Research Interest

The Hakansson group applies state-of-the-art mass spectrometry (MS), particularly Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) MS to the following areas: 1) identification and characterization of protein posttranslational modifications; 2) mapping macromolecular contact surfaces; 3) exploration of the gas-phase fragmentation behavior of various biomolecules following ion-electron reactions; and 4) probing covalent intermediates in the catalysis of non-ribosomal peptide synthetases and polyketide synthases. A major goal is to excel in both analytical technique development and biologically relevant problem solving. Students in the Hakansson lab are trained in MS instrumentation and fundamentals, chromatography, ion mobility separation, and biological applications of MS with a current focus on mapping and understanding tyrosine sulfation in proteins. Dissertations can touch on all these areas or focus on one depending on student interests. We are located at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (MagLab), home of the most powerful mass spectrometers in the world! At the MagLab we are part of a team developing next generation instrumentation and data analysis platforms for detailed analysis of highly complex mixtures of biological and environmental origins, including emerging contaminant detection and sustainable energy applications. We seek students interested in any of these areas.