Department of Chemistry · Oregon State University

Maier Laboratory: Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry at Oregon State University

Develop. Detect. Characterize. Quantify. Discover.

We develop mass spectrometry technologies to detect, characterize, and quantify biomolecules, enabling discoveries in aging, disease mechanisms, single-cell biology, and systems biology. We apply mass spectrometry to the characterization of natural products and botanical supplements, to understand the impacts of bioactive dietary components and their metabolites on human health across the lifespan, and to help ensure their safety.

Close-up of a mass spectrometer ion source inlet, illuminated during operation m/z intensity
Every peak is a molecule waiting to be identified.

Research

Our mission is to develop analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry approaches to understand biological systems and improve human health.

Diagram: Mass spectrometry for the exploration of biological systems, showing research areas including cardiovascular and cardiometabolic disease, neurodegenerative disease, botanicals mechanism of action, metabolomics/lipidomics, proteomics, single-cell technologies, and MALDI mass spectrometry imaging
Mass spectrometry for the exploration of biological systems

Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry

MALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging

Single-Cell Mass Spectrometry

Mass Spectrometry-based Omics

Diseases of Aging

Natural Products and Botanicals

agInnovation WEST — W5122

We are a member of the agInnovation WEST multistate research project W5122: Beneficial and Adverse Effects of Natural Chemicals on Human Health and Food Safety.

BENFRA Center

Dr. Maier leads the Botanical Research Core of the BENFRA Botanical Dietary Supplements Research Center (NIH U19 AT010829), funded by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) and the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS). BENFRA investigates Botanicals Enhancing Neurological and Functional Resilience in Aging, and is part of the NIH CARBON program.

NIH Shared Instrumentation Grants

Dr. Maier has served as Principal Investigator on multiple NIH Shared Instrumentation grants that have expanded mass spectrometry measurement capability at Oregon State University:

Team

Portrait of Claudia S. Maier

Claudia S. Maier

Professor, Department of Chemistry

Claudia S. Maier is Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Oregon State University and an adjunct faculty in the Linus Pauling Institute. She served as Director of the OSU Mass Spectrometry Center from 2015 to 2026, prior to its integration into the newly formed Integrated Instrumentation, Data and Discovery Core Facility. She earned her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Konstanz. Her laboratory develops and applies mass spectrometry-based approaches to study biomolecules and their interactions and dynamics in relation to biological function, including how biological systems respond to exposure, stress, and disease.

Postdoctoral Scholar

  • Stanislau StanisheuskiPostdoctoral Scholar Single-cell mass spectrometry technology development; single-cell proteomics (shared with Maude David, Department of Microbiology)

Research Associate

  • Luke MarneyResearch Associate MALDI mass spectrometry imaging; mass spectrometry-based omics and computation (with Robyn Tanguay, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology)

Graduate Students

  • Rudranil DuttaPhD Candidate Mass spectrometry method development for the characterization of botanicals and impact on metabolism
  • Maryam NikpayamPhD Candidate Cancer proteomics; senescence in cancer
  • Jessica EtterPhD Candidate Mass spectrometry methods for detection and characterization of microbial biotransformation products of botanical constituents
  • Sima ZiyaeeGraduate Student Single-cell mass spectrometry
  • Oshoma ErumiseliGraduate Student Mass spectrometry method development for the characterization of botanicals and their adulteration; mass spectrometry for understanding the beneficial and adverse effects of natural compounds, target engagement, and impact on health
  • Andrew WoodGraduate Student Mass spectrometry for omics science; methods for the characterization of target engagement of botanicals and drugs in model systems

Undergraduate Researchers

  • Josh SmithUndergraduate Researcher Honors thesis advisor: Luke Marney
  • Gabe ErwinUndergraduate Researcher Mentor: Andrew Wood
  • Galina BikmurzinaUndergraduate Researcher Mentor: Sima Ziyaee
Lab group seated around a long restaurant table, celebrating together
Arpa, PhD Dissertation Celebration — February 2026

Publications

Our publication record is kept current on Google Scholar and ORCID.

Aerial view of the Oregon State University campus in Corvallis, with the Coast Range in the background

Contact

Address

Oregon State University
Department of Chemistry
153 Gilbert Hall
Corvallis, OR 97331

Offices & Labs

Agricultural Life Sciences (ALS) Building
Dr. Maier's office: ALS 1047
Team's office: ALS 0073
Lab: ALS 0079