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Research Interests:

The study of gas phase and aerosol chemistry of the troposphere and related field and laboratory measurements to elucidate the chemical kinetic and mechanistic studies of atmospheric oxidation processes effecting air quality.

The major theme of my research involves the study of chemical and physical processes affecting the fate of anthropogenic and biogenic emissions and their impact on air quality and global cycles of trace atmospheric constituents. These processes are critical to our understanding of the "chemical climate" and the development of air quality forecast modeling systems in support of effective air quality mitigation strategies on local, regional and global scales.

Specific ongoing research programs relate to laboratory and field studies of the chemical composition and associated reaction processes contributing to the oxidizing capacity and primary and secondary particle formation in the atmosphere (PMTACS-NY) and implementation and evaluation of an air quality forecast modeling system utilizing this evolving knowledge (AQFMS). These processes have direct implications on the formation of photochemical oxidants/ozone, aerosols and other chemical species capable of modifying the radiative (light absorbing and scattering) properties of the atmosphere and quality of the air environment.

Research activities include: 1) the development and evaluation of instrumentation and analytical methods for the measurement of trace atmospheric constituents and the physical and chemical characteristics of particulate matter; 2) field measurements of photochemical oxidants, particulate matter and associated precursor species at Whiteface Mountain and Pinnacle State Park, NY and select sites in New York city to study and elucidate atmospheric chemical transformation mechanisms; 3) diagnostic analysis and evaluation of air quality forecast models and associated processes using laboratory and field measurement data; and 4) the study of the chemical kinetic and mechanistic pathways of elementary atmospheric reactions and the development of reaction mechanisms of polluted and clean atmospheres.