The Molecular Signatures group (711 HPW/RHBBA) is focused on identifying molecular changes in humans to create systems that sense and respond to different types of analytes with a focus on biomarkers of stress, fatigue, and cognitive performance. Our technical work integrates the selection and design of experiments to determine analytes, from small molecules to proteins within non-invasive biosources, that sense and assess Airman performance with a goal of integration into different sensor platforms. We primarily utilize high end mass spectrometers to obtain this objective. The versatility, afforded by mass spectrometry, provides the potential to create technological solutions to improve the Airman’s performance, from tracking biomarker changes in biofluids during in-the-field activities to neurochemicals tracking in the brain and peripheral tissue. We combined experimental, statistical, and modelling tools to understand and improve discovery applications in different environments.

References

Harshman SW, et al: "Investigation of an Individual with Background Levels of Exhaled Isoprene: A Case Study". J. Breath Res. 2023;17(2):027101.

Harshman SW, et al: "Rate Normalization for Sweat Metabolomic Biomarker Discovery". Talanta 2021;223(1):121797.

Harshman SW, et al: "The Identification of Hypoxia Biomarkers from Exhaled Breath under Normobaric Conditions". J. Breath Res. 2015;9(4):047103.

Keywords:

Human performance; Biomarkers; Biosignatures; Mass Spectrometry; Proteins; Lipids; Metabolites; Nucleic acids

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants