Kevin G. Owens

Dr. Kevin G. Owens is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Drexel University, where he also chairs the Faculty Senate. He holds a PhD from Indiana University (1989) and a BS from the University of New Hampshire (1982). His research focuses on analytical chemistry, particularly mass spectrometry (MALDI TOFMS), laser spectroscopy, and chemometrics. Key areas include improving MALDI techniques for biological and synthetic polymer analysis, developing imaging mass spectrometry methods, and strain-level micro-organism identification via mass spectral correlation analysis. He pioneered electrospray deposition (ESD) for quantitative MALDI analysis and has contributed to detector innovations like the bipolar time-of-flight detector. His work spans fundamental MALDI process studies, instrumentation design, and applications in microbiology and polymer science.

Education:

• PhD, Analytical Chemistry, Indiana University, 1989
• BS, Chemistry, University of New Hampshire, 1982

Research Interests: Dr. Owens' lab investigates MALDI fundamentals, instrument development (e.g., TOFMS detectors), and chemometric methods like 2D correlation analysis. Recent efforts include optimizing MALDI imaging for tissue analysis, improving microbe strain identification, and advancing electrospray-based sample preparation techniques. His publications address matrix solubility, ion formation dynamics, and applications in brewing yeast analysis.

Publications: Over 80 peer-reviewed articles emphasize methodological advancements in MALDI, including pioneering work on ESD and strain-level organism identification. Recent trends focus on MALDI imaging improvements and microbiological applications.

Awards/Honors: Not explicitly listed in provided texts.

Advising/Grants: As a graduate program faculty member, he mentors students in analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry. His research is supported by grants (details not specified).

Labs/Teams: Leads the Owens Research Group, collaborating on MALDI instrumentation, microbiology, and polymer analysis projects.