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Katelynn Perrault, Ph.D.

Katelynn Perrualt

Associate Professor, Forensic Sciences and Chemistry
School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (808) 440-4209

Biography

Dr. Katelynn A Perrault is Associate Professor of Forensic Sciences and Chemistry and joined Chaminade University of Honolulu in January 2017. She is the Principal Investigator of the Laboratory of Forensic and Bioanalytical Chemistry, which focuses on using multidimensional chromatography to uncover volatiles as mediator chemicals in processes associated with life, health and death. Through her research, Dr. Perrault has cultivated an international network of collaborators in academia, police, and government agencies. She typically teaches courses in Instrumental Analysis, Chemical Measurement, Forensic Chemistry, Professional Preparation, as well as Seminar, but also has taught courses in General Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biological Chemistry for Nurses, Physical Evidence, and Internship. She is known for incorporating high impact practices into her classes such as course-based undergraduate research experiences, culturally sustaining pedagogy, gamified learning, and project-based learning.

Dr. Perrault has expertise in the use of gas chromatography (GC) and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) across a range of chemical forensic and biomedical applications. Dr. Perrault is internationally recognized by a number of awards, including the 2018 Top 40 Under 40 (The Analytical Scientist), the 2019 Satinder Ahuja Award for Young Investigators in Separation Science, the 2021 John B. Phillips Award, and the 2021 Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award. Institutionally, Dr. Perrault has been recognized with the 2021 Fr. John F. Bolin Award for scholarly work, the 2021 Distinguished Faculty Award, as well as the 2021 President Mackey Award for outstanding mentorship. She volunteers regularly for events related to the promotion of science to the general public and was recognized in 2021 as Outreach Volunteer of the Year by the American Chemical Society. Dr. Perrault has a diverse research funding portfolio, having been supported by a National Science Foundation CAREER award, the Camille & Henry Dreyfus Foundation, the Society of Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh Undergraduate Analytical Research Program, the Hawaii Community Foundation Leahi Fund to Treat & Prevent Pulmonary Disease, and more.

Academic Background

  • Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Liège (Belgium)
  • PhD, University of Technology Sydney (Australia)
  • BSc, University of Ontario Institute of Technology (Canada)

Selected Publications

  1. Cheung, C., Baker, J.D., Byrne, J.M., Perrault, K.A. (2022) Investigating volatiles as the secondary metabolome of Piper methysticum from root powder and water extracts using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 294:115346.
  2. Yamanaka, H.Y. Cheung, C., Mendoza, J.S., Oliva, D.J., Elzey-Aberilla, K., Perrault, K.A. (2021) Pilot study on exhaled breath analysis for a healthy adult population in Hawaii. Molecules. 26: 3726.
  3. Dubois, L.M., Carter, D.O., Byrne, J.M., Gutierrez, C., Focant, J.-F., Perrault, K.A. (2020). Investigation of decomposition odor in a tropical climate by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and flame ionization detection. LCGC North America. 39: 236-241.
  4. Byrne, J.M., Dubois, L.M., Baker, J.D., Focant, J.-F., Perrault, K.A. (2020). A non-targeted data processing workflow for volatile organic compound data acquired using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with dual channel detection. MethodsX. 7:101009.
  5. Dubois, L.D., Aczon, S., Focant, J.-F., Perrault, K.A. (2020). Translation of a one-dimensional to comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography method with dual-channel detection for volatile organic compound measurement in forensic applications. Analytical Chemistry. 92:10094-10098.
  6. Balta, J.Y., Blom, G., Davidson, A., Perrault, K.A., Cryan, J.F., O’Mahony, S.M., Cassella, J.P. (2020). Developing a quantitative method to assess the decomposition of embalmed human cadavers. Forensic Chemistry. 18:100235.
  7. Cannon, C., Stejskal, S., Perrault, K.A. (2020). The volatile organic compound profile from Cimex lectularius in relation to bed bug detection canines. Forensic Chemistry. 18:100214.
  8. Cernosek, T., Eckert, K.E., Carter, D.O., Perrault, K.A. (2019). Volatile organic compound profiling from postmortem microbes using gas chromatography – mass spectrometry. Journal of Forensic Sciences. 65(1): 134-143.
  9. Perrault, K.A., Dubois, L.M., Cnuts, D., Rots, V., Focant, J.-F., Stefanuto, P.-H. (2018) Characterization of hafting adhesives using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Separation Science Plus. 1(11): 726-737.
  10. Eckert, K.E., Carter, D.O., Perrault, K.A. (2018). Sampling dynamics for volatile organic compounds using headspace solid-phase microextraction arrow for microbiological samples. Separations. 5(3), 45.
  11. Dubois, L.M., Stefanuto, P.-H., Heudt, L., Focant, J.-F., Perrault, K.A. (2018). Characterizing decomposition odor from soil and adipocere samples at a death scene using HS-SPME-GCxGC-HRTOFMS. Forensic Chemistry. 8 (2018): 11-20.
  12. Perrault, K.A., Stefanuto, P.-H., Dubois, L.M., Grabherr, S., Varlet, V., Focant, J.-F. (2017). A minimally-invasive method for profiling volatile organic compounds within postmortem internal gas reservoirs. International Journal of Legal Medicine. 131(5): 1271-1281.

Recent Service to the Profession

  • Editorial Board, Separations (MDPI) (2022 – Present)
  • Organizing Committee, GCxGC Symposium (2021 – Present)
  • Multidimensional Chromatography Workshop Chair (2018 – Present)
  • American Chemical Society Subdivision of Chromatography and Separation Science (SCSC) Executive Committee Member (2021 – 2023)
  • Annual Workshop Instructor, Oahu Search & Rescue (2020 – Present)
  • American Academy of Forensic Sciences Standards Board (ASB) BPR 087 Working Group (2018 – 2020)
  • American Chemical Society Hawaii Local Section National Chemistry Week Coordinator (2017 – 2019)