This is a pdf version of my Master of Science work at the University of Notre Dame that concluded in 1996. The work focused on developing a new lab technique for pre-treating samples to concentrate key elements (in this case Gold and the Platinum Group Elements) for quantification using a lab instrument called a USN-ICP-MS. The techniques were primarily targeted at quantifying these elements in rock matrices from both terrestrial and lunar samples, but the fundamental cation exchange pretreatment and subsequent USN-ICP-MS methodologies were applied to a wide range of other applications. Though I am no longer involved in analytical chemistry, the experience provided a foundation for my project management, process development, and data and error analysis skills.

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