Best of the Week: The Emerging Leader in Molecular Spectroscopy, Big Pharma’s Manufacturing Shift

This week, Spectroscopy published articles highlighting recent studies in several application areas, including pharmaceuticals, biomedical imaging, and soil analysis. Key techniques highlighted in these articles include stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) and mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy. Happy reading!

The 2025 Emerging Leader in Molecular Spectroscopy: Lingyan Shi of the University of California, San Diego

Lingyan Shi, associate professor at the University of California, San Diego, is the 2025 recipient of the Emerging Leader in Molecular Spectroscopy Award. Known for her work in vibrational imaging, Shi’s work has developed advanced biomedical imaging platforms integrating techniques like stimulated Raman scattering (SRS), fluorescence lifetime imaging, and second harmonic generation (1). Her innovations include identifying the “Golden Window” for deep-tissue imaging and creating tools like A-PoD and PRM-SRS for high-resolution, chemically specific imaging (1). Her research spans disease-related metabolism, aging, and neurodegeneration, with publications in top-tier journals and over 3,800 citations (1). Recognized globally with multiple awards, Shi combines optical engineering and molecular biology to drive breakthroughs in metabolic imaging, setting new standards in super-resolution vibrational microscopy.

Big Pharma's Manufacturing Shift Could Provide New Opportunities for Chemists

Pharmaceutical companies like Eli Lilly, Novartis, and AstraZeneca are increasing investments in U.S.-based manufacturing. This trend is happening because of concerns over tariffs and supply chain vulnerabilities are driving a shift away from overseas production (2). For analytical chemists, this signals expanded domestic job opportunities not just in research, but also in manufacturing, quality control, and regulatory compliance. Success in this evolving industry requires knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), supply chain logistics, and regulatory standards (2). Hands-on experience, certifications, and cross-functional skills such as data analysis and process improvement are increasingly becoming valuable. Staying informed through professional networks and industry events will help chemists adapt and thrive in this transforming pharmaceutical landscape.

Somaiyeh Dadashi and Maddie Harper Win 2025 Coblentz Student Awards for Excellence in Vibrational Spectroscopy

The Coblentz Society has announced Somaiyeh Dadashi and Maddie Harper as the recipients of its 2025 Student Awards, honoring emerging leaders in vibrational spectroscopy. The awards will be presented at the SciX Conference, held October 5–10, 2025, in Covington, Kentucky. Dadashi, now a postdoc at Yale, earned her Ph.D. at Temple University, where she developed advanced nonlinear optical techniques to study interfacial water (3). Harper, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Vermont, uses Raman spectroscopy to examine amyloid-β fibrils in brain tissue linked to neurological disease (3). Both awardees exemplify leadership and innovation in spectroscopy, contributing to both scientific advancement and STEM community engagement.

Specificity and the Net Analyte Signal in Full-Spectrum Analysis

This tutorial article from executive editor Jerome Workman Jr. explores the concept of Net Analyte Signal (NAS) to improve analyte specificity in multivariate spectroscopy. NAS helps isolate the unique signal of an analyte, enhancing model interpretability and performance, especially when interfering species are present (4). Aimed at both beginners and advanced users, the tutorial explains NAS's mathematical foundations and its integration into regression models like partial least squares (PLS). It also highlights emerging techniques for optimizing specificity and variable selection. Real-world applications span pharmaceuticals, clinical diagnostics, and industrial process control, demonstrating the method’s broad relevance and potential for future research advancements (4).

Portable Infrared Spectrometers Rival Lab Accuracy for Soil Analysis Using Smart Calibration Transfer

A new study in Soil and Tillage Research shows that portable mid-infrared (MIR) spectrometers can match the accuracy of lab-based instruments for soil analysis when paired with effective calibration transfer techniques (5). Conducted by researchers at Mississippi State University, the study evaluated 474 soil samples and found that MIR outperformed visible-near infrared (Vis-NIR) methods in accuracy (5). Partial least squares regression (PLSR) was the best modeling approach, and “spiking” emerged as the most reliable calibration transfer method (5). This breakthrough enables cost-effective, real-time field analysis, offering farmers and scientists a practical alternative to traditional laboratory-based soil testing.

References

1. Workman, Jr., J. The 2025 Emerging Leader in Molecular Spectroscopy: Lingyan Shi of the University of California, San Diego. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/the-2025-emerging-leader-in-molecular-spectroscopy-lingyan-shi-of-the-university-of-california-san-diego (accessed 2025-07-23).
2. Hroncich, C. Big Pharma's Manufacturing Shift Could Provide New Opportunities for Chemists. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/big-pharma-s-manufacturing-shift-could-provide-new-opportunities-for-chemists (accessed 2025-07-23).
3. Wetzel, W. Somaiyeh Dadashi and Maddie Harper Win 2025 Coblentz Student Awards for Excellence in Vibrational Spectroscopy. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/somaiyeh-dadashi-and-maddie-harper-win-2025-coblentz-student-awards-for-excellence-in-vibrational-spectroscopy (accessed 2025-07-23).
4. Workman, Jr., J. Specificity and the Net Analyte Signal in Full-Spectrum Analysis. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/specificity-and-the-net-analyte-signal-in-full-spectrum-analysis (accessed 2025-07-23).
5. Workman, Jr., J. Portable Infrared Spectrometers Rival Lab Accuracy for Soil Analysis Using Smart Calibration Transfer. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/portable-infrared-spectrometers-rival-lab-accuracy-for-soil-analysis-using-smart-calibration-transfer (accessed 2025-07-23).