Jason W. Coym

Dr. Jason W. Coym serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry within the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of South Alabama. His office is located in CHEM 235 at 6040 USA South Drive, Mobile, AL 36688, and he can be contacted via email at jwcoym@southalabama.edu or by phone at (251) 460-7431. Dr. Coym maintains an active research program focused on analytical chemistry with significant contributions to separation science.

Dr. Coym earned his B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Texas (1998), followed by a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Florida State University (2004), and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Arizona (2004-2005). His educational background established the foundation for his specialization in chromatographic techniques.

Dr. Coym's research centers on reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), investigating fundamental retention mechanisms—whether by adsorption, partitioning, or a combination—and the intermolecular interactions governing solute separation. His laboratory employs van't Hoff analysis and linear solvation energy relationships (LSER) to elucidate thermodynamic properties and interaction types. Key research areas include polar-group-containing stationary phases, novel mobile phase systems, and the development of analytical methods for monitoring invasive insects through trap and lure analysis. This work bridges theoretical chromatography with practical applications across pharmaceutical, environmental, forensic, and biochemical domains.

Analysis of Dr. Coym's publication record (2011-2012) reveals a cohesive research trajectory focused on optimizing RP-HPLC through mechanistic studies and innovative applications. His work demonstrates consistent exploration of stationary phase modifications, mobile phase additives like methyl-β-cyclodextrin, and retention modeling, with direct relevance to pharmaceutical analysis, environmental monitoring, and entomological fieldwork. The integration of fundamental chromatography principles with real-world problem-solving characterizes his scholarly output.

Dr. Coym's research program is supported by competitive external funding from the National Science Foundation (CHE-0910474) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), supplemented by internal university grants. His laboratory provides extensive research training for students, as evidenced by undergraduate and graduate co-authorship on publications. Collaborative work with colleagues like Dr. Sandra Stenson enhances methodological capabilities through shared instrumentation and interdisciplinary projects.

The Coym laboratory maintains dedicated HPLC infrastructure including two specialized systems (isocratic and gradient configurations) and shares access to a fully-automated gradient HPLC system. This equipment supports comprehensive investigations into chromatographic mechanisms and the development of novel analytical protocols for both fundamental research and applied environmental monitoring initiatives.