Hi John,

The Forensic Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry Network has a good practice guide: https://www.forensic-isotopes.org/gpg.html

You may also consider having a few reference books on hand. Just to name a few:

- Handbook of Stable Isotope Analytical Techniques volumes 1 and 2. Edited by: Pier A. de Groot

- Treatise on Geochemistry 2nd Edition: Stable Isotope Techniques for Gas Source Mass Spectrometry by Zach Sharp

My personal tip is to instill ownership by asking folks to make their own log files of data overtime. Perhaps this is reference material performance or mass spec backgrounds, or trap and box currents.

Then, sign up for isogeochem and become familiar with how to search the archives.

I wonder if folks listening could add other platforms they go to for isotope instrumentation help (social media groups, youtube channels).

andy

On Mon, Oct 5, 2020 at 4:09 PM John Mering <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

Dear all,

I am wondering if anyone can recommend/ share literature relating to teaching lab troubleshooting skills specific to an isotope setting. We’ve had a number of lab newcomers who are gradually training up to operate and maintain instruments, but aren’t yet in a position to evaluate data independently. I want to develop a culture where there is a bit more room for critical and independent thinking. Any insight/tips on good ways to develop this would be much appreciated! I realise there may be a number of opinions on how to do this.

Hope everyone’s doing well!

John

-------------------------------
John A. Mering, Ph.D.

[log in to unmask]
Phone: +64 021 08801685