Dr. Goacher is an analytical chemist whose current research themes include a) the ageing and weathering of wood-polymer composites, b) the biodegradation of lignocellulose (wood, plants) for use in biofuels and value-added bioproducts, c) the evaluation of techniques for determining the order of inks deposited in forgeries for forensics, and d) the analysis of commercial pharmaceuticals for potency.
In addition to evaluating multiple instrumental methods for these analyses, Dr. Goacher brings expertise in surface analysis, specifically in the use of Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) to characterize solid materials. Ongoing collaborations with the University at Buffalo and University of Toronto enable the use of ToF-SIMS and other state-of-the-art instrumentation by Niagara University students. Her work in Toronto resulted in the development of a ToF-SIMS assay for the detection of enzymes active on complex wood substrates, and began several ongoing collaborations on related topics (ambers and petrified wood, and evaluation of enzyme activity on wood using Scanning Transmission X-ray Microscopy).
Dr. Goacher also is active in the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) and is collaborating with other NU faculty to evaluate ways to establish a safe learning environment for the flourishment of student discussion and active learning.
