Maria Dulay is a distinguished Physical Science Research Associate in the Department of Chemistry at Stanford University, where she works in the world-renowned laboratory of Professor Richard N. Zare. Her background in physical and analytical chemistry, coupled with her dedication to translating fundamental science into practical applications, makes her a valuable voice for the Silicon Valley chemical community.
Scientific Expertise
Dr. Dulay’s research is at the cutting edge of nanoscale chemical analysis and ambient ionization mass spectrometry. A major focus of her work involves the development of novel organosiloxane (OSX) polymers. She has pioneered the use of these custom-designed materials as sample supports and ionization emitters for rapid, high-throughput analysis of complex biological mixtures.
Her key contributions include:
- Rapid Drug Detection: Developing “polymer-spray” mass spectrometry (PolyS-MS) for the quick and sensitive detection of drugs and narcotics in biofluids like urine, significantly enhancing speed and accuracy in analytical testing.
- Pathogen Detection: Creating selective biosensors based on pathogen-imprinted polymers for the early and specific detection of bacteria like E. coli.
- Microdroplet Chemistry: Contributing to research on the unusual chemical properties of water microdroplets, including their role in generating hydrogen peroxide and acting as a disinfectant.
Commitment to the Community
Beyond the laboratory, Dr. Dulay is deeply committed to ensuring an inclusive and supportive scientific environment. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin and completed her NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship at Stanford. She is also a recognized advocate for accessibility in the sciences, having actively participated in events sponsored by the ACS Chemists with Disabilities Committee to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect in the field.