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Benjamin Place (Fed)
Research Chemist
Background
Benjamin Place received his PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Oregon State University in 2012, then came to NIST as a National Research Council Postdoctoral Fellow, where his work focused on the broad applications of non-targeted analysis (NTA) methods. Now at NIST as a federal scientist, Ben focuses on the metrology of both targeted and non-targeted measurements, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, toxic chemicals in food, and biomarkers of botanical authenticity. His primary focus is on the metrological foundations of NTA, including the need for reference materials, databases, and data tools to enable researchers and regulators to understand and compare their NTA results. His work includes the use of non-targeted analysis to characterize the chemical composition of food, dietary supplements, industrial products, and other materials. He was the founding chair of the Best Practices for Non-Targeted Analysis (BP4NTA) Working Group, where he continues to work as the chair of a technical subcommittee.
Current research and work
Currently, Ben’s research has been on the development and validation of non-targeted analysis methods using liquid chromatography with high resolution mass spectrometry. This work includes the coordination Method Assessment for Non-Targeted Analysis (MANTA) Program interlaboratory study, the Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Non-Targeted Analysis Interlaboratory Study, and participating as a member of the Best Practices for Non-Targeted Analysis (BP4NTA) Working Group. In 2024, Ben completed a project on the development of tools and reference data for the identification of novel PFAS with the Strategic Environmental Research & Development Program (SERDP) called Database Infrastructure for Mass Spectrometry (DIMSpec). Currently, he is working with industry partners and manufacturers to identify tools and data needed to support non-targeted analysis and unknown chemical identification in plastics/polymers, food, dietary supplements, and other complex materials.
In addition, Ben conducts targeted analyses for metrologically traceable measurements of fatty acids and triglycerides in food and clinical materials. Also, Ben has worked extensively on the quantitative measurement of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in complex matrix reference materials, including food and environmental materials.
Professional Memberships
- Member, Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)
- Member, American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Standards Technical Subcommittee Co-chair, Best Practices for Non-Targeted Analysis (BP4NTA) Working Group
- Core Committee Member, Scientific Working Group for the Analysis of Seized Drugs
- Member (NIST Representative, BIPM/Consultative Committee for Amount of Substance - Working Group on Organic Analysis (CCQM-OAWG)
Awards
- NIST Allen V. Astin Award, 2024 for “establishing a measurement infrastructure for the global assessment of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS)”
- NIST/Material Measurement Laboratory (MML) Accolade for Science Data Management and Capabilities, 2023.
- NIST/MML Accolade for MML Strategic Partnership, 2019
- NIST/MML Accolade for Service to MML, 2015
- MML Angel Investor Award for High-throughput, Surface-based Ionization Technique, 2014
- Laboratory Teaching Assistant Award (Oregon State University), 2009
- ACS Outstanding Student in Chemistry Award (Alma College), 2008
