R. E. Shefer

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About

R. E. Shefer is a leading figure in the development of accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) for biomedical applications, with a career dedicated to transforming how radiocarbon tracers are analyzed in biological systems. Her most cited work, the 2003 paper "An Interface for Direct Analysis of 14C in Nonvolatile Samples by Accelerator Mass Spectrometry" (61 citations), introduced a groundbreaking method for direct measurement of carbon-14 in liquid biological specimens like plasma and urine. By depositing samples into a CuO powder bed within a refractory support, Shefer eliminated the need for complex sample combustion or graphitization, dramatically simplifying and accelerating AMS analysis. This innovation opened new pathways for pharmacokinetic studies and metabolic research, enabling researchers to trace minute quantities of labeled compounds in vivo with unprecedented ease. Her contributions have been instrumental in bridging the gap between high-sensitivity AMS instrumentation and practical, routine biological analysis, earning her recognition as a pioneer in biomedical AMS. Shefer's work continues to influence the design of sample introduction systems, making her a key resource for students and researchers exploring the intersection of nuclear physics and life sciences.