The 2025 Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award

Benjamin T. Manard has won the 2025 Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award for his pioneering research in nuclear material characterization and isotope ratio analysis, with expertise in advanced atomic spectrometry techniques such as inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and laser ablation. He will give an award address at the 20th European Winter Conference on Plasma Spectrochemistry.

Benjamin Manard, the 2025 Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award. | Photo Credit: Benjamin Manard

Benjamin T. Manard, a Research Associate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, has won the 2025 Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award, presented annually by Spectroscopy magazine. This award, begun in 2017, recognizes the achievements and aspirations of a talented young atomic spectroscopist, selected by an independent scientific committee. The award will be presented to Manard at the 20th European Winter Conference on Plasma Spectrochemistry in Berlin, Germany on March 2–7, 2025, where he will give an award lecture.

Manard received his BS degree in Chemistry at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro in 2009 and his PhD in Analytical Chemistry at Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina in 2014. His doctoral research advisor was R. Kenneth Marcus, the Robert Adger Bowen Professor of Chemistry at Clemson University. For a short time in 2014, he was Visiting Scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Washington, and, in 2014 to 2016, he was Glenn T. Seaborg Postdoctoral Fellow at Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, New Mexico. From 2016 to 2018, he was a Scientist II at Los Alamos in the Chemistry-Actinide Analytical Chemistry Group. He worked in the development of miniaturized separation–sample preparation methods for trace metal analysis and impurities of bulk nuclear materials. Since 2018 Menard has been a Research Associate and Analytical Chemist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. His research has been in the development and implementation of atomic spectroscopy and mass spectrometric instrumentation (inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy [ICP-OES], inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry [ICP-MS]) for the analysis of nuclear materials for elemental and isotopic information.

Since graduate school, Manard’s research has focuses on atomic spectrometry and nuclear forensics. Now based at the U.S. Department of Energy, Manard’s work spans nuclear material characterization, isotope ratio analysis, and the development of novel atomic analytical methodologies. He is known for his expertise in ICP-OES, mass spectrometry, sector-field mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography, and laser ablation, each applied to advance nuclear material analysis. Marcus commented on Manard’s abilities, “He has developed an incredible depth of expertise in methods of sample introduction and instrumental methods for elemental and isotopic determinations of elements in nuclear materials/matrices.”

Focus of Research Work

Manard’s expertise and research has been centered on nuclear material analysis and characterization, emphasizing isotope ratio analysis and nuclear forensics for applications in security, environmental monitoring, and nuclear safeguards. His expertise with advanced techniques, including ICP-OES, ICP-MS, sector-field mass spectrometry, and laser ablation has enabled significant progress in uranium and actinide particle analysis. He has also introduced innovative methods involving atmospheric pressure glow discharges, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of nuclear material characterization.

Group Portrait: Chemical & Isotopic Mass Spectrometry Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Manard is at far right in photo. (Photo courtesy of Benjamin T. Manard).

Benjamin Manard sifting through data generated with the next generation multi-collector-ICP-MS instrument, the Neoma+MS/MS. Manard and his team employ this instrument for making high precision isotopic measurements (Photo courtesy of Benjamin T. Manard).

Most Important Work to Date

Manard has published several key papers in his research including the manuscripts highlighted below. These papers by Manard focus on advancing uranium analysis methods through innovative spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques. They highlight the development of combined laser ablation (LA)-ICP-MS and laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for nuclear material characterization, automated systems for reducing spectral interferences, comparative evaluations of ICP technologies, precise isotopic separation methodologies, and novel microextraction techniques, all contributing significantly to nuclear safeguards, forensic analysis, and environmental monitoring.

In a key paper published in Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry (JAAS) in 2017, Manard helped develop a tandem technique combining LA-ICP-MS with LIBS) for uranium particle analysis. This study, featured on the cover of JAAS and highlighted as a “HOT article, which indicates its popularity and impact,” demonstrated the combined power of LA-ICP-MS and LIBS, offering a valuable tool for nuclear material characterization and nuclear safeguards applications (1).

Published in Applied Spectroscopy in 2019, Manard tackled the complexity of uranium analysis due to its dense emission spectrum in ICP-OES. His team introduced an automated ion chromatography system that isolates uranium from complex matrices, reducing spectral interferences and improving detection accuracy for trace elements in nuclear materials (2).

In a 2020 study in the International Journal of Mass Spectrometry, Manard evaluated multiple ICP platforms for analyzing impurities in uranium ore concentrates. His comparative analysis of ICP-MS and OES technologies provided practical guidance on each platform’s strengths and limitations for complex matrices, forming a valuable reference for researchers in nuclear forensics and environmental monitoring (3).

In a 2021 JAAS publication, Manard’s team detailed the separation of trace uranium, plutonium, and titanium in graphite using advanced Eichrom pre-packed cartridges, allowing precise isotopic analysis. This methodology has broad implications for nuclear reactor operations and nuclear waste management, providing critical insights into ultra-trace level actinides and isotopic systematics (4).

In a 2021 Analytical Chemistry article, Manard introduced a solution-based microextraction technique for direct uranium isotope ratio analysis on swipe samples. This innovative approach, recognized in the top percentile by Altmetric, is a game-changer for nuclear safeguards and environmental sampling, offering a quick, direct sampling method with wider potential applications in elemental and isotopic analysis (5).

Additional Research Papers

The following papers coauthored by Manard have the highest number of citations to date. These publications emphasize advancements in spectrochemical analysis and nuclear material characterization. Key topics include the development of cost-effective liquid sampling-atmospheric pressure glow discharge (LS-APGD) microplasmas for versatile elemental and molecular detection, and handheld LIBS for rapid rare earth element analysis in uranium matrices. Optimized LS-APGD methods enhance trace element detection, while refined separation protocols for uranium and plutonium improve nuclear forensic applications. Additionally, microfluidic platforms with solid-phase microextraction columns reduce sample volumes for trace impurity analysis in nuclear materials. Collectively, these innovations improve efficiency, detection limits, and versatility in nuclear safeguards and spectrochemical applications.

In recent years, there has been significant interest in developing spectrochemical sources with lower operational costs than inductively coupled plasma (ICP) systems. A review article focuses on liquid sampling-atmospheric pressure glow discharge (LS-APGD) microplasmas, highlighting their design, operational characteristics, and analytical capabilities. Operating in ambient conditions with an electrolytic solution electrode, LS-APGD offers unique versatility in sample introduction, supporting optical emission and mass spectrometry (OES/MS) analyses of solutions, laser-ablated particles, and solid-state desorption. Comparative studies reveal its distinct plasma characteristics, including excitation temperatures and particle densities. The simplicity and broad analytical applicability of LS-APGD suggest its potential as a robust platform for diverse spectrochemical challenges (6).

A handheld laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (HH LIBS) instrument was evaluated in this study for rapid, qualitative analysis of rare earth elements (Eu, Nd, Yb) in a uranium oxide matrix, aimed at minimizing material handling in nuclear facilities. This method enables quick, on-site detection to assess if further analysis is necessary, reducing exposure risks. Rare earth elements were spiked into uranium oxide powders and analyzed, demonstrating detection capabilities at sub-percent levels. Preliminary detection limits reached the hundredths-of-a-percent range. Validation with NIST reference materials (SRMs 610 and 612) confirmed the method’s ability to accurately identify rare earth elements in both uranium and glass matrices (7).

Manard and colleagues describe a novel ambient desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (ADI-MS) method using a liquid sampling-atmospheric pressure glow discharge (LS-APGD) ionization source. Operating at low power (<10 W) and solution flow rates (<50 μL/min), this system generates plasma between a nickel anode and an electrolytic liquid cathode (1 M HNO₃). Mounted on a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer, it desorbs and ionizes analytes from solutions and solids. Initial tests on caffeine residues suggest detection limits at the 10-pg level. Demonstrative spectra from various samples, including tea, coffee, and tobacco, highlight its versatility in analyzing molecular species alongside traditional elemental detection (8).

A liquid sampling-atmospheric pressure glow discharge (LS-APGD) system was evaluated as an ionization source for elemental analysis, focusing on parameters such as gas flow rate, discharge current, liquid flow rate, and sampling distance. Five test elements (Cs, Ag, Pb, La, Ni) in nitric acid solutions were analyzed without molecular interference removal. Key performance metrics included ion intensity, background levels, and atomic-to-oxide ratios. Discharge current and liquid flow rates were identified as critical factors. Optimal conditions yielded detection limits between 15–400 ng/mL (0.2–4 ng absolute mass). These findings provide insights into the interplay of operational parameters in LS-APGD performance (9).

The analysis of environmental swipe samples for ultra-trace uranium (U) and plutonium (Pu) is crucial in nuclear safeguards, yet established separation techniques, such as those using Eichrom Teva and Uteva resins, are rarely reassessed. This study explores optimizing U and Pu separation to enhance analyte recovery, reduce blank contamination, and improve efficiency. Various methods were tested using certified reference materials and archived swipe samples. Results demonstrated refined protocols that increased separation performance and purity, providing a more effective approach for detecting ultra-trace actinides in environmental samples, supporting advancements in nuclear forensic investigations (10).

Advances in nebulization and injection technology have minimized solution volumes needed for trace impurity analysis in plutonium and uranium materials. One Manard co-authored study introduces a microfluidic chip-based platform with 100-µL or 20-µL solid-phase microextraction columns, reducing sample volume by over 90% compared to conventional methods. Using UTEVA resin, quantitative recovery of 28 trace elements in uranium was achieved, while AG MP-1 resin demonstrated recovery from thorium (a plutonium surrogate). Among tested materials, PVC, PP, and PTFE chips showed optimal compatibility with strong nitric acid. These versatile microcolumns can be adapted with various resins for trace analysis in high-purity metals (11).

Manard in his laboratory where various measurements are made including direct solid sampling including laser ablation, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, and microextraction, in addition to single particle/cell approaches. His team utilizes these sample introduction methods into triple quadrupole and time-of-flight-based ICP-MS platforms (Photo courtesy of Benjamin T. Manard).

Other Key Contributions

Beyond his main publications, Manard has made notable contributions through collaborations with the Department of Energy, corporate partners, and universities. His research integrates diverse analytical techniques to meet the rigorous standards required in national security, nuclear safeguards, and environmental monitoring. His versatility in the field has positioned him as a key contributor to advancements in atomic spectroscopy and nuclear materials analysis.

Summary of Publications and Presentations

Manard’s publication record is impressive, with 43 peer-reviewed journal articles, an h-index of 24, and over 589 citations on Google Scholar at the time this article is written. Despite operating in a restricted government laboratory publication environment, he published 20 articles in the last three years, three of which were featured on journal covers. His extensive portfolio also includes 15 conference presentations, where he has shared his findings with the broader scientific community, solidifying his reputation as a leader in atomic spectroscopy.

Service to the Scientific Community

Manard has shown a strong commitment to advancing the field through his active involvement in scientific organizations and conferences. With the Society for Applied Spectroscopy (SAS), he has served on the Executive Committee, including as Parliamentarian from 2015 to 2020, and on the Lester Stock Award, Nomination, and Constitution and Bylaws committees. In an effort to support young scientists, Manard co-created the SAS Atomic Spectroscopy Student Award to honor exceptional student contributions in atomic spectroscopy. In addition, Manard has been an active participant at the SciX Conference since 2019 and has co-chaired the Atomic Section, curating sessions focused on the latest developments in atomic spectroscopy. “His level of research productivity, the breadth of his science, and his contributions back to the atomic spectroscopy community are excellent by any perspective,” Marcus said.

Key Awards and Honors

Manard’s exceptional work has garnered several prestigious awards. He began his career as a Glenn T. Seaborg Post-Doctoral Fellow at Los Alamos National Laboratory in 2015. In 2017, he was recognized as a “Young Analytical Scientist” by the Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectroscopy. More recently, he received the Department of Energy Secretary’s Honor Award in 2022 for his contributions to critical projects within the DOE complex. Other recognitions have highlighted his leadership and influence among young professionals in analytical science.

Conclusion

Benjamin T. Manard’s selection as the 2025 Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy reflects his outstanding impact on the field. His pioneering research in nuclear material characterization, isotope analysis, and innovative analytical techniques has wide-reaching implications for nuclear safety, environmental protection, and advanced analytical chemistry. Manard’s dedication to research, combined with his service to the scientific community, underscores his reputation as an emerging leader in atomic spectroscopy who is poised to make even more significant contributions in the future. Richard E. Russo, senior scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory for 38 years, and founder/CEO of Applied Spectra for 18 years said of Manard, “Ben is a leader by his strength of character as well as his credentials. He has a genuine commitment to the profession and to his colleagues.”

References

1. Manard, B. T.; Quarles, C. D.; Wylie, E. M.; Xu, N. Laser Ablation–Inductively Couple Plasma–Mass Spectrometry/Laser Induced Break Down Spectroscopy: A Tandem Technique for Uranium Particle Characterization. J. Anal. At. Spectrom. 2017, 32 (9), 1680–1687. DOI: 10.1039/C7JA00102A
2. Manard, B. T.; Metzger, S. C.; Quarles Jr., C. D.; Rogers, K. T.; Ticknor, B. W.; Bostick, D. A.; McBay, E. H.; Hexel, C. R. Evaluation and Specifications for In-Line Uranium Separations Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) Detection for Trace Elemental Analysis. Appl. Spectrosc. 2019, 73, 927–935. DOI: 10.1177/00037028198376
3. Manard, B. T.; Metzger, S. C.; Rogers, K. T.; Ticknor, B. W.; Bostick, D. A.; Zirakparvar, N. A.; Hexel, C. R. Exploration of ICP Platforms for Measuring Elemental Impurities in Uranium Ore Concentrates. Int. J. Mass Spectrom. 2020, 455, 116378. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijms.2020.116378
4. Metzger, S. C.; Manard, B. T.; Bostick, D. A.; Ticknor, B. W.; Rogers, K. T.; McBay, E. H.; Glasgow, D. C.; Zirakparvar, N. A.; Hexel, C. R., 2021. An Approach to Separating U, Pu, and Ti from High-Purity Graphite for Isotopic Analysis by MC-ICP-MS. J. Anal. At. Spectrom. 2021, 36, 1150–1158. DOI: 10.1039/D1JA00079A
5. Manard, B. T.; Rogers, K. T.; Ticknor, B. W.; Metzger, S. C.; Zirakparvar, N. A.; Roach, B. D.; Bostick, D. A. Hexel, C. R. Direct Uranium Isotopic Analysis of Swipe Surfaces by Microextraction-ICP-MS. Anal. Chem. 93 (32), 11133–11139. Anal. Chem. 2021, 93, 32, 11133–11139. DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c01569
6. Marcus, R. K.; Manard, B. T.; Quarles, C. D. Liquid Sampling-Atmospheric Pressure Glow Discharge (LS-APGD) Microplasmas for Diverse Spectrochemical Analysis Applications. J. Anal. At. Spectrom. 2017, 32 (4), 704–716. DOI: 10.1039/C7JA00008A
7. Manard, B. T.; Wylie, E. M.; Willson, S.P. Analysis of Rare Earth Elements in Uranium Using Handheld Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (HH LIBS). Appl. Spectrosc. 2018, 72 (11), 1653–1660. DOI: 10.1177/0003702818775431
8. Marcus, R. K.; Burdette, C. Q.; Manard, B. T.; Zhang, L. X. Ambient Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry Using a Liquid Sampling–Atmospheric Glow Discharge (LS-APGD) Ionization Source. Anal. Bioanal. Chem. 2013, 405, 8171–8184. DOI: 10.1007/s00216-013-7216-3
9. Zhang, L. X.; Manard, B. T.; Kappel, S. K.; Marcus, R. K. Evaluation of the Operating Parameters of the Liquid Sampling-Atmospheric Pressure Glow Discharge (LS-APGD) Ionization Source for Elemental Mass Spectrometry. Anal. Bioanal. Chem. 2014, 406, 7497–7509. DOI: 10.1007/s00216-014-7990-6
10. Metzger, S. C.; Rogers, K. T.; Bostick, D. A.; McBay, E. H.; Ticknor, B. W.; Manard, B. T.; Hexel, C. R. Optimization of Uranium and Plutonium Separations Using TEVA and UTEVA Cartridges for MC-ICP-MS Analysis of Environmental Swipe Samples. Talanta 2019, 198, 257–262. DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2019.02.034
11. Gao, J.; Manard, B. T.; Castro, A.; Montoya, D. P.; Xu, N.; Chamberlin, R. M. Solid-Phase Extraction Microfluidic Devices for Matrix Removal in Trace Element Assay of Actinide Materials. Talanta 2017, 167, 8–13. DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2017.01.080

About the Author

Jerome Workman, Jr. serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of Spectroscopy and is the Executive Editor for LCGC and Spectroscopy. He is the co-host of the Analytically Speaking podcast and has published multiple reference text volumes, including the three-volume Academic Press Handbook of Organic Compounds, the five-volume The Concise Handbook of Analytical Spectroscopy, the 2nd edition of Practical Guide and Spectral Atlas for Interpretive Near-Infrared Spectroscopy, the 2nd edition of Chemometrics in Spectroscopy, and the 4th edition of The Handbook of Near-Infrared Analysis. ●