Paul Soma

Research Scientist/Scholar II Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology

146 CENTER FOR VECTOR-BORNE INFECT

About Paul

Paul joined the Perera lab in Summer 2021 to support various projects with mass spectrometry-based measurements. The active collaboration within the Center for Vector-born Infectious Diseases (CVID) was a large draw to the program and the Perera lab for Paul. Currently he is studying the impact of flavivirus infection on cellular metabolism of the vector (mosquito) and host (human). To the Perera lab, Paul brings fundamentals of chromatographic separations, ion mobility spectrometry and various mass spectrometry platforms. Paul’s experience with mass spectrometry, and related technologies, began in the field of equine toxicology and forensics where he developed methods for absolute quantitation of small molecules from various biological matrices. During these years, Paul gained a keen interest in the physical principles, hardware and software that make mass spectrometry-based measurements possible. Paul’s graduate research focused on carbohydrate and lipid gas-phase chemistry and structure using pre- and post-ionization separation technologies, tandem mass spectrometry (ion activation and ion/molecule reactions), and density functional theory. Additionally, as a researcher in the mass spectrometry core at the University of North Carolina, Paul learned the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and became familiar with the challenges that arise when striving to achieve the research goals of scientists from diverse disciplines.

Education

Ph.d. Analytical Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2021B.S. Biochemistry, West Chester University of Pennsylvania , 2015B.S. Chemistry, West Chester University of Pennsylvania , 2015

Publications

Soma, P. S., Glish, G. L., (2020). Distinguishing Carbohydrates in an Ion Trap. Oral presentation at the Triangle Area Mass Spectrometry Discussion Group, February 12, 2020. NC Biotechnology Center, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC.Nguyen, T. T., Soma, P. S., Thorp, B., D., Zanation, A. M., Ebert, C. S., Senior, B. A., Randell, S. H., Ehrmann, B. M., Kimple, A. J., (2019). Mometasone Absorption in Cultured Airway Epithelium. International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology. 2019; 1-5.Rumley, E. C., Soma, P. S., Glish, G. L., (2019). Monosaccharide Lithium Affinities and how they relate to Water Adduction to the Lithium Cationized Molecule. Poster presented at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Summer Undergraduate Pipeline Research Symposium, July 24, 2019. Chapel Hill, NC.Soma, P. S., Campbell, M. T., Baker, A., Palmer, M., Cooper-Shepherd, D., Glish, G. L., (2019). Characterization of Lithium Cationized Mono- and Disaccharides Using High Resolution Cyclic Ion Mobility. Poster presented at the American Society for Mass Spectrometry Annual Conference, June 2019. Atlanta, GA.Soma, P. S., Wallbillich, N. J., Cappiello, J., Glish, G. L., (2019). Delivery efficiency of aerosolized epoprostenol to the lung through a mechanical ventilator circuit. Poster presented at the American Society for Mass Spectrometry Annual Conference, June 2019. Atlanta, GA.Nguyen, T., Soma, P. S., Thorp, B.D., Zanation, A. M., Ebert C. S., Senior B. A., Randell, S. H., Ehrmann, B. M., Kimple, A. J., (2019). In Vitro Modeling of Mometasone Absorption by Airway Epithelium. Oral Presentation at Rhinoworld 2019, Chicago, IL. June 2019Soma, P. S., Ehrmann, B. M., Slade, G. D., Sanders, A. E., (2019). Relating Levels of Omega-3/Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids to Chronic Pain as Measured by LC-ESI-MS/MS. Poster presented at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry 35th Research Day, February 6, 2019. Chapel Hill, NC.Soma, P. S., Swanson, K. D., Glish, G. L. (2017). Extractive Electrospray Ionization Coupled to Atmospheric Pressure DTIMS-MS for Real-Time Analysis of Aerosols. Poster presented at the American Society for Mass Spectrometry Annual Conference, June 2017. Indianapolis, IN.Li, X., You, Y., Allebach, L., Soma, P. S., Li, X., Proctor, R., Robinson, M. (2015). High-throughput Screening of Prohibited Substances on TOBA List in Equine Urine and Plasma by Liquid-Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry. Poster presented at University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine Research Retreat, June 19, 2015. Kennett Square, PA.