Yukun Jin

Profile

I am a chemistry PhD with a strong focus on studying per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water matrices using advanced analytical instrumentations. My innovative approach for rapid PFAS extraction and analysis has already sparked the foundation of a startup company. Proficient in method development, problem-solving, sample handling, data interpretation, and result presentation.

Professional Experience

UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME Notre Dame, IN

Graduate Research Assistant, Dept. of Chemistry & Biochemistry August 2019 – May 2024
Dr. Graham F. Peaslee’s Group

Developed a fast and low-cost solid-phase extraction (SPE) method using graphitized activated carbon fabric to capture and preconcentrate PFAS in aqueous samples, facilitating on-site sampling and avoiding the transport of aqueous samples.
Used particle-induced gamma-ray emission (PIGE) spectrometry to rapidly screen environmental and drinking water samples for toxic PFAS, enabling high-throughput analysis and reducing reliance on costly confirmatory techniques.
Applied combined SPE-PIGE methodology to hundreds of real-world municipal and residential water samples across multiple U.S. states.

Teaching Assistant, Dept. of Chemistry & Biochemistry August 2019 – December 2020

Assisted in General Chemistry I & II laboratory instruction, including leading mini-lectures for multiple lab sections, answering student questions, and grading assignments.
Led online lab instruction during the pandemic, teaching 24 students across two sections; awarded the Kaneb Outstanding Teaching Award.

THE COLLEGE OF WOOSTER Wooster, OH

Undergraduate Independent Study, Dept. of Chemistry January 2018 – April 2019

Studied and analyzed the photophysicochemical properties and stabilities of alizarin and purpurin.

Peer Tutor, Learning Center August 2017 – December 2018

Tutored general chemistry students and advised on study strategies, time management, and coping with academic stress.

Organic Chemistry Lab Teaching Assistant, Dept. of Chemistry August 2017 – December 2017

Assisted lab instructor, checked pre-labs, answered student questions, and supported NMR and IR spectrometry analysis.
Maintained lab inventory and stocked supplies.

Publications & Presentations

Fenti, A.; Jin, Y.; Rhoades, A. J. H.; Dooley, G. P.; Iovino, P.... “Validation of PFAS.” Chemical Engineering Journal Advances 2022, 9.
Tighe, M.; Jin, Y.; Whitehead, H. D.; Hayes, K.; Lieberman, M.... “Emission spectroscopy.” ACS ES&T Water 2021, 1(12), 2477–2484.
Jin, Y.; Whitehead, H.; Wicks, A.; Sisk, M.; Peaslee, G. “PFAS Screening Water” (poster). ACS Spring 2023, Indianapolis, IN.
Jin, Y.; Tighe, M.; Flynn, A.; Peaslee, G. “Novel Method of Screening Samples for PFAS” (oral). ACS Fall 2022, Chicago, IL.
Jin, Y.; Yu, S.; Tighe, M.; Whitehead, H.; Myung, N.; Peaslee, G. “Particle-Induced Gamma-Ray Emission” (poster). ACS Fall 2021, virtual.

Technical Skills & Awards

Instrumentation

Particle-Induced Gamma-ray Emission Spectroscopy (PIGE)
Fluorescence Spectrometer (basic), Infrared Spectroscopy (basic)

Computer Skills

Origin, ChemDraw, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Windows, macOS
Familiar with LaTeX; Basic knowledge in MATLAB

Languages

Fluent in English and Mandarin Chinese

Awards

Second Place, RemTEC Student Presentation Competition (2021)
ACS Undergraduate Award in Physical Chemistry (2018)