EquipmentGas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (GC MS) - Thermo TSQ 9610 Triple Quadrupole

Dr Ricardo López González is a Research and Instrumentation Technician in the University of Canterbury’s School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, supporting advanced research, teaching, and analytical capability across chemistry and physics. He provides specialist expertise in scientific instrumentation, experimental design support, and laboratory operations, ensuring high‑quality, reliable, and safe outcomes for staff, students, and research partners. Ricardo’s work underpins a wide range of research activities, from spectroscopy and compounds characterisation to chemical analysis (NMR, LC-MS, GC-MS and HPLC) and bespoke instrumentation method development. Ricardo worked for Pharma companies (Roche and Pfizer) in Production Department providing experience in manufacturing, packaking and formulation of patented drugs. 

 

Dr Marie Squire is a Principal Research and Instrumentation Specialist in Te Kura Matū | School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, where she provides expert support across UC’s analytical chemistry and spectroscopy infrastructure. After completing her Chemistry studies at UC, she undertook postdoctoral research at the University of Oxford before returning to New Zealand for roles at the University of Otago and later UC. 

 

She leads analytical instrument services for SPCS, including Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Mass Spectrometry (MS), and Liquid Chromatography (HPLC/LC). Her work spans instrument maintenance, troubleshooting, researcher training, method development, and data interpretation. Operating at the intersection of chemistry, biochemistry, environmental science, and materials science, she co‑supervises research students, contributes to undergraduate teaching, and supports outreach and capability development.

 

Her specialist expertise lies in applying NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and chromatographic separation techniques to complex biochemical, chemical, and materials‑focused research challenges.