Best of the Week: Assessing Collagen, Planning a Scientific Conference, Artemis II

Spectroscopy is being used in archaeology to help us learn about the ancient past. A recently conducted interview with Christina Ryder, a postdoctoral researcher at Texas A&M University, explores how near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is being used to study archaeological bone. Also, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) had an exciting week, as Artemis II officially launched on Wednesday. We provide an overview of this mission here. And finally, a new “Pathways in Spectroscopy” episode highlights how a postdoctoral position can help any researcher develop the necessary leadership skills required for laboratory management positions.

This is the Best of the Week.

Advancing Assessment of Subsurface Collagen Using NIR Spectroscopy

In this interview clip, Christina Macie Ryder explains that NIR spectroscopy is especially valuable for studying archaeological bone because of its deeper penetration, allowing analysis of bulk tissue rather than just surface layers.¹ Unlike mid-infrared (MIR) or Raman techniques, NIR enables rapid, non-destructive assessment of collagen preservation. Using predictive models such as partial least squares regression (PLSR) and random forest (RF) modeling, researchers can efficiently estimate collagen content, supporting high-throughput screening.¹ This approach minimizes unnecessary destructive sampling for radiocarbon and isotopic analyses, making NIR spectroscopy a practical and preservation-friendly tool for advancing archaeological research and understanding ancient materials.¹

Pathways in Spectroscopy Preview: Planning a Scientific Conference

In an upcoming “Pathways in Spectroscopy” episode, Brian R. Strohmeier discusses the planning and execution of large scientific conferences like Pittcon. The series highlights diverse career paths for spectroscopists, with this episode focusing on event planning as a professional avenue. Drawing on his extensive background in surface analysis, microscopy, and industrial R&D, Strohmeier shares insights from his role as Pittcon 2027 President.² He emphasizes the collaborative effort between staff and volunteers required to organize a major conference, offering practical perspective on leadership, coordination, and behind-the-scenes operations.²

The Importance of Postdoctoral Research in Career Progression

In this “Pathways in Spectroscopy” episode, Saikat Banerjee of DuPont explains how his postdoctoral research prepared him for leadership in industry. Drawing on experiences at Northwestern University and the University of Minnesota, he emphasizes collaboration, project coordination, and stakeholder alignment as essential skills.³ Banerjee also highlights the importance of experimental design under real-world constraints, fostering creativity and problem-solving.³ Additionally, he credits his postdoctoral training with strengthening leadership, mentorship, and the ability to drive projects to successful completion in team-based environments.³

What Skills Are in Demand for Spectroscopists?

In this interview, Brian R. Strohmeier discusses trends in the spectroscopic job market and broader developments in analytical science. He highlights key moments from Pittcon 2026, including the keynote by Frances Arnold. Strohmeier also reflects on Pittcon’s return to Pittsburgh in 2027. He emphasizes that while technical expertise remains essential, soft skills, such as leadership, networking, and personal branding, are increasingly critical for career advancement in a competitive scientific job market.⁴

NASA's Artemis II Clears Final Hurdle, On Track for April 1 Launch

NASA’s Artemis II mission to the far side of the Moon has taken off, which marks the first crewed journey near the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972. The mission is sending four astronauts on a 10-day lunar flyby to test deep-space capabilities.⁵ The launch of Artemis II also reflects growing global competition in space exploration, with nations like China advancing lunar ambitions alongside the United States, shaping future scientific and geopolitical priorities.

References

1. Ryder, C. M.; Wetzel, W. Advancing Assessment of Subsurface Collagen Using NIR Spectroscopy. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/advancing-assessment-of-subsurface-collagen-using-nir-spectroscopy (accessed 2026-04-02)
2. Wetzel, W. Pathways in Spectroscopy Preview: Planning a Scientific Conference. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/pathways-in-spectroscopy-preview-planning-a-scientific-conference (accessed 2026-04-02).
3. Banerjee, S.; Wetzel, W. The Importance of Postdoctoral Research in Career Progression. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/the-importance-of-postdoctoral-research-in-career-progression (accessed 2026-04-02)
4. Strohmeier, B.; Wetzel, W. What Skills Are in Demand for Spectroscopists? Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/what-skills-are-in-demand-for-spectroscopists- (accessed 2026-04-02).
5. Wetzel, W. NASA's Artemis II Clears Final Hurdle, On Track for April 1 Launch. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/nasa-s-artemis-ii-clears-final-hurdle-on-track-for-april-1-launch (accessed 2026-04-02).