The Uffelman Research Group

The Uffelman group performs imaging and standoff chemical analysis on paintings and other cultural heritage objects. The group uses portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (pXRF), fiber optic reflectance spectroscopy (FORS, 350-2500 nm), and hyperspectral reflectance imaging (400-1000 nm) and multispectral reflectance imaging (900- 1700 nm) in these endeavors. The research team also uses scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) to do element mapping on paint cross sections sent to the laboratory by museum collaborators. The group also performs macro-XRF scanning, when possible.

Prior to the cultural heritage research, the Uffelman group was heavily involved in synthetic inorganic chemistry and engaged in the design of novel polyamide macrocyclic ligands in order to expand the fundamental chemistry of Green Chemistry applications of iron-catalyzed oxidation reaction.

Pedagogical research focuses on the technical analysis of 17th century Dutch painting used to teach an interdisciplinary non-science majors course at the interface of chemistry, physics, analytical instrumentation, history, economics, and religion. The course takes students and portable instrumentation abroad to The Netherlands for four weeks where intensive teaching and research activities transpire.