Scientific Research and Analysis Laboratory
Master’s level students complete their second year science coursework in the SRAL. The second-year science curriculum (ARTC 672/673) addresses the basic theory, procedures, and capabilities/limitations associated with the spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques most commonly encountered in collections interpretation and art conservation research. These courses enable our students to gain hands-on experience in data collection, interpretation, and evaluation for a range of instrumental techniques, including Raman spectroscopy, x-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and scanning electron microscopy with x-ray microanalysis (SEM-EDS). This experience familiarizes our students with scientific methodology, proper sample preparation procedures, and the challenge of accurate data interpretation. Students prepare assigned lab reports focused on the practical application of instrumental methods in the analysis of works of art.
A second-semester technical study project forms the core of ARTC 673. These projects are designed to insure that our students have the ability to identify, formulate, design, conduct, and interpret a semester-long scientific research project and have a basic familiarity and hands-on experience with bench-top, instrumental, and analytical methods as they relate to the activities of conservation. Many of these technical study projects have contributed new scholarship to the understanding of unusual cultural materials and treatment procedures. The ultimate goal of the ARTC 672/673 curriculum is to produce conservators who will work as informed collaborators with scientists.
Dr. Joseph Weber, Dr. Jennifer Mass, and Catherine Matsen and provide student supervision and instruction in the Scientific Research and Analysis Laboratory.
