Boone M. Prentice
Associate Professor and Scott Family Professor
Research Focus
Research in the Prentice Group focuses on developing next-generation bioanalytical mass spectrometry instrumentation and methods to better understand the molecular basis of health and disease. In particular, we utilize imaging mass spectrometry (IMS), tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) technologies to visualize and study biochemical processes directly in tissues. Our group seeks to develop novel chemical analysis strategies that creatively explore the forefront of mass spectrometry advancement. Our end goal is to work with biologists and clinicians to gain unique insight into molecular pathology. We strive together to make positive impacts, in both our local community and in broader society.
Education and Training
2013 – 2018: Postdoctoral Fellow in Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (lab of Prof. Richard Caprioli)
2008 – 2013: Ph.D. in Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN (lab of Prof. Scott McLuckey)
2004 – 2008: B.S. in Chemistry (Minors in Biology & Mathematics), Longwood University, Farmville, VA (lab of Prof. Melissa Rhoten)
Selected Awards
Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow in Chemistry (2025–2027)
Doctoral Dissertation Advisor/Mentoring Award (2024–2025)
NSF CAREER Award: CHE 2338651 (2024–2029)
JDRF Innovation Award (2023)
Eli Lilly and Company Young Investigator Award (2022)
Selected Activities
UF Chemistry Graduate Curriculum Committee (Chair), 2024–present
International Imaging Mass Spectrometry Imaging Society-Americas Executive Board (Counselor), 2024–2027
UF CLAS Faculty Council, 2023–2025
UF Chemistry Broadening Accessibility Committee (Co-Chair), 2020–present
Journal of Mass Spectrometry Associate Advisory Board, 2019–present
Selected Publications
Julia R. Bonney, Ariana E. Stratton, Yingchan Guo, Boone M. Prentice, “Imaging mass spectrometry of sulfatide isomers from rat brain tissue using gas-phase charge inversion ion/ion reactions.” Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry, 2025, 36, 119–126. https://doi.org/10.1021/jasms.4c00368
Liang, Yingchan Guo, Abisheak Sharma, Christopher R. McCurdy, Boone M. Prentice, “A multi-modal image fusion workflow incorporating MALDI imaging mass spectrometry and microscopy for the study of small pharmaceutical compounds.” Analytical Chemistry, 2024, 96, 11869–11880. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.analchem.4c01553
Alexander B. Smith, Matthew L. Jenior, Orlaith Keenan, Jessica L. Hart, Jonathan Specker, Arwa Abbas, Paula C. Range, Chao Di, Jamal Green, Jennifer A. Gaddy, Maribeth R. Nicholson, Clare Laut, Jason A. Papin, Frederic D. Bushman, Jessi Erlichman, Robert Baldassano, Michael A. Silverman, Gary M. Dunny, Boone M. Prentice, Eric P. Skaar, Joseph P. Zackular, “Enterococci enhance Clostridioides difficile pathogenesis.” Nature, 2022, 611, 780–786. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-022-05438-x