Dr. Mark Arnold is the Edwin B. Green Chair Professor in Laser Chemistry at the University of Iowa. He started as an assistant professor at the University in 1982 after completing his doctorate degree at the University of Delaware. He was an original member of the “Biocats” and has remained a strong proponent of the Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing since its conception. 

His research centers on novel chemical sensors and he is an expert in the use of near infrared absorption spectroscopy for in situ analytical measurements in complex biological systems. Examples include the noninvasive measurement of glucose in people with diabetes and the real-time monitoring of hemodialysis during treatments for people with end-stage renal failure.  His research program also explores the analytical utility of terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) for characterization of organic cocrystals as well as formulations to stabilize proteins.

In the spirit of translational research and economic development, Professor Arnold has teamed with others to create ASL Analytical, Inc. for the purpose of commercializing near infrared sensing technology for the real-time monitoring of targeted analytes within industrial processes. Examples include continuous, real-time monitors for tracking the concentrations of glycerol and methanol as well as the concentrations of glucose and lactate during production of biotherapeutics proteins through bioprocesses with Pichia pastoris and CHO mammalian cells, respectively.