Blakeley Adair, Research Chemist

Education:

Ph.D., 2002, Texas Tech University
M.S., 1997 Clemson University
B.S., 1994, College of Charleston

Research Expertise and Interests:

Dr. Adair is interested in developing protein quantification techniques that can be applied to SRM certification and biomarker examination. The strategy employed combines element-specific analytical detection (ICP-MS) with biological preparation (immunoassays, protein labeling, etc) and identification (ESI-MS, MALDI-MS) techniques.

Blakely has developed, validated, and applied preparation and analysis procedures to quantify mercury and arsenic species and metal mixtures in biological and environmental samples. Preparation techniques include acidic and basic digestions as well as solid phase extraction. The instrumentation for quantification include GF-AAS, ICP-OES, CV-AAS (manual and FIMS), HG-AAS (manual and FIAS), LC-HG-AFS, LC-Scintillation. The expertise gained from these diverse projects will converge in the protein research at NIST.

Prior to beginning her post-doc at NIST, Blakely was a research scientist at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) where she developed a water quality study for a community based participatory research project in an environmental justice community. She was able to implement and complete the study by training undergraduate environmental science students in sediment and water sample collection, data input, and data processing procedures. As a post-doctoral fellow with the Environmental Protection Agency in the Experimental Toxicology Division, Blakely developed several projects and collaborated with employees, students, and post-docs in molecular biology, analytical chemistry and toxicology. While at NCCU and EPA she enjoyed the cultural and scientific enlightenment from interacting with scientists from the Czech Republic, Spain, Mexico, Korea, and China. She has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed publications and presented at regional, national, and international conferences.

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