The chromatographic process has fascinated me for my entire academic life. Perhaps because it has worked so well, for so many applications, knowledge of, and interest in the theory and understanding of the driving forces for this separation method have lagged behind. It is the chemistry behind the differential migration of solutes through chromatographic columns that has been the focus of our efforts for the past many years.

I originally went into academics for the freedom of research, thinking the teaching aspect would be the “necessary evil”. Surprisingly (or not), this has been the most rewarding part of the journey, and looking over my career, I am most proud of the students who have come from my laboratory. While we may have contributed incrementally to understanding of the chromatographic process, it is the leaders in academics, industry and government labs that I believe are my greatest contribution.

I will present some recent chromatographic findings, with (hopefully) some thoughts on where we are going next.