Professor of Laboratory Medicine, of Neurosurgery, and of Cellular and Molecular Physiology; Associate Director, Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, Yale-New Haven Hospital; Vice Chair for Education, Department of Laboratory Medicine; Director of Medical Education, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology
Core D – Laboratory and Analytical Core
The Laboratory Core aims to objectively determine tobacco use related compounds in biological samples, as well as to characterize and quantify additives to various tobacco products, i.e., non-biological samples. In addition, the Laboratory core leverages knowledge on tobacco product ingredients to support the creation of custom e-liquids for specific study applications.
Biological samples: For example, the addition of menthol and other additives in tobacco/nicotine products could heighten the risk of nicotine addiction, particularly among certain ethnic groups or adolescents. Accurate interpretation of studies on the impact of these additives on nicotine responses hinges on knowing nicotine and additive concentrations in biological samples such as bodily fluids.
Non-biological samples: To characterize tobacco product composition, the Core has the capabilities to identify, characterize, and quantify individual components of a variety of tobacco products, including solid samples such as cigarettes and cigarillos, liquid samples such as e-liquids, as well as smoke/aerosol generated from these products using a smoking/vaping machine. Aligned with Projects 1-4, a specific focus lies on additives that enhance flavor and other sensory perceptions to users, such as cooling agents, sweet flavorants, sweeteners, or reaction products of tobacco product ingredients.
Vice Provost of Planetary Solutions, Professor of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, and of School of the Environment, and of Epidemiology (Environmental Health Sciences)