PNNL

Kirby Hobbs is an analytical chemist within the National Security Directorate at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). His primary focus is developing mass spectrometry methods for characterizing materials relevant to nuclear sciences.

Before PNNL, Hobbs completed his master’s at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he studied mantle rocks from Vietnam. During this work, he developed his analytical skills by measuring a suite of major/trace elements and radiogenic isotopes across the periodic table using a variety of spectrometry instruments.

At PNNL, he started developing mass spectrometry methods for ultra-low-background measurements of uranium, thorium, and potassium in materials used for rare-event physics detectors. Hobbs is experienced with a variety of analysis techniques, specializing in instruments that utilize gas-phase ion chemistry to make interference-free measurements.

Hobbs supports projects such as the Nuclear Forensics Transformational Innovation Initiative.

• Nuclear forensics
• Nuclear energy
• Analytical chemistry
• Mass spectrometry
• Geochemistry

• MS in Earth and atmospheric sciences, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
• BS in geology, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

• Creativity Award for the Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Technologies Division, 2025