Mark Bier

Mark Bier is a Research Professor and Director of the Center for Molecular Analysis in the Department of Chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). He holds a Ph.D. from Purdue University (1988) and has been affiliated with CMU since 1996, progressing from Assistant to Associate Research Professor before becoming a Research Professor in 2010. His work focuses on mass spectrometry instrumentation development, including superconducting tunnel junction (STJ) cryodetection for heavy ion analysis and environmental applications like water quality monitoring.

Research interests include nanoparticle analysis (e.g., Au clusters, viral particles), biomacromolecular complexes, and advancements in mass spectrometry detectors. Notable contributions include co-inventing the linear quadrupole ion trap (1995), now widely used, and developing the Virtual Mass Spectrometry Laboratory (VMSL) for education. He leads a dynamic research group with over 30 publications since 2000, addressing topics from environmental chemistry to bioanalytical methods.

Awards include recognition for his patent on the linear ion trap. His lab collaborates on projects like the CO₂ Fence art installation to raise climate awareness and develops portable MIMS probes for fieldwork. Teaching includes courses on mass spectrometry fundamentals and instrumental analysis.

Key achievements: Highest molecular weight mass spectra for polystyrene (2.2 MDa) and bacteriophage HK97 (13 MDa), STJ-based viral particle detection, and real-time biomolecule monitoring via micro-reactors. His work bridges academia and industry, with applications in virology, polymer science, and environmental protection.