Willis (Will) Jones

Research in the Jones lab is largely focused on the development of novel calibration strategies that improve the determination analytes in all sample types. We aim to improve the detection of analytes in general by developing strategies than can be applied to a wide range of analytical instrumentation. Research at UNF is focused on the determination of trace metals in samples down to the low parts per billion (ng/mL) level.

 

Traditional external calibration involves the preparation and analysis of several solutions containing the analytes of interest at known concentrations. Those results are compared with real samples to determine analyte concentrations present. This procedure can be frustrating and time consuming as the solutions of known concentration must be prepared with great care. In the end, one must assume that the metal in question produces the same signal level in the complex sample as it would in a pure solution. One must also assume that the instrument response at the time of the sample analysis is the same as it was at the time of the known solution analysis (hours or even days earlier). Both of these assumptions can be bad ones of course. Other traditional methods such as standard additions and internal standardization successfully correct the shortcomings of external calibration at the cost of making the analysis and sample preparation more complex. Our research is focused on continuing to push calibration science forward by combining traditional methods with novel approaches, simplifying the calibration without sacrificing analytical accuracy or precision, improving sample throughput, and providing more accessible and understandable results to consumers with specific analytical problems.

 

Dr. Jones and his collaborators have expertise in a wide range of cutting edge spectroscopic methodologies, including inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), Raman spectroscopy, tungsten coil atomic emission spectrometry (WC-AES), flame atomic absorption and emission spectrometry (FAAS, FAES), and direct mercury analyzers (DMA).