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Matthew O'Hara

Matthew O'Hara

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
PO Box 999
Richland, WA 99352
(509) 375-5579

Biography

Mr. O’Hara is a Senior Research Scientist in the Nuclear Chemistry and Engineering technical group. He has over 20 years of R&D experience in the radiochemical sciences. The primary focus of his work is to develop radiochemical or radioanalytical techniques and integrate them into automated fluidic systems for routinized or remote handling applications. These automated radiochemical systems have been demonstrated in applications ranging from process monitoring of nuclear waste, to autonomous groundwater contamination plume monitoring, to nuclear nonproliferation verification, to medical isotope generation. A supporter for building the next generation of radiochemists, he consistently mentors young talents in the field of radiochemistry, from postdoctoral researchers to graduate and undergraduate students.

Research Interests

  • Integration of laboratory automation in radiochemistry and radioanalytical chemistry
  • Methods and systems for high-purity therapeutic and diagnostic medical isotopes
  • Nuclear process monitoring and radiochemical sensing
  • Method development to support national security applications

Education and Credentials

  • MBA, General Management, Washington State University, Richland, WA (2004)
  • B.A., Chemistry, University of Montana, Missoula, MT (1996)
  • B.A., Geology, University of Montana, Missoula, MT (1996)

Affiliations and Professional Service

  • American Chemical Society

PNNL Patents

PNNL Publications

2023

  • Doll C.G., A.E. Plymale, M.J. O'Hara, C.J. Thompson, A.R. Cooper, H. Wang, and M.V. Olarte. 2023. "Demonstration of low-level biogenic fuel content using quench curve and direct liquid scintillation counting (LSC) methods." Fuel 334, no. Part 1:Art. No. 126468. PNNL-SA-173920. doi:10.1016/j.fuel.2022.126468

2022

  • Doll C.G., A.E. Plymale, C.J. Thompson, M.J. O'Hara, and M.V. Olarte. 2022. Determination of Biogenic Content by 14C in fuels using Liquid Scintillation Analysis Laboratory Analytical Procedure (LAP). PNNL-32719. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Determination of Biogenic Content by 14C in fuels using Liquid Scintillation Analysis Laboratory Analytical Procedure (LAP)
  • Hubbard L.R., C.J. Allen, A.C. Sims, K.M. Engbrecht, M.J. O'Hara, J.C. Johnson, and S.S. Morrison. 2022. "Detection of SARS-COV-2 by functionally imprinted micelles." MRS Communications 12, no. 6:1160-1167. PNNL-SA-172461. doi:10.1557/s43579-022-00242-0
  • McNamara B.K., M.J. O'Hara, S.S. Morrison, C.Z. Soderquist, A.M. Casella, R.A. Clark, and R. Carter. 2022. "Separations of U/Pu and Np/Pu using fluoride volatility." Journal of Fluorine Chemistry 257-258. PNNL-SA-168450. doi:10.1016/j.jfluchem.2022.109952
  • Morrison S.S., L.R. Hubbard, C.J. Allen, A.C. Sims, and M.J. O'Hara. 2022. Affordable Realtime Viral Detection: Demonstrated with SARS COV-2. PNNL-33282. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Affordable Realtime Viral Detection: Demonstrated with SARS COV-2
  • O'Hara M.J., J.C. Carter, C.M. Kellogg, and J.M. Link. 2022. "Anion exchange and extraction chromatography tandem column isolation of zirconium-89 (89Zr) from cyclotron bombarded targets using an automated fluidic platform." Journal of Chromatography A 1678. PNNL-SA-169036. doi:10.1016/j.chroma.2022.463347
  • Yao J., S. Tripathi, E.S. Ilton, B.K. McNamara, N. Lahiri, M.J. O'Hara, and S.L. Riechers, et al. 2022. Corrosion of U233-Doped Uranium Oxide using Microfluidics Methods. PNNL-33210. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Corrosion of U233-Doped Uranium Oxide using Microfluidics Methods

2020

  • McNamara B.K., M.J. O'Hara, R.A. Clark, S.S. Morrison, C.Z. Soderquist, and R.D. Scheele. 2020. "Gas-phase molybdenum-99 separation from uranium dioxide by fluoride volatility using nitrogen trifluoride." RSC Advances 10, no. 6:3472-3478. PNNL-SA-148868. doi:10.1039/C9RA10270A

2019

  • O'Hara M.J., A. Krzysko, D.K. Hamlin, Y. Li, E.F. Dorman, and D. Wilbur. 2019. "Development of an autonomous solvent extraction system to isolate astatine-211 from dissolved cyclotron bombarded bismuth targets." Scientific Reports 9, no. 1:Article No. 20318. PNNL-SA-146485. doi:10.1038/s41598-019-56272-7
  • Uhnak N.E., S.S. Morrison, M.J. O'Hara, N.J. Murray, M. Bartsch, H.S. Edwards, and J.W. Grate. 2019. "Manipulation of Mass Transport Rates using Bead-in-a-tube Method." Journal of Chromatography A 1586. PNNL-SA-138620. doi:10.1016/j.chroma.2018.12.002

2018

  • O'Hara M.J., N.J. Murray, J.C. Carter, and S.S. Morrison. 2018. "Optimized anion exchange column isolation of zirconium-89 (89Zr) from yttrium cyclotron target: Method development and implementation on an automated fluidic platform." Journal of Chromatography A 1545. PNNL-SA-116062. doi:10.1016/j.chroma.2018.02.053
  • O'Hara M.J., N.J. Murray, J.C. Carter, C.M. Kellogg, and J.M. Link. 2018. "Hydroxamate column-based purification of zirconium-89 (89Zr) using an automated fluidic platform." Applied Radiation and Isotopes 132. PNNL-SA-114350. doi:10.1016/j.apradiso.2017.10.048
  • O'Hara M.J., N.J. Murray, J.C. Carter, C.M. Kellogg, and J.M. Link. 2018. "Tandem column isolation of zirconium-89 from cyclotron bombarded yttrium targets using an automated fluidic platform: Anion exchange to hydroxamate resin columns." Journal of Chromatography A 1567. PNNL-SA-134266. doi:10.1016/j.chroma.2018.06.035

2017

  • Grate J.W., J.J. Gonzalez, M.J. O'Hara, C.M. Kellogg, S.S. Morrison, D.W. Koppenaal, and G.C. Chan, et al. 2017. "Solid Matrix Transformation and Tracer Addition using Molten Ammonium Bifluoride Salt as a Sample Preparation Method for Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry." Analyst 142, no. 18:3333-3340. PNNL-SA-124596. doi:10.1039/C7AN00777A
  • Link J.M., K.A. Krohn, and M.J. O'Hara. 2017. "A Simple Thick Target for Production of 89Zr using an 11 MeV Cyclotron." Applied Radiation and Isotopes 122. PNNL-SA-117438. doi:10.1016/j.apradiso.2017.01.037
  • O'Hara M.J., A.J. Krzysko, C.M. Niver, S.S. Morrison, S.L. Owsley, D.K. Hamlin, and E.F. Dorman, et al. 2017. "An automated flow system incorporating in-line acid dissolution of bismuth metal from a cyclotron irradiated target assembly for use in the isolation of astatine-211." Applied Radiation and Isotopes 122. PNNL-SA-121714. doi:10.1016/j.apradiso.2017.02.001
  • O'Hara M.J., and R.S. Addleman. 2017. "Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for the collection and direct measurement of adsorbed alpha-emitting radionuclides from environmental waters by liquid scintillation analysis." Analytical Methods 9, no. 19:2791-2804. PNNL-SA-123136. doi:10.1039/C7AY00247E
  • O'Hara M.J., C.M. Kellogg, C.M. Parker, S.S. Morrison, J.F. Corbey, and J.W. Grate. 2017. "Decomposition of diverse solid inorganic matrices with molten ammonium bifluoride salt for constituent elemental analysis." Chemical Geology 466. PNNL-SA-122790. doi:10.1016/j.chemgeo.2017.06.023

2016

  • McNamara B.K., M.J. O'Hara, A.M. Casella, J.C. Carter, R.S. Addleman, and P.J. MacFarlan. 2016. "Uniform deposition of uranium hexafluoride (UF6): Standardized mass deposits and controlled isotopic ratios using a thermal fluorination method." Talanta 154. PNNL-SA-109983. doi:10.1016/j.talanta.2016.03.054
  • O'Hara M.J., J.C. Carter, C.L. Warner, M.G. Warner, and R.S. Addleman. 2016. "Magnetic iron oxide and manganese-doped iron oxide nanoparticles for the collection of alpha-emitting radionuclides from aqueous solutions." RSC Advances 6, no. 2016:105239-105251. PNNL-SA-119737. doi:10.1039/C6RA22262E

2013

  • Burge S.R., and M.J. O'Hara. 2013. "Automated Groundwater Monitoring of Uranium at the Hanford Site, Washington." In WM 2013:; Waste Management Conference: International Collaboration and Continuous Improvement, February 24-28, 2013, Phoenix, Arizona, Paper No. 13116. Tempe, Arizona:WM Symposia. PNWD-SA-10060.

2012

  • Anheier N.C., B.D. Cannon, H. Qiao, J.C. Carter, B.K. McNamara, M.J. O'Hara, and J.R. Phillips, et al. 2012. "Onsite Gaseous Centrifuge Enrichment Plant UF6 Cylinder Destructive Analysis." In 53rd Annual Meeting of the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management (INMM 53), July 15-19,2012, Orlando, Florida, 1, 764-772. Deerfield, Illinois:INMM -Institute of Nuclear Materials Management. PNNL-SA-89173.
  • Egorov O., M.J. O'Hara, and J.W. Grate. 2012. "Automated Radioanalytical System Incorporating Microwave-Assisted Sample Preparation, Chemical Separation, and Online Radiometric Detection for the Monitoring of Total 99Tc in Nuclear Waste Processing Streams." Analytical Chemistry 84, no. 7:3090-3098. PNNL-SA-79284. doi:10.1021/ac300418b

2011

  • Grate J.W., M.J. O'Hara, A.F. Farawila, M. Douglas, M.M. Haney, S.L. Peterson, and T.C. Maiti, et al. 2011. "Extraction Chromatographic Methods in the Sample Preparation Sequence for Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Plutonium Isotopes." Analytical Chemistry 83, no. 23:9086-9091. PNNL-SA-82631. doi:10.1021/ac202150v
  • Grate J.W., M.J. O'Hara, A.F. Farawila, R.M. Ozanich, and S.L. Owsley. 2011. "Automation of Column-based Radiochemical Separations: A Comparison of Fluidic, Robotic, and Hybrid Architectures." In Proceedings in Radiochemistry: Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference of the Asia-Pacific Symposium on Radiochemistry (APSORC-09), November 29-December 4, 2009, Napa, California, 1, 13-19. Munich:Oldenbourg Wissenschaftsverlag. PNNL-SA-70074.
  • O'Hara M.J., J.C. Carter, J.A. Maclellan, C.L. Warner, M.G. Warner, and R.S. Addleman. 2011. "Investigation of magnetic nanoparticles for the rapid extraction and assay of alpha-emitting radionuclides from urine: Demonstration of a novel radiobioassay method." Health Physics 101, no. 2:196-208. PNNL-SA-76192.

2009

  • Devol T.A., J.P. Clements, A.F. Farawila, M.J. O'Hara, O. Egorov, and J.W. Grate. 2009. "Characterization and Application of Superlig 620 Solid Phase Extraction Resin for Automated Process Monitoring of 90Sr." Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry 282, no. 2:623-628. PNNL-SA-65586.
  • Grate J.W., M.J. O'Hara, and O. Egorov. 2009. "Automation of Extraction Chromatograhic and Ion Exchange Separations for Radiochemical Analysis and Monitoring." In Ion Exchange and Solvent Extraction: A Series of Advances, Volume 19. Boca Raton, Florida:CRC Press. PNNL-SA-58317.
  • Grate J.W., M.J. O'Hara, O. Egorov, and S.R. Burge. 2009. "Radionuclide Sensors and Systems for Environmental Monitoring." ECS Transactions 19, no. 6:301-304. PNNL-SA-64778. doi:10.1149/1.3118565
  • O'Hara M.J., A.F. Farawila, and J.W. Grate. 2009. "AUTOMATED RADIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY: APPLICATIONS FOR THE LABORATORY AND INDUSTRIAL PROCESS MONITORING." In 2nd JAPAN-IAEA Workshop on Advanced Safeguards Technology for the Future Nuclear Fuel Cycle, November 10-13, 2009, Tokai-mura, Ibaraki, Japan. Vienna:International Atomic Energy Agency. PNNL-SA-70077.
  • O'Hara M.J., S.R. Burge, and J.W. Grate. 2009. "Automated radioanalytical system for the determination of Sr-90 in environmental water samples by Y-90 Cherenkov radiation counting." Analytical Chemistry 81, no. 3:1228-1237. PNWD-SA-8373.
  • O'Hara M.J., S.R. Burge, and J.W. Grate. 2009. "Quantification of Technetium-99 in Complex Groundwater Matrixes using a Radiometric Preconcentrating Minicolumn Sensor in an Equilibration-based Sensing Approach." Analytical Chemistry 81, no. 3:1068-1078. PNNL-SA-62996.

2008

  • Grate J.W., O.B. Egorov, M.J. O'Hara, and T.A. Devol. 2008. "Radionuclide Sensors for Environmental Monitoring: From Flow Injection Solid-Phase Absorptiometry to Equilibration-Based Preconcentrating Minicolumn Sensors with Radiometric Detection." Chemical Reviews 108, no. 2:543-562. PNNL-SA-54403. doi:10.1021/cr068115u
  • Grate J.W., R.M. Ozanich, J.S. Hartman, M.J. O'Hara, and O. Egorov. 2008. "Preconcentrating Minicolumn Sensors for Trace Environmental Monitoring." In IEEE Sensors 2007: 6th IEEE Conference on Sensors, 1357-1360. New York, New York:IEEE. PNNL-SA-56116. doi:10.1109/ICSENS.2007.4388663
  • Levitskaia T.G., M.J. O'Hara, S.I. Sinkov, and O.B. Egorov. 2008. "Direct Spectrophotometric Analysis of Cr(VI) Using a Liquid Waveguide Capillary Cell." Applied Spectroscopy 62, no. 1:107-115. PNNL-SA-54317.
  • O'Hara M.J., P.C. Durst, J.W. Grate, O. Egorov, and T.A. Devol. 2008. "RAPID AUTOMATED RADIOCHEMICAL ANALYZER FOR DETERMINATION OF TARGETED RADIONUCLIDES IN NUCLEAR PROCESS STREAMS." In Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Facility Operations-Safeguards Interface, March 30-April 4, 2008, Portland, Oregon, Paper No. 88. La Grange Park, Illinois:American Nuclear Society. PNNL-SA-59847.
  • O'Hara M.J., P.C. Durst, J.W. Grate, T.A. Devol, O. Egorov, and J.P. Clements. 2008. "AUTOMATED PROCESS MONITORING: APPLYING PROVEN AUTOMATION TECHNIQUES TO INTERNATIONAL SAFEGUARDS NEEDS." In Proceedings of the 49th Annual Meeting of the Institue of Nuclear Materials Management, Paper No. 351. Northbrook, Illinois:Institue of Nuclear Materials Management. PNNL-SA-60812.
  • Paxton W.F., M.J. O'Hara, S.M. Peper, S.L. Petersen, and J.W. Grate. 2008. "Accelerated Analyte Uptake on Single Beads in Microliter-scale Batch Separations using Acoustic Streaming: Plutonium Uptake by Anion Exchange for Analysis by Mass Spectrometry." Analytical Chemistry 80, no. 11:4070-4077. PNNL-SA-58785. doi:10.1021/ac800160n
  • Peper S.M., B.K. McNamara, M.J. O'Hara, and M. Douglas. 2008. "A Green Approach to SNF Reprocessing: Are Common Household Reagents the Answer?." In Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Facility Operations-Safeguards Interface, March 30-April 4, 2008, Portland, Oregon, Paper No. 84. La Grange Park, Illinois:American Nuclear Society. PNNL-SA-59835.
  • Serne R.J., G.V. Last, H.T. Schaef, D.C. Lanigan, C.W. Lindenmeier, C.C. Ainsworth, and R.E. Clayton, et al. 2008. Characterization of Vadose Zone Sediment: Slant Borehole SX-108 in the S-SX Waste Management Area. PNNL 13757-4 Rev. 1. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Characterization of Vadose Zone Sediment: Slant Borehole SX-108 in the S-SX Waste Management Area

2006

  • Egorov O.B., M.J. O'Hara, and J.W. Grate. 2006. "Equilibration-Based Preconcentrating Minicolumn Sensors for Trace Level Monitoring of Radionuclides and Metal Ions in Water without Consumable Reagents." Analytical Chemistry 78, no. 15:5480-5490. PNNL-SA-50095.

2005

  • Addleman R.S., M.J. O'Hara, J.W. Grate, and O.B. Egorov. 2005. "Chemically Enhanced Alpha-Energy Spectroscopy in Liquids." Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry 263, no. 2:291-294. PNNL-SA-40022.
  • Addleman R.S., M.J. O'Hara, T.D. Marks, J.W. Grate, and O.B. Egorov. 2005. "Direct Actinide Assay with Surface Passivated Silicon Diodes." Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry 263, no. 2:295-300. PNNL-SA-39879.
  • Addleman R.S., O.B. Egorov, M.J. O'Hara, B.J. Busche, T.S. Zemanian, and G.E. Fryxell. 2005. "Preconcentration and Assay of Radionuclides with Self Assembled Monolayers on Mesoporous Supports." Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry 263, no. 1:59-64. PNNL-SA-43186.
  • Egorov O.B., M.J. O'Hara, and J.W. Grate. 2005. "Automated Radiochemical Analysis of Total 99TC in Aged Nuclear Waste Processing Streams." Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry 263, no. 3:629-633. PNNL-SA-39861.
  • Egorov O.B., M.J. O'Hara, J.W. Grate, M.A. Knopf, G. Anderson, and J.S. Hartman. 2005. "Radiochemical Sensor System for the Analysis of Tc-99 (VII) in Groundwater." Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry 264, no. 2:495-500. PNNL-SA-39866.
  • Egorov O.B., R.S. Addleman, M.J. O'Hara, T.D. Marks, and J.W. Grate. 2005. "Direct Measurement of Alpha Emitters in Liquids using Passivated Ion Implanted Planar Silicon (PIPS) Diode Detectors." Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research. Section A, Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment 537, no. 3:600-609. PNNL-SA-41059.
  • Grate J.W., O.B. Egorov, and M.J. O'Hara. 2005. "Sensors and Automated Analyzers for Radionuclides." In Subsurface Contamination Remediation: Accomplishments of the Environmental Management Science Program Symposium, ACS Symposium Series, edited by Edgar Berkey and Tiffany Zachry. 322-341. Washington, District Of Columbia:American Chemical Society. PNNL-SA-39892.

2004

  • Egorov O.B., M.J. O'Hara, and J.W. Grate. 2004. "Microwave-Assisted Sample Treatment in a Fully Automated Flow-Based Instrument: Oxidation of Reduced Technetium Species in the Analysis of Total Technetium-99 in Caustic Aged Nuclear Waste Samples." Analytical Chemistry 76, no. 14:3869-3877. PNNL-SA-40761.

2003

  • Egorov O.B., M.J. O'Hara, R.S. Addleman, and J.W. Grate. 2003. "Automation of Radiochemical Analysis: From Groundwater Monitoring to Nuclear Waste Analysis." In ACS Symposium Series: Radioanalytical Methods in Interdisciplinary Research., edited by Carola A. Laue and Kenneth L. Nash, 868, 246-270. Washington D.C.:American Chemical Society. PNNL-SA-38624.

2002

  • Egorov O.B., M.J. O'Hara, and J.W. Grate. 2002. "Radionuclide Selective Sensors for Water Monitoring: 99Tc(VII) Detection in Hanford Groundwater." In Spectrum 2002: Exploring Science-Based Solutions and Technologies, 9th Bienniel International Conference on Nuclear and Hazardous Waste Management, (CD-ROM). La Grange, Illinois:American Nuclear Society. PNNL-SA-35931-1.
  • Icenhower J.P., B.P. McGrail, D.M. Strachan, R.D. Scheele, V.L. Legore, E.A. Cordova, and J.L. Steele, et al. 2002. "Experimental Determination of the Dissolution Kinetics of Plutonium- and Uranium-Bearing Ceramics at 90 degrees C." In Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management XXV, Materials Research Society Symposium Proceedings, edited by B.P. McGrail and G.A. Cragnolino, 713, 433-440 paper no. JJ11.38. Warrendale, Pennsylvania:Materials Research Society. PNNL-SA-31781.
  • Icenhower J.P., B.P. McGrail, W.J. Weber, B.D. Begg, N.J. Hess, E.A. Cordova, and J.L. Steele, et al. 2002. "Dissolution of A2Ti2O7 (A = Y3?, Gd3?, or Lu3?) Pyrochlore by Experiment at pH = 2, T = 90 C: Evidence for Solubility Control Using a Linear Free Energy Model." In Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management XXV, Materials Research Society Symposium Proceedings, edited by BP McGrail and GA Cragnolino, 713, 397-403 paper no. JJ6.2. Warrendale, Pennsylvania:Materials Research Society. PNNL-SA-36247.
  • Strachan D.M., R.D. Scheele, A.E. Kozelisky, R.L. Sell, H.T. Schaef, M.J. O'Hara, and C.F. Brown, et al. 2002. "Radiation Damage in Titanate Ceramics Used for Plutonium Immobilization." In Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management XXV, 713, 461-468. Warrendale, Pennsylvania:Materials Research Society. PNNL-SA-38324.

2001

  • Egorov O.B., M.J. O'Hara, O.T. Farmer, and J.W. Grate. 2001. "Extraction Chromatographic Separations and Analysis of Actinides Using Sequential Injection Techniques with On-line Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP MS) Detection." Analyst 126, no. 9:1594-1601. PNNL-SA-33879.
  • McGrail B.P., J.P. Icenhower, P.F. Martin, H.T. Schaef, M.J. O'Hara, E. Rodriguez, and J.L. Steele. 2001. Waste Form Release Data Package for the 2001 Immobilized Low-Activity Waste Performance Assessment. PNNL-13043 Rev.2. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Waste Form Release Data Package for the 2001 Immobilized Low-Activity Waste Performance Assessment

1999

  • Egorov O.B., M.J. O'Hara, J.W. Grate, J. Ruzicka, and J. Ruzicka. 1999. "Sequential Injection Renewable Separation Column Instrument for Automated Sorbent Extraction Separations of Radionuclides." Analytical Chemistry 71, no. 2:345-352. PNNL-SA-30089.
  • Egorov O.B., S.K. Fiskum, M.J. O'Hara, and J.W. Grate. 1999. "Radionuclide Sensors based on Chemically Selective Scintillating Microspheres: Renewable Column Sensor for Analysis of 99Tc in Water." Analytical Chemistry 71, no. 23:5420-5429. PNNL-SA-31465.

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