Celebrating 40 Years of Spectroscopy with “IR Spectral Interpretation Workshop” Columnist Brian Smith

As part of celebrating the 40^th year of Spectroscopy magazine, we sat down with our “IR Spectral Interpretation Workshop” columnist Brian Smith to talk about the advancements in spectroscopy during the lifetime of the publication, as well as how, in his view, Spectroscopy magazine has evolved.

Brian Smith has been the “IR Spectral Interpretation Workshop” column editor for Spectroscopy for ten years. He started writing for the publication in January 2015. Here, he shares some of his favorite memories during his time writing for Spectroscopy. You can check out all the “IR Spectral Interpretation Workshop” columns at https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/columns/ir-spectral-interpretation-workshop.

What would you say are some of the most transformative advancements in spectroscopy over the last 40 years?

In my own field of infrared (IR) spectroscopy, the development of Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectrometers, infrared microscopes, and diamond attenuated total reflection (ATR) sampling accessories making it easy to sample almost anything. The use of chemometric algorithms, now called artificial intelligence (AI), to quantitative and qualitative complex mixtures.

What technologies do you think will have a transformative impact on the industry moving forward? How do you think spectroscopy will evolve over the next decade?

I think development of new instrumentation has slowed down, and this will not improve. Advances in the field will be centered around data analysis, such as the application of AI to the interpretation of IR spectra. There will be applications of AI in spectroscopy we can probably only dream of right now that may be routine in 5–10 years.

What advice would you give to folks who are just starting out their career in spectroscopy?

This is a tough one. The jobs in spectroscopy are fewer and further between than when I graduated with my Ph.D. 35 years ago. Also, salaries have not kept pace with inflation. I would say only become a spectroscopist for the love of the work, if you want job stability or lots of money look elsewhere. I have also been self-employed much of my career, and I would encourage young spectroscopists to consider starting their own companies.

In your view, how has Spectroscopy changed or grown over time?

The magazine has been amazingly consistent in providing top notch and timely information to the spectroscopy field. One of my favorites have been the columns, particularly the “Chemometrics” column written by Howard Mark and Jerome Workman, Jr.

What has been your favorite part about writing your column for Spectroscopy?

Having a forum to share my enthusiasm about spectroscopy with others.

What do you hope readers take away from your writing?

Not to sound preachy, by one of my career missions has been “spectroscopy for the people.” In my training courses, books, columns, and in the instruments I have designed and sold, my goal has been to bring the benefits of this powerful chemical analytical technique to the world at large.

Which column or topic you’ve written about has excited you the most, and what made it so compelling for you?

I would say the column that got the most feedback was when I published some silly non-existent chemical structures such as “ortho-docs” and “paramedics,” and asked to readers to name them properly, showing that humor in all fields is a good way to teach things.

Brian C. Smith, PhD, is the founder and CEO of Big Sur Scientific, a maker of portable mid-infrared cannabis analyzers. He has over 30 years experience as an industrial infrared spectroscopist, has published numerous peer-reviewed papers, and has written three books on spectroscopy. As a trainer, he has helped thousands of people around the world improve their infrared analyses. In addition to writing for Spectroscopy, Dr. Smith writes a regular column for its sister publication Cannabis Science and Technology and sits on its editorial board. He earned his PhD in physical chemistry from Dartmouth College. ●