Charles J. Taylor

Charles J. Taylor is Professor of Chemistry and Chair of the Chemistry Department at Pomona College, where he has served since 2002. An analytical chemist specializing in instrumental techniques for volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis, his work bridges medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and chemical sensing applications.

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. from University of Minnesota
• Bachelor of Arts from Macalester College

Taylor's research focuses on developing rapid diagnostic methods through VOC analysis, leveraging microhotplate arrays, Raman spectroscopy, and polymer-carbon composites. His work spans biological systems (nematode chemotaxis, wine fermentation flavor compounds) and environmental applications (trace element profiling in coffee beans). Students in his lab gain hands-on experience with advanced analytical instrumentation and multivariate data analysis.

Analysis of his publications reveals consistent themes in chemical sensing materials development, with strong emphasis on microsensor arrays, NASA-collaborative electronic nose projects, and applications in medical/environmental diagnostics. His work demonstrates interdisciplinary integration of materials science, analytical chemistry, and data analysis.

His scientific achievements have been recognized with:

• NASA Board Award for Copolymers for Sensors (2013)
• NASA Board Award for SO₂ Detection (2012)
• Provisional U.S. Patent #60/861-617 (2007)
• Multiple NASA Tech Brief Awards (2007)

Taylor actively mentors undergraduate researchers, with students co-authoring publications on diverse projects from medical diagnostics to environmental trace analysis. His teaching includes Advanced Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, and General Chemistry, emphasizing practical laboratory experience. Research funding has supported instrumentation development and NASA-collaborative sensor projects.

His laboratory focuses on chemical sensing materials development, particularly microhotplate-based sensor arrays and VOC analysis systems, with ongoing collaborations with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory for electronic nose applications and environmental monitoring solutions.