As National Data Editor for The Sydney Morning Herald and scientific lead at SCIEX, Craig Butt occupies a unique position bridging journalism and analytical science. His work focuses on:
“The true power of modern mass spectrometry lies in its ability to answer questions we haven’t even thought to ask yet.”
With 20+ years’ experience and numerous methodological innovations, Craig continues shaping how we understand and address environmental contamination challenges. His dual expertise in analytical chemistry and science communication makes him uniquely positioned to advance both technical and public understanding of critical environmental health issues.
We trace Craig Butt’s journey from his foundational PhD research at the University of Toronto to his current role as Senior Manager of Applied Markets at SCIEX. His early work investigating PFAS metabolism in arctic wildlife laid the groundwork for what would become a career focused on developing cutting-edge mass spectrometry methods. At Duke University, Craig expanded his expertise into epidemiological studies of environmental contaminants, bridging the gap between laboratory analysis and real-world health impacts.
“PFAS exposure is complex and still not completely understood. LC-MS/MS provides the specificity needed to detect these compounds at environmentally relevant levels.”
In this comprehensive 2024 analysis, Craig and colleague Dr. Holly Lee detail the capabilities of SCIEX’s 7500+ system for sustained PFAS detection in complex food matrices. The article demonstrates:
Through detailed case studies of salmon, avocado, and pet food analyses, the piece establishes new benchmarks for instrument durability in environmental testing labs. Craig emphasizes the critical importance of raw peak area measurements over internal standard-corrected data for true performance assessment.
This professional biography outlines Craig’s two decades of mass spectrometry innovation, highlighting:
The profile particularly emphasizes Craig’s work on overcoming matrix interference challenges in environmental samples – a persistent hurdle in contaminant analysis.
Through this ongoing video series, Craig engages with global PFAS experts to explore:
Notable episodes feature discussions with US EPA’s Dr. John Washington on regulatory challenges and with York University’s Prof. Cora Young on atmospheric transport mechanisms. The series demonstrates Craig’s ability to bridge technical analysis with policy implications.
Craig consistently showcases novel analytical approaches for difficult-to-detect compounds. A recent podcast episode highlighted his work on short-chain PFAS analysis using high-resolution mass spectrometry. Pitches should focus on:
His collaboration with epidemiologists at Duke University reveals strong interest in exposure pathway research. Successful pitches will connect analytical chemistry findings to:
Craig’s work on EPA methods demonstrates his focus on practical implementations. Compelling pitches might explore:
Awarded by Canada’s Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, this prestigious fellowship supported Craig’s groundbreaking work on flame retardant metabolites at Duke University. His research during this period directly informed US EPA’s updated risk assessments for organophosphate esters.
Recognizing his development of the DJet+ ion source technology, this internal award highlights Craig’s contributions to improving instrument serviceability. The user-cleanable component has become industry standard for high-throughput environmental testing.
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Environment, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
