Keaton Mertz, PhD
Advancing mass spectrometry instrumentation and methods for proteomic applications. My professional research focuses on developing innovative approaches at the interface of instrument development and scientific analysis. My personal interests lie at the intersection of science and engineering incorporating electronics, software, and hardware to bring new projects to life. Sometimes, I tear scientific equipment apart for the sake of discovery.
Current Work
I'm currently working on instrumentation to pair mass spectrometry and cryo transmission electron microscopy with Prof. Anjusha Mathew and Prof. Ron Hereen (M4I). My research involves writing instrument control code and implementing hardware modifications to enable the study of protein structures. The project focuses on soft-landing electrospray ion beam deposition, a technique integrating gas-phase purification with cryo-electron microscopy sample preparation. This workflow circumvents the traditional solution-phase plungefreezing based grid preparation for cryo-electron microscopy.
Selected Publications
Cryogenic Soft Landing
Developed methods to improve structural preservation of protein complexes for cryo-electron microscopy through soft-landing mass spectrometry and laser-induced rehydration.
Landing Article Rehydration Article
Dynamic MS/MS Methods
Created dynamic quadrupole selection techniques to associate precursor masses with fragments in data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry.
Article
Single-Cell Proteomics
Enhanced sensitivity of quantitative single-cell proteomics using infrared-tandem mass tags and photoactivation methods.
ArticlePatents
Toilet, testing, and monitoring systems
The present invention relates to a pump-storage device and a pump-storage sewage truck and, more particularly, to a pump-storage device and a pump-storage tank truck for pumping filthy substances, such as sludge, fecal-sewage or chemical pollutants.
Patent
Cryogenic Soft Landing Improves Structural Presercation of Protein Complexes
The present invention examines the use of soft-landing mass spectrometry to produce improved samples for cryoEM under vacuum or low pressures, including partially reheating samples to rehydrate landed particles to improve resolution of the cryoEM images.
PatentEducation
I hold an ACS-certified degree in Chemistry from Carleton College, where I developed a strong foundation in both chemistry and computer science. My doctorate is in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison where I worked on instrumentation for ion-ion electron transfer fragmentation, for dynamic quadrupole selection DIA shotgun proteomics, and for electrospray ion beam deposition.
Previous Research
At the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), I worked on autonomous chemical sensors for oceanographic research, developing novel methods for measuring dissolved inorganic carbon in seawater.
My undergraduate research at Carleton College focused on photovoltaics and quantum tunneling, providing hands-on experience with synthesis, characterization, and instrument development.
Selected Personal Projects
Sam the SEM
Restored and modified a JEOL 6400 scanning electron microscope with live streaming capabilities and remote control via web interface. One of the two electron microscopes that I have repaired in my garage.
ProjectMacroscopic Ion Trap
Designed a hand-held mass spectrometer where you can see the ions moving with your bare eyes!
ProjectMass Spec Simulations
Created browser-based simulations for ion trajectory and stability calculations in quadrupole mass analyzers.
Project