His co-invention of Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry revolutionized the process for chemical analysis, providing far more detailed readings in a fraction of the time previously required.

Alan G. Marshall

Kasha Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Director, Ion Cyclotron Resonance Program

The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL)—the largest and highest powered magnet laboratory in the country and outfitted with the world's most comprehensive assortment of high-performing magnet systems—can exert a powerful attraction.

And it has…on some of the most notable researchers in the field, including Dr. Alan G. Marshall, the lab's Ion Cyclotron Resonance (ICR) Program Director and the Kasha Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at FSU.

During his 12 years at the NHMFL and FSU, Marshall has won ten national and international awards. Of those, four were firsts for the state of Florida. He has brought in more than $17 million in external funding to FSU/NHMFL as a principal investigator, another $8.5 million as a contributor to grants for other FSU investigators, and is one of the co-principal investigators for the NHMFL's current $117.5 million, five-year National Science Foundation grant.

His co-invention of Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry revolutionized the process for chemical analysis, providing far more detailed readings in a fraction of the time previously required.

Marshall's research group holds all of the current world records for high-resolution mass analysis, a technique that simultaneously separates and identifies up to several thousand chemical constituents. More than 600 instruments based on his three patents have been installed worldwide, representing a capital investment of more than $300 million in today's dollars.

Before joining the faculty at FSU, Marshall held academic appointments at the University of British Columbia in Canada and The Ohio State University.

The FT-ICR mass spectrometry is used by chemical, drug, and electronic companies around the world, including Merck, Pfizer, and Novartis. His instruments have attracted more than 150 users from all over the world to the NHMFL.

Even a partial list of his recognitions indicates the reception of his contributions:

• Fellow of the American Physical Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the Society for Applied Spectroscopy
• Alfred P. Sloan Fellow
• Award in Analytical Chemistry, American Chemical Society
• American Society for Mass Spectrometry Distinguished Contribution Award
• Pittsburgh Spectroscopy Award, Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh
• Southern Chemist Award
• Thomson Medal, International Mass Spectrometry Society

Further evidence of his stature in his field are the 420+ refereed papers he's published (as lead or contributor) and the more than 1275 research talks he's presented around the globe.

Even in the midst of publishing and speaking, Marshall continues doing some of the most advanced experiments in high magnetic fields and creating some of the new materials that will drive much of the science, engineering, and technology for the 21st century.