 to September 1979
Employer: Department of Crop and Soil Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
* Analysis of water, wastewater, soil and plant residues for nutrients, trace metals, BOD, solids, pH, total organic carbon, etc.
* Development of analytical methods to obtain accurate analytical data in an efficient manner
* Field sampling techniques, methods for representative sub-sampling, and statistical analysis of data
Laboratory Attendant IV, June 1974 to April 1975
Employer: Department of Pharmacology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
* Designed and implemented kinetic studies of ATP to Na,K-ATPase
* Purchased and configured stopped-flow apparatus and accessories
* Prepared Na,K-ATPase in intact membrane fragments
* Developed radioimmunoassay of 32P-ATP binding to Na,K-ATPase
External Publications
1. Neloni Wijeratne, Maria DaFonte, Alan Ronemus, Phillip Wyss, Daryoush Tahmassebi, and Paul Wenthold, "Photoelectron Spectroscopy of Chloro-Substituted Phenylnitrene Anions," J. Phys. Chem., 113, 9467–9473, 2009.
2. R. R. Vold, R. L. Vold, M. S. Greenfield and A. D. Ronemus, "Deuterium Relaxation and Molecular Motion in Channel Clathrates," in Advanced Magnetic Resonance Techniques in Systems of High Molecular Complexity, ed. N. Nicolai and G. Valensin, Birkhaüser, Boston, 1986.
3. A. D. Ronemus, R. L. Vold and R. R. Vold, "Deuterium Quadrupole Echo NMR Spectroscopy II. Artifact Suppression," J. Magn. Reson. 70(3), 416-26 (1986).
4. M. S. Greenfield, A. D. Ronemus, R. L. Vold, R. R. Vold, P. D. Ellis and T. E. Raidy, "Deuterium Quadrupole-Echo NMR Spectroscopy III. Practical Aspects of Lineshape Calculations for Multiaxis Rotational Processes," J. Magn. Reson. 72(1), 89-107 (1987).
5. A. D. Ronemus, "Solid State 2H NMR Studies of Biphenyl in the beta-Cyclodextrin Complex," Ph. D. Thesis, University of California, San Diego, 1987.
6. A. D. Ronemus, R. R. Vold and R. L. Vold, "Deuterium Quadrupole Echo Studies of Molecular Motion in a Biphenyl - beta-Cyclodextrin Clathrate," J. Chem. Soc., Faraday Trans. I 84(11), 3761-76 (1988).
Internal Reports
Project documentation – operation and maintenance procedures, system drawings, schematics, parts list, etc.: 7
Confidential Union Carbide Corporation project reports: approximately 25
Seminar Presentations
Technical education seminars, semi-annual status reviews, interview seminars, etc. too numerous to count
Presentations at Scientific Meetings
Solid State 2H NMR Studies of Biphenyl in the beta-Cyclodextrin Clathrate, Experimental NMR Conference, Monterey, CA, 1986 – Poster MF49
Practical Aspects of Deuterium Quadrupole-Echo NMR Lineshape Calculations for Multiaxis Rotational Processes, Rocky Mountain Conference on Analytical Chemistry, NMR Symposiun, Denver, CO,1987 – Invited Presentation, Oral Session
Scientific Meetings Attended
Experimental NMR Conference: Monterey, CA, 1986; Saint Louis, MO, 1991
High Resolution NMR in Solids (Waugh Symposium): Boston, MA, 1989
Rocky Mountain Conference on Analytical Chemistry: Denver, CO, 1987-2007 (12 times)
Gordon Conference on NMR: Wolfeboro, NH, 1993 &1995
Union Carbide Semiannual NMR Specialists Meetings: 1987-1997
References
Doctor Michael Everly
Purdue University
Department of Chemistry
425 Central Drive
West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2018
*******@******.***
Professor Daniel Raftery
Purdue University
Department of Chemistry
425 Central Drive
West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2018
*******@******.***
Professor Paul Wenthold
Purdue University
Department of Chemistry
425 Central Drive
West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2018
***@******.***
Professor Hilkka Kenttämaa
Purdue University
Department of Chemistry
425 Central Drive
West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2018
******@******.***
Doctor Paul D. Ellis, Laboratory Fellow
Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory
Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories
Post Office Box 999, K8-98
Richland, Washington 99352
****.*****@***.***
Professor Karl T. Mueller
The Pennsylvania State University
Department of Chemistry
104 Chemistry Building
University Park, Pennsylvania 16802
****@***.***
Contact this candidate