Core Focus
CAD works with CEED investigators to develop or adapt analytical methods that are often performed by the PIs lab personnel after operational training using CAD instrumentation.
Data Analysis Support and Data Storage
When chemical analyses are complete, data undergo extensive quality control and assurance, first by the staff analyst and then by the Directors before being released to investigators with annotations regarding data with anomalies or discrepancies. The investigators meet with the Directors to discuss and interpret data, project changes, and possible retests. Investigators can also request support on the integration of the data collected in manuscripts (e.g., limits of quantitation) or figures (e.g., mass spectra or chromatograms).
Quality Assurance and Quality Control
Quality assurance is a key metric for the success of the CAD. Brian Buckley serves as the Quality Assurance Officer for CEED. CAD uses all conventional protocols for quality assurance including external quality control samples, sample blanks and duplicates, and internal standard spikes. External QC samples (e.g., National Institute of Standards and Technology [NIST] Standard Reference Materials) and internal standards with isotopic labels are used when commercially available. When QC materials are not available, they are manufactured in-house by CAD personnel.
Detection and Response
The CAD detection unit facilitates investigator’s ability to work on field studies in innovative ways. Some projects require field sample collection, while others use equipment to take environmental measurements. In conjunction with the Human/Animal Exposure (HUMANE) facility core, CAD is continuing to adapt, validate, and utilize field ready instruments for real-time measurements.
Community-Driven Activities
CAD has long recognized the need to partner with communities. As part of rapid (often disaster) response teams and as community science trainers, the Core has established ongoing collaborations with various communities in NJ and beyond, many initiated through collaboration with the CEC. CAD has been partnering with community groups since the early 1990s, providing training, outreach, and collaboration in identifying and measuring environmental contaminants. Community partnerships have continued to grow and now include partnerships with NJ groups including Isles, Clean Water Action, Newark Water Coalition, NJ Future, and the East Trenton Collaborative.
