Research efforts in this area are centered in the main scope of "volatolomics", specifically
in the analysis of volatile organic compounds from biological as well as other forensic
specimens which could yield a chemical odor profile useful for discriminatory and
identification purposes. To achieve these objectives, the analytical methods implemented
in by our faculty include the use of instrumentation such as gas chromatography/mass
spectrometry and solid phase microextraction that allow the efficient extraction and
detection of target analytes with minor sample disturbance. Our particular interest
is in understanding the complex odor picture available to the canine nose in the many
military and law enforcement applications of working dog canine teams. Additionally,
we are focusing our efforts on not only the analytical chemistry component, but also
in monitoring canine response and threshold levels with concurrent canine field testing
in collaborative efforts both locally and internationally.