Name: Claudia S. Maier

Area of Study / Position Title:  Chemistry,  Professor

Why chemistry? (What about it initially interested you?):  Chemistry is what makes life possible; every movement, every interaction and communication, every  thought, every cure, every biomolecules comes down ultimately to atoms and bonds, i.e. chemistry.

Research focus (in non-science terms) or basic job duties?  As a chemist I find it fascinating to reveal the molecular players – the critical biomolecules and the chemical signatures – that are associated with the response of a biological system to diverse stimuli, exposure, chronic diseases and aging. We use mass spectrometry, a very sensitive analytical technique, to detect and identify the players.  Knowing the players will in turn open avenues for designing therapies and promoting health.

One thing you truly love about your job?  Love the interaction with my students in the classroom and in the lab;  there is nothing more rewarding if a student shows you what she/he developed or discovered and then starts to create her/his own story.

One interesting/strange factoid about yourself.  Love the smell of horse poop