Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists at Pittcon

Ask the average high school or college student to explain separation science, and you’re likely to hear some unexpected answers.

Many students begin and complete their college education without gaining a deeper understanding of chromatography and its vital role in critical applications, said Dwight Stoll, professor of Chemistry at Gustavus Adolphus University, during the LCGC International Awards Symposium at the Pittcon 2025 conference in Boston, Massachusetts. Although many students take chemistry courses in college, only a small fraction pursue a career in separation science—despite using its techniques in their work.

This makes it even more essential for senior researchers to inspire and mentor the next generation of separation scientists, Stoll said, emphasizing the invaluable work of professors like Katelyn Perrault Uptmor, the 2025 LCGC International Emerging Leader in Chromatography award winner. Perrault Uptmor is a professor at William & Mary University, where she is the principal investigator of the Nontargeted Separations Laboratory. Her laboratory is primarily made up of undergraduate chemistry students.

Christopher Pohl and Katelyn Perrault Uptmor pose with their awards at Pittcon in Boston.

Stoll’s talk was just one of many at Pittcon that emphasized the importance of engaging young scientists. Several sessions showcased the work of students and postdoctoral researchers—rising stars just beginning to immerse themselves in the field. Others reflected on the mentors who shaped their careers. Muhammad Farooq Wahab, for instance, recalled sending hundreds of emails filled with questions to Christopher Pohl—recipient of LCGC’s Lifetime Achievement in Chromatography Award—while grappling with complex challenges in his work.

“The world needs more people like Chris Pohl,” he noted in one slide.

As funding for science dwindles, the need for individuals dedicated to sharing their expertise and mentoring the next generation of innovators has never been more urgent. However, this challenge is not new—it’s something scientists across all fields have been tackling for years. Encouraging students, especially women and minorities, to pursue degrees in STEM has long been an ongoing struggle. Women represent only 30% of the world’s researchers, according to data from the Unesco Institute for Statistics, highlighting the need for greater diversity and inclusion in the scientific community (1).

So, what is the key factor that will drive a wave of new talent into fields like chromatography? Of course, there’s no single solution. This is a challenge that many far more knowledgeable minds have been wrestling with for decades.

One critical approach, however, lies in creating opportunities for collaboration and discussion. Conferences like Pittcon serve as essential meeting points where researchers from diverse backgrounds and disciplines can come together to engage in open, meaningful conversations about these challenges. Pittcon also offers awards, travel grants, and scholarships, enabling students to attend and network with key figures in their fields.

Employers also play a vital role by providing learning and development opportunities, including leadership training. Despite its importance in fostering career growth, leadership development is often neglected for STEM professionals. A 2017 study, for example, including interviews with 32 National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded genetic researchers found that while leadership skills were crucial for effective research, scientific training rarely equipped them with the necessary tools to navigate the challenges of leading a team (2).

Professors and academic researchers, who have the most direct access to the next generation of scientists, play a critical role in shaping and inspiring young minds. Their influence goes beyond imparting knowledge. By fostering an environment where students are motivated to expand their intellectual horizons, professors help cultivate a sense of curiosity and passion that drives future research. This kind of mentorship not only broadens students' perspectives but also prepares them to navigate the complexities of the scientific world and contribute meaningfully to its advancement.

As Pittcon concludes, analytical scientists across all industries and roles can carry the conversation forward, extending it beyond the conference hall to help mentor and inspire the next generation of researchers.

References

1. Women in Science. https://uis.unesco.org/en/topic/women-science (accessed 2025-03-04).
2. Antes, A. L.; Mart, A.; DuBois, J. M. Are Leadership and Management Essential for Good Research? An Interview Study of Genetic Researchers. Journal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics 2016, 11 (5), 408–423. DOI:10.1177/1556264616668775.