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Frank Gyngard, PhD

Application Scientist and Research Consultant

 
Email:

fgyngard@gmail.com

 

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Welcome and thanks for visiting!

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The application of micro and nano-analytical techniques to any type of sample, both extraterrestrial and biological, is paramount. For a comprehensive list of my over 100 publications, go to: https://tinyurl.com/29hapzdc

 

Recently colleagues and I have employed novel nanoscale techniques to better understand the cause of Alzheimer's disease. This ongoing research is being performed at Washington University in St. Louis Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School.

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My personal research interests have previously been focused on isotopic and elemental studies of stardust grains. Specifically, I have worked to determine, for the first time, the cosmic ray exposure ages of individual grains by measuring Li, He, and Ne isotopic ratios in presolar SiC grains. These are literally the oldest objects in the Solar System!

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Along with colleagues, I have also been involved in the software development of an automated measurement system for the NanoSIMS ion microprobe that is being used to search for ultra-rare stardust grains.

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JOB HISTORY
JOB HISTORY
2018-2022

Lecturer on Medicine and Research Scientist

Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA

I was in charge of directing the day-to-day operation of the Harvard  NanoSIMS 50L. As the sole person running the Center for NanoImaging, I also was responsible for much of the preparation and documentation of the samples. 

2018-Present

Consulting Science Editor

Accdon LLC, Waltham, MA

I am an as-needed editor for scientists to improve their manuscripts prior to submission and publication. I provide extensive expert comments to authors, strengthening their written research documents.

2011-2017

NanoSIMS Lab Director and Research Scientist

Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO

As the director of the Washington University Laboratory for Space Science group’s NanoSIMS, I published and developed instrumental techniques resulting in several NASA grants. 

2009-2011

Postdoctoral Fellow

Carnegie Institution of Science, Washington, D.C.

At the Department of Terrestrial Magnetism, I applied micro and nano-analytical techniques to search for grains with isotopic compositions that pushed the limits of our current understanding of nucleosynthesis in stars.

EDUCATION
EDUCATION
2005-2009

PhD, Physics - Emphasis Astrophysics 

Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis MO

PhD thesis: Isotopic Studies of Presolar SiC and Oxide Grains as Probes of Nucleosynthesis and the Chemical Evolution of the Galaxy

2003-2005

Masters Degree, Physics

Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis MO

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1999-2003

Bachelor Degree, Physics and Music - Minor Pure Mathematics 

Saint Louis University, St. Louis MO

Bachelors thesis in general relativity simulations of rotating, super-fluid neutron stars. I also majored in woodwinds, and minored in theoretical mathematics.

TECHNICAL FAMILIARITY
TECHNICAL FAMILIARITY
SECONDARY ION MASS SPECTROMETRY
  • Cameca f Series - 3f, 6f, & 7f
     

  • NanoSIMS 50 and 50L
     

  • SHRIMP and SHRIMP RG

ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
  • Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy

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  • Auger electron spectroscopy

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  • High spatial resolution imaging

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  • Focused ion beam lift-outs

SAMPLE MANIPULATION AND DESIGN
  • Micromanipulation with both analog and digital manipulators

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  • Custom design of sample holders

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  • Development of novel sample preparation techniques

CONTACT
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