Imagine a world where budding chemists evolve from mere classroom learners into savvy problem-solvers wielding analytical tools to tackle everyday challenges like diagnosing diseases or purifying polluted water. That's the transformative journey David S. Hage is championing in the field of analytical chemistry!
David S. Hage delves into how up-and-coming chemists are molded to scrutinize data with a discerning eye, ensure methods are thoroughly validated, and harness analytical techniques for tangible, real-life scenarios.
But here's where it gets controversial: Education and mentorship aren't just side gigs—they're the backbone of analytical chemistry's evolution. In a candid chat with LCGC International, David S. Hage, the esteemed James Hewett University Professor at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and honored with the 2025 Eastern Analytical Symposium (EAS) Award for Outstanding Achievement in Separation Science, unveils his blueprint for nurturing the chemists of tomorrow. He passionately advocates for embedding sharp critical thinking abilities, a deep grasp of data integrity, meticulous method validation, and the practical relevance of analytical methods in everyday applications. For newcomers to the field, think of critical thinking as questioning 'why' behind every result, while method validation is like double-checking a recipe to ensure it works consistently every time.
Hage's groundbreaking work centers on pushing the boundaries of affinity chromatography—a technique that uses specific molecular attractions to separate and analyze substances, much like a magnet pulling out metals from a mixture—and capillary electrophoresis, which sorts tiny charged particles in a narrow tube, akin to a high-tech sorting race. He also pioneers hybrid systems that blend these methods to handle tricky biological samples (like proteins in blood) and environmental ones (such as pollutants in soil or water). And this is the part most people miss: His lab thrives on four interwoven research pillars:
- Chromatographic immunoassays, which marry pinpoint accuracy with classic separation methods to detect specific molecules, like finding a needle in a haystack for medical tests.
- Biological interaction studies employing affinity techniques to measure how molecules bind together, including their speed and exact ratios—vital for understanding drug actions or disease processes.
- Cutting-edge supports and immobilization strategies that boost durability, precision, and overall effectiveness, ensuring tools last longer and work better in demanding conditions.
- Downsized microfluidic separation systems tailored for quick analyses in personalized medicine (think rapid blood tests at home) and environmental monitoring (like on-the-spot water quality checks).
With over 350 scholarly articles, critiques, and book sections to his name, including the definitive Handbook of Affinity Chromatography, Hage steers the Journal of Chromatography B as Editor-in-Chief. He's also a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a member of the National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry.
His accolades shine brightly: from the ACS Chromatography Award and the ISMR/Pierce Award in Affinity Technology to the Eastern Analytical Symposium Award for Separation Science and the AACC Young Investigator Award, plus university honors like the University of Nebraska’s Outstanding Research and Creative Activity Award.
As a committed teacher and guide, Hage leads as the primary author of Analytical Chemistry and Quantitative Analysis and has penned sections in various analytical chemistry reference books. His instructional prowess and mentoring dedication have earned him the College Distinguished Teaching Award, the Excellence in Graduate Education Award, and the Lily Sands Legacy Award, alongside global nods from the IFCC and AACC for his educational impact.
What do you think—should universities prioritize hands-on lab experience over theoretical lectures to prepare chemists for real-world hurdles, or is there a risk of overlooking foundational science? And here's a controversial twist: Some argue that focusing heavily on practical applications might dilute pure research curiosity, potentially stifling breakthroughs. Do you agree or disagree? Share your views in the comments below—we'd love to hear your take!
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