The Department of Chemistry is pleased to introduce Dr. Ian Webster and Dr. Shrikant Sharma, who recently joined Mississippi State University as our inaugural facility managers for the mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) facilities respectively. Both are eager to support the research and educational missions of the MSU community and beyond. 

Dr. Ian Webster, Mass Spectrometry Facility Manager, brings extensive experience in physical chemistry and the operation of analytical instrumentation to his new role. Growing up in the Atlanta suburb of Johns Creek, Georgia, Dr. Webster attended the University of Georgia (UGA), where he completed a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and a minor in philosophy. His journey into research led him to Dr. Michael Duncan’s laboratory at UGA, where he pursued his Ph.D. in physical chemistry. Dr. Webster’s dissertation, “Photochemical Synthesis and Spectroscopic Analysis of PAH Oligomers,” focused on synthesizing and analyzing carbon-based molecules, while refining his skills in a variety of analytical techniques, including mass spectrometry and laser desorption. 

Outside of the lab, Dr. Webster enjoys reconnecting with his family and interests that first shaped his curiosity. The youngest of three brothers, he grew up surrounded by stories from his parents about college days spent playing Dungeons & Dragons, and he shares a love of classic anime and competitive video gaming with his brothers. These interests, rooted in a love for learning and discovery, now provide a meaningful way for him to stay connected with his loved ones even from afar. 

Dr. Shrikant Sharma, NMR Facility Manager, brings an impressive scientific background spanning multiple countries and research fields. Dr. Sharma was born and raised in India, where he initially pursued a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy at Guru Jambeshwar University of Science and Technology. His journey continued at CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute in Lucknow, India, where he completed his Ph.D., focusing on conformational studies of cyclic peptides and structural analyses related to genetic disorders. Dr. Sharma’s expertise deepened during his postdoctoral work, first at TIFR-Hyderabad in India and later at the University of Washington, Seattle. His research has delved into the structural and dynamic characterization of proteins and RNA, including studies on cataract-related proteins and RNA structures associated with viral replication. Most recently, Dr. Sharma served as a Senior Scientist at Expansion Therapeutics, where he investigated high-resolution 3D NMR structures of disease-related RNA complexes associated with neurological disorders such as ALS and myotonic dystrophy. 

Passionate about science and discovery, Dr. Sharma is equally enthusiastic about his hobbies and family life. He enjoys cooking Indian cuisine and traveling with his family, which allows him to explore new places and cultures.  

As the new facility managers, Dr. Webster and Dr. Sharma play critical roles in supporting the scientific and educational community at Mississippi State University. They will help users operate complex analytical instruments, troubleshoot issues, and develop new experimental protocols to address unique research needs. Their work will benefit not only the university’s researchers but also external users, fostering collaborations that have the potential to drive scientific advancements.