Friday, Sep 20, 2024 • Katherine Egan Bennett : contact

Two chemists from The University of Texas at Arlington have been recognized as among the most influential analytical scientists in the world. The Analytical Scientist magazine published its Power List, which this year includes the leading 60 analytical scientists from around the world.

UTA’s honorees are:

• Daniel Armstrong, the Robert A. Welch Distinguished University Chair in Chemistry
• Purnendu “Sandy” Dasgupta, the Hamish Small Chair of Ion Analysis

Nominated by readers of The Analytical Scientist and then selected by an anonymous panel of judges in the field, Drs. Armstrong and Dasgupta were recognized as leaders and influencers who are truly making a difference.

“From improving our health and well-being to clean water and clean energy, analytical scientists are playing a crucial—but often underappreciated—role in tackling some of the biggest challenges facing humanity,” said James Strachan, editor of The Analytical Scientist. “I would like to send my congratulations to all who appear on the 2024 Power List and whose work is positively transforming the world around us.”

Armstrong has more than 35 years of experience in the fields of ionic liquids, chiral recognition, enantiomeric separations, and their biological relevance. His recent work includes research on mirror-image chemicals called cyclodextrins that are paving the way for complex medications to be delivered to patients more easily. Armstrong has also published research on detecting disease biomarkers and how to make chromatography, a common test used in everything from performance enhancing drug detection to crime scene analysis, more environmentally friendly.

“It’s always an honor to be recognized by my peers,” said Armstrong. “Although I appreciate the personal recognition, honors like this are really a testament to the remarkable breadth of talent and exceptionalism seen daily from students and faculty here at UT Arlington.”

Dasgupta has made significant contributions to many areas, most importantly to ion chromatography, as well as arsenic detection, perchlorate detection, and dried blood spot analysis. In 2023, he received two patents for chromatography research. He also published research on air quality in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

“This award is really a recognition of my students, past and present, who have always put in the time and effort solving complex problems,” said Dasgupta. “Their energy and talent always motivate me to seek new solutions.”