R. Kenneth Marcus

R. Kenneth Marcus serves as the Robert Adger Bowen Professor of Chemistry in Clemson University's College of Science Department of Chemistry, where he has maintained an active research program for 38 years. His work bridges analytical instrumentation development and advanced separation science with applications spanning nuclear safeguards to biomedical diagnostics.

His academic foundation includes dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemistry (with honors) and Physics from Longwood College (1982), followed by a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Virginia (1986). This multidisciplinary training underpins his innovative research approach.

Dr. Marcus's research focuses on two synergistic thrusts: (1) plasma-based atomic spectrochemical techniques using glow discharge sources, particularly the liquid sampling-atmospheric pressure glow discharge (LS-APGD) microplasma for optical emission and mass spectrometry; and (2) capillary-channeled polymer (C-CP) fiber stationary phases for high-speed protein and extracellular vesicle separations. Current efforts target field-deployable nuclear safeguards instrumentation and exosome isolation platforms for clinical applications, leveraging commodity polymers like polypropylene and nylon.

His 2024-2025 publications reveal a strategic convergence where LS-APGD mass spectrometry enables ultra-high-resolution isotopic analysis for nuclear applications, while C-CP fiber chromatography advances exosome purification across diverse biological matrices. This dual focus positions his work at the intersection of national security needs and emerging biomedical diagnostics.

His distinguished recognition includes:

• Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (2010)
• Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2012)
• Fellow of the Society for Applied Spectroscopy (2016)
• Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (2018)
• Clemson University Researcher of the Year (2019)
• South Carolina Governor’s Award for Excellence in Science Research (2001)

Dr. Marcus has mentored 44 Ph.D. and 17 M.S. students to completion. His research receives sustained support from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) through Oak Ridge National Laboratory for nuclear safeguards instrumentation, the National Science Foundation (NSF) for chromatography development, and the Advanced Mammalian Biomanufacturing Innovation Center (AMBIC) for metal speciation studies in bioreactors.

His laboratory occupies dedicated spaces (BRC 102, 102A, and 106) within Clemson's AG Biotech/Biosystems Research Complex, housing specialized instrumentation for plasma source development, mass spectrometry coupling, and high-throughput fiber chromatography systems that support collaborative work with nuclear security agencies and biomedical researchers.