Inside the Laboratory: The Forensic Analytical Chemistry and Odor Profiling Laboratory at Texas Tech University

Inside the Laboratory is a joint series with LCGC and Spectroscopy, profiling analytical scientists and their research groups at universities all over the world. This series spotlights the current chromatographic and spectroscopic research their groups are conducting, and the importance of their research in analytical chemistry and specific industries. In this edition of “Inside the Laboratory,” Paola Tiedemann, PhD, an assistant professor of chemistry at Texas Tech University, discusses her laboratory group’s work using headspace sampling techniques like solid phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC–MS) to chemically characterize odor volatiles from a range of forensic specimens.

The Forensic Analytical Chemistry & Odor Profiling Laboratory at Texas Tech University focuses on developing new analytical instrumentation to characterize and profile odors from a range of specimens. Paola A. Tiedemann, PhD, is the lead investigator of this research group. Dr. Tiedemann is an Assistant Professor of Forensic Science in the Department of Environmental Toxicology at Texas Tech. She has served as the chair for 28 graduate students since arriving at Texas Tech. To date, she has published four book chapters, three books, and 25 peer-reviewed articles.

Overcast view of the campus of Texas Tech University. | Image Credit: © Kit Leong – stock.adobe.com

Tiedemann’s research concentrates on bridging interdisciplinary areas such as chemistry, canine odor detection, and national security to address issues critical to effective intelligence and defense capabilities (1–5). She has worked extensively on developing instrumental methods for the identification and evaluation of odor volatiles from an array of different specimens of forensic and investigative relevance, spending time with government and police agencies to help develop improved training and instrumental techniques in odor detection. She is a member of several organizations, including the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), the Council of Forensic Educators (COFSE), and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences Standards Board Dogs and Sensors Consensus Body. Apart from her position at Texas Tech University, Tiedemann also serves as the Chair of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) OSAC subcommittee on Dogs and Sensors.

Recently, Tiedemann sat down with LCGC International to talk about her research group and the current research projects they are working on.

Dr. Paola Tiedemann (center, bottom row) and her research group at Texas Tech University. Photo Credit: © Paola Tiedemann

Can you talk about the analytical techniques that your group used in your most recent research project?

My research group, the Forensic Analytical Chemistry and Odor Profiling Laboratory at Texas Tech University, uses headspace sampling techniques like solid phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC–MS) to chemically characterize odor volatiles from a range of forensic specimens. Our group has worked extensively on developing instrumental methods for the identification and evaluation of odor volatiles from different specimens of forensic and investigative relevance to include explosives, drugs, invasive species, decomposition samples, firearms, ammunition, and live human scent, to name a few.

Can you explain the importance of your research within the broader field of analytical chemistry or in a specific industry/application?

My research is geared at bridging interdisciplinary areas such as chemistry, canine odor detection, and national security to address issues critical to effective intelligence and defense capabilities. The work conducted in my research group is geared toward helping the canine detection community understand principles of odor chemistry that can help optimize and guide canine training regimens. These aspects include understanding the odor volatile composition of target odor sources, evaluate their shelf-life and persistence over time, storage conditions, odor movement, and containment. The work is strictly focused from an operational standpoint such that the research conducted can be applied to relevant life scenarios.

How do you stay updated with advancements in analytical chemistry techniques and technologies?

Our research team keeps up with the advancements in analytical chemistry techniques & technologies by attending conferences relevant to our discipline to include the AAFS, American Chemical Society (ACS), and relevant canine detection seminars, workshops, and conferences.

Can you discuss a recent innovation or development that you find particularly impactful or exciting?

As chair of the NIST OSAC Dogs and Sensors subcommittee, it is very important to bridge the science behind the work of canine detection teams. Whether it be for a homeland security or forensic investigative perspective, the work these biological detectors perform daily across the globe is impactful for our well-being and safety. Therefore, the opportunity to witness a renaissance of research bridging the practical work discipline with scientific foundations has been rewarding to advance this area within the forensic practice.

References

(1) Aviles-Rosa, E.; Fernandez, L. S.; Collins-Pisano, C.; Prada-Tiedemann, P. A.; Hall, N. J. The Use of an Intermittent Schedule of Reinforcement to Evaluate Detection Dogs’ Generalization from Smokeless Powder. Animal Cognition 2022, 25, 1609–1620. DOI: 10.1007/s10071-022-01648-y

(2) Titus, K.; Gallego, S.; Prada-Tiedemann, P. A. Forensic Odor Analysis: Current Application in Postmortem Examinations. Research and Reports in Forensic Medical Science 2022, 12, 1–12. https://www.dovepress.com/getfile.php?fileID=80319

(3) Gallego, S.; Aviles-Rosa, E.; Hall, N. J.; Prada-Tiedemann, P. A. Headspace Sampling of Smokeless Powder Odor Stimuli in a Dynamic Airflow Context. Forensic Chem. 2022, 27, 100402.

(4) Nettles, K.; Ford, C.; Prada-Tiedemann, P. A. Development of Profiling Methods for Contraband Firearm Volatile Odor Signatures. Front. Anal. Sci. 2022, 1, 785271. DOI: 10.3389/frans.2021.785271.

(5) Medrano, A. C.; Cantu, A.; Aviles-Rosa, E. O.; et al. Chemical Characterization of Human Body Odor Headspace Components. Separations 2024, 11 (3), 85. DOI: 10.3390/separations11030085