Tania Gautam, PhD Candidate Pursuing Industry/Government Postdoctoral Positions, Preferred Location: Colorado

TANIA GAUTAM, University of Alberta

     Abstract Number: 164
     Working Group: Meet the Job Seekers

Abstract
I am a 4^th year PhD student in the department of analytical chemistry at the University of Alberta (U of A) in Dr. Ran Zhao’s group. Spectroscopic methods are often employed for selective and quantitative determination of organic peroxides in any given matrix. My recently published work investigated potential matrix interferences in iodometry, which remains one of the most pursued methods for quantification of total peroxides in any given matrix. The work in my 2^nd project is an extension from the first project, focusing on application of advanced analytical techniques in determining elusive reactive intermediates such as organic peroxides through novel formation pathways. My 3^rd project is based on acquiring qualitative and quantitative detection of olefinic species in indoor environments. In particular, cooking aerosols from highly unsaturated edible oils will be investigated by probing into reaction kinetics of precursor compounds and halogens.

While I was an undergraduate student at U of A, I had amazing internship opportunities at industrial (ALS Global, 2016) and governmental (National Research Council, 2018) institutions. Through this work experience, I have gained hands-on experience in analytical instrumentation including operation/maintenance. I am equipped at data management using software analysis with Igor Pro. Given my background in chemistry, I am looking forward to exploring the application of analytical techniques in determination of organic pollutants such as perfluoroalkyl compounds in drinking water and determining their fate through fundamental studies. Over the last decade, PFAS have received tremendous attention due to their persistence and I wish to contribute my knowledge towards targeted analysis of PFAS in drinking water. My anticipated graduation is December 2023 and I will be available for full time positions starting January 2024 for companies located within North America. Please contact me at tgautam@ualberta.ca