The science of mass spectrometry at Vancouver Island University

How next-generation technology that saves lives is being developed by researchers at VIU.

Vancouver Island University (VIU) researcher Chris Gill is developing faster, more affordable ways to detect harmful substances in drugs, environmental samples and clinical tests. His work uses direct mass spectrometry to measure chemicals in seconds, which could help improve drug checking, overdose response and environmental monitoring. 

Gill, co-director of VIU’s Centre for Health and Environmental Mass Spectrometry, recently received increased funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada to support his research.

Gill’s lab also gives VIU students hands-on research experience. Chemistry student Ava Henwood is developing ways to measure vitamin D, while former undergraduate researcher Jindar Sboto is continuing work on drug testing and kidney disease as a University of Victoria PhD student. Their work helps advance new testing methods while training the next generation of researchers.

Read the full article from The National Post