Heather Whitehead, Ph.D., is a laboratory non-targeted analytical chemistry research scientist at UL Research Institutes’ Chemical Insights, focusing on developing analysis workflows for investigating environmental contaminants.

Before joining Chemical Insights, she was a physical scientist, where she created tools for non-targeted analysis (NTA), including a toolkit designed to support NTA for PFAS. She collaborated with state laboratories to enhance PFAS measurement capabilities and conducted research on PFAS contamination in consumer products and the environment. Her doctoral research at the University of Notre Dame involved creating selective analytical methods for health-relevant compounds using innovative spectroscopy techniques.

Heather holds a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Notre Dame and a Bachelor’s in Biochemistry from the University of Tulsa. She has authored over 25 peer-reviewed publications focused on environmental contaminant analysis and PFAS, showcasing her dedication to advancing analytical chemistry for environmental health.

ORCiD: 0000-0003-1817-604X