Katelynn Perrault Uptmor Receives the 2025 LCGC Emerging Leader in Chromatography Award

Katelynn Perrault Uptmor Receives the 2025 LCGC Emerging Leader in Chromatography Award

Perrault Uptmor has swiftly emerged as a prominent voice in separation science. As Principal Investigator of the Nontargeted Separations Laboratory at William & Mary, which she established in 2023, she specializes in comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC)—a powerful technique that allows for the precise analysis of complex samples. Her advancements in GC×GC applications have led to breakthroughs in forensic analysis and odor investigation, addressing critical challenges in forensic recovery and bioanalytical research.

"She is an outstanding chromatographer whose innovations have broadened the scope of multidimensional chromatography and its applications in forensic science,"said James Grinias, Professor of Chemistry at Rowan University. "Her efforts in advancing both the science and accessibility of these technologies exemplify the leadership qualities celebrated by the Emerging Leader Award."

Perrault Uptmor earned her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Technology Sydney in 2015, where she focused on separation science and multidimensional chromatography. Her early work laid the foundation for her subsequent innovations in complex sample analysis. Since then, she has applied GC×GC to novel applications in forensic chemistry, including the analysis of VOCs associated with decomposition odors. This work is particularly impactful in forensic contexts, helping to refine methods for locating and identifying human remains under challenging environmental conditions.

Her recent research extends into ethnopharmacology, where her exploration of kava root extracts highlights the intricate blend of traditional knowledge and modern science. By using GC×GC to map the volatile profile of kava, Perrault Uptmor has expanded the catalog of detectable compounds, bridging scientific analysis with indigenous practices.

Perrault Uptmor’s dedication to making chromatography accessible is evident in her pioneering 2022 publication, where she introduced an open-access data processing approach for complex GC×GC data. This innovation allows laboratories with limited resources to engage with advanced chromatography techniques, democratizing access to these tools across various fields.

In her educational endeavors, she integrates GC×GC technology into undergraduate chemistry courses at William & Mary, preparing the next generation of scientists with hands-on experience in modern analytical techniques. Her efforts to create accessible, real-world learning opportunities are paving the way for students to enter the field with robust training in cutting-edge separation science.

Beyond her research, Perrault Uptmor is a committed advocate for the chromatography community. Since 2017, she has co-chaired the Multidimensional Chromatography Workshop, a pivotal annual event for researchers in the field, and serves on the organizing committee of the GC×GC Symposium. Her role as Secretary for the American Chemical Society’s Subdivision of Chromatography and Separations Chemistry has enabled her to drive symposia and initiatives that support knowledge-sharing and innovation within the separation sciences.

Dwight Stoll, Professor of Chemistry at Gustavus Adolphus College, recognized Perrault Uptmor as “a leader whose service to the chromatography community is as impactful as her research contributions. Her dedication to advancing the science and supporting its professionals makes her an ideal recipient of the Emerging Leader Award.”

Perrault Uptmor’s work promises to continue reshaping the field of chromatography. With plans to expand her research on decomposition odors and VOC analysis in environmental forensics, she is poised to make significant contributions that will influence forensic science and complex sample analysis for years to come. Her commitment to advancing GC×GC applications and enhancing educational resources ensures that her impact on separation science will resonate well into the future.