Kyle E. Lira
Graduate Student, The McLean Group
Azusa Pacific University, CA – B.S. in Chemistry
Kyle was born and raised in Long Beach, CA and received a B.S. in both Chemistry and Humanities from Azusa Pacific University (Azusa, CA). Under the direction of both Dr. Eric Davis and Dr. Philip Cox, Kyle’s undergraduate research involved optimization of an ion mobility spectrometer (IMS) prototype which could serve as an economical alternative in applications such as airport security. Additionally, he used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to derivatize and detect efavirenz—an antiretroviral drug used to treat and prevent HIV/AIDS. Ultimately, his undergraduate research experiences helped cultivate his passion for both chemistry and education, prompting him to pursue a doctoral degree at Vanderbilt University.
Since joining the McLean lab, Kyle’s research broadly involves the application of IM-MS techniques to understand and characterize analytically challenging molecules. Recently, he has utilized IM-MS to characterize the molecular composition of polysorbate (PS), a synthetic surfactant with widespread use in cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical formulations. Kyle also frequently collaborates with companies such as Agilent Technologies, MOBILion Systems, and Merck Sharp & Dohme.
Awards:
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, National Science Foundation (March 2023)
Provost’s Graduate Fellowship, Vanderbilt University (August 2021)