Chemistry professor named among most influential analytical scientists

LAWRENCE — A national listing of the top 100 influential analytical scientists includes a University of Kansas professor of chemistry who researches methods to improve the efficiency of drugs in treating a variety of diseases. Susan Lunte, Ralph N. Adams Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, was named to The Analytical Scientist Power List 2013 by the Analytical Scientist.

The Analytical Scientist is a magazine for professionals in the analytical sciences. The list recognized peer-nominated researchers, CEOs, role models and thought leaders in the field. Lunte was one of only eight women selected for the list.

 “I am honored to be included in this group of 100 influential analytical scientists. I think it is indicative of the strong bioanalytical program that we have here at the University of Kansas," Lunte said.

Lunte is also director of KU's Adams Institute for Bioanalytical Chemistry and director of the COBRE Center for the Molecular Analysis of Disease Pathways, funded by the National Institutes of Health. She is an American Chemical Society fellow and has received the Higuchi-KU Endowment Research Achievement Award.

Her research includes microanalytical methods for the investigation of disease and drug movement through the body. Her research group studies the transport and metabolism of peptides across the blood-brain barrier, and explores the potential for using microchips in or on the body for analysis. Such work could have implications for diseases including cancer, Huntington’s, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

The Analytical Scientist highlighted Lunte’s efforts in training the next generation of scientists, pointing out that she mentors “students and postdocs in bioanalytical chemistry through the development of separation-based methods for the determination of peptides, drugs and neurotransmitters in biological fluids, single cells and freely roaming animals.”

The Department of Chemistry is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, which encourages learning without boundaries in its more than 50 departments, programs and centers. Through innovative research and teaching, the College emphasizes interdisciplinary education, global awareness and experiential learning. The College is KU's broadest, most diverse academic unit.