Our Team

Mass Spectrometry Core

Our team combines expertise in mass spectrometry, metabolomics, proteomics, quantitative analysis, bioinformatics, and scientific project support.

Scientific and technical expertise across the Core

Core staff support projects from experimental design through data interpretation, helping investigators select appropriate approaches and generate high-quality, meaningful results.

Rick Reisdorph, PhD

Core Director

As Director of the SSPPS Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Rick directs Core operations, including instrumentation utilization, project prioritization, and selection of analytical platforms for specific applications. His expertise includes mass spectrometry, metabolomics, proteomics, and informatics. He received his PhD in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from the University of South Dakota School of Medicine. He completed postdoctoral training with Peter Vogt at The Scripps Research Institute, where he studied candidate oncogenes using an embryonic fibroblast model.

Nichole Reisdorph

Scientific Director

As Scientific Director of the SSPPS Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Nichole guides scientific strategy and new technology implementation, and provides high-level scientific guidance for projects and collaborators. She also conducts research in foodomics, nutrimetabolomics, Food Is Medicine, and serves as Co-PI and consultant on a variety of collaborative projects. Nichole has over 150 publications, founded our Hands On Workshop program, and provides mentorship and co-mentorship to trainees.Nichole received her PhD in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from the University of South Dakota, School of Medicine. She completed postdoctoral training with Gary Suizdak at The Scripps Research Institute.

Mike Armstrong

Associate Core Director, Small Molecule Quantitation Lead

As Associate Director of the SSPPS Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Mike helps oversee day-to-day operations, advises on analytical platform selection and method-development priorities, supports laboratory staff, and contributes to major operational and infrastructure decisions. Mike is an expert in targeted small-molecule quantitation and method development and serves as the lead for targeted quantitative small-molecule analysis. Mike received his MS in Biology with a minor in Chemistry at the University of Northern Colorado.

Cole Michel

Proteomics Lead

Cole serves as the primary scientific lead for proteomics, developing and advancing new assays, LC-MS methods, and analytical approaches within the Core. His expertise includes proteomics workflows and Tribrid Orbitrap data acquisition and analysis. He also provides technical support for metabolomics analysis and targeted small-molecule quantitation on Orbitrap platforms. Cole received his BS in Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Kat Doenges

Lab Manager, Metabolomics Analyst

Kat is an expert in metabolomics sample preparation techniques and serves as the primary analyst for high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis of metabolomics samples. She also serves as laboratory manager, supporting Core operations and helping ensure the laboratory runs smoothly. Kat earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She later earned a Master of Science degree with Honors in Environmental Science from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, with a focus in Environmental Chemistry.

Beth Mitchell

Lab Manager, Metabolomics Analyst

Beth is an Analytical Chemist specializing in the quantitative analysis of small-molecule using mass spectrometry. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and her Master of Science in Biological Data Analysis from Colorado State University. In addition to assay development, experimental design, and data analysis, she also supports the lab by creating workflows to automate processes and enable the lab to work more efficiently and effectively.

Students & Postdoctoral Fellows

While advancing their own research, students and postdoctoral fellows often contribute to Core activities and collaborative projects.

Brianna Hunt

PhD Student

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Faith Jung

MS Student

Faith is the newest member of the Reisdorph laboratory. As part of her thesis work, she is collaborating with the Periodic Table of Food Initiative by preparing more than one hundred food samples for mass spectrometry analysis and supporting its mission to provide data-driven solutions that improve human and planetary well-being. Faith earned a bachelor’s degree in Zoology with a minor in American Sign Language from Colorado State University.