Chemistry Poster Session

When I first learned that I would be going to Italy to study chemistry, I was curious to see how we would learn such a complex subject in an unconventional setting. One way we are learning is by collaborating with the students and faculty of the University of Siena. Their poster session that our group attended was not only interesting but also informative.
I was most intrigued with Olive Oil By Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy by Daniela Valensin. We have all had experience with NMR spectroscopy in our respective organic chemistry classes. We know how to analyze the data by looking at the peaks and determining the chemical compounds in a certain substance. However, I doubt many of us have had a chance to actually use the NMR instruments in a laboratory setting. I am interested in this aspect and with my prior knowledge (however minimal it may be), I hope I can contribute to the experiment as well.
Daniela has been analyzing different kinds of olive oil to find both the qualitative and quantitative properties. Traditionally, techniques like high-resolution gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography have been used for authentication and detection of olive oil adulteration. However, these techniques are time consuming despite the fact that they are the most accurate analytically.
By using high resolution NMR spectroscopy, Daniela hopes to evaluate the quality and authentication of the different olive oils. This includes the analysis of free acidity, fatty acid profile, unsaturated fatty acids, and sterols. In addition, sensory attributes can be determined by looking for compounds like polyphenols, aldehydes, and terpens in olive oil. I have a lot to learn in the techniques of chemical analysis. However, I hope to continue to gain some knowledge here in Siena through collaboration with both my American and Italian peers.