Rachel is currently a fourth year graduate student working on the UHPLC project.

Her research focuses on using micron sized porous particles for use in Ultra High Pressure LC. Chromatography theory suggests that we could be doing faster and more efficient separations by using even smaller particles than the ones we are using now. The problem is that as the particles get smaller, they become immensely harder to pack into columns that provide efficient separations. Our lab can readily pack efficient columns with 1.5 micron particles, but by the time we get down to 1.0 micron particles, the results aren't nearly as good. The biggest problem however, is that the small particles tend to agglomerate. This does not allow for a uniform packed bed, thus hurting the efficiency of the column. The research includes using various solvents and ultrasonication techniques to break up the agglomeration and pack the columns at high pressures. The columns are then tested chromatographically using an isocratic UHPLC system.