Joseph Dalluge loves all music but especially jazz. The reason is simple.
“Jazz is all about constant improvisation and constant discovery. New sounds. Completely different than what’s been done before. It’s unlimited as to where it can go,” he explained, before adding the obvious, “Just like science. I guess that’s why I like it.”
Idea generation and discovery have been the sirens calling Dalluge since his graduate years at the University of Utah, where he earned his Ph.D. in Biochemistry.
Today as head of the University of Minnesota Department of Chemistry Mass Spectrometry Laboratory in the College of Science and Engineering, as well as a member of the newly formed University of Minnesota Center for Bioanalysis of Molecular Signaling, he remains strongly drawn to the process of idea generation and “the joy of the struggle to bring ideas to fruition.”
In his current position, Dalluge continues to generate new ideas as he works collaboratively with investigators at the University to understand the chemical basis of disease, molecular signaling, and adaptation. His research revolves around the use of leading edge mass spectrometry instrumentation (Waters ACQUITY UPLC/TQD and ACQUITY UPLC/Synapt G2) toward metabolite profiling, biomarker discovery, and advanced assay development for the detailed chemical characterization of biological systems as it relates to function.
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Dr. Joe Dalluge with graduate student and research assistant, Audrey Meyer, in his mass spectrometry laboratory.
Dalluge has been a Waters customer since graduate school. He said that Waters leading-edge instrumentation helps generate great ideas. “I tell colleagues what the Synapt G2 can do, and I can see the light bulbs going on in their heads.”
Waters instruments will continue to play a major role in Dalluge’s work and especially the collaborative research projects for the Center for Bioanalysis of Molecular Signaling, which include development of methodology for metabolite profiling toward identification of compounds relevant to molecular signaling, inflammation, cell aging and disease.
His laboratory's selection as a Center of Innovation is a crowning achievement but one he feels truly honors his relationship with Waters as not just a vendor of choice, but a research partner.
“When I arrived at the University of Minnesota in 2009, people from Waters came over with open arms, congratulated me and asked, ‘What is it you’re doing? What is it you want to do? How can we help you get there?’ That’s the special relationship I have with Waters and have had for 20 years.”
University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering