NSF Young Investigator: Mass Spectrometric Characterization of Atmospheric Aerosol Particles

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This National Science Foundation Young Investigator project is in the general area of analytical chemistry, with a specific focus on the characterization of environmentally relevant aerosols. During the five-year tenure of this award, Professor Prather and her students will carry out fundamental studies on aerosol particles that are thought to participate in a number of environmentally important reactions. The size and composition of individual particles are measured using a laser-based gating system in conjunction with laser desorption and time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Particles composed of inorganic salts and polyaromatic hydrocarbons will be investigated. The goal is to identify the particle characteristics important in controlling atmospheric reactions. This project should advance the state-of-the-art of environmentally relevant analytical measurements, and will provide a more thorough understanding of chemical processes affecting air quality. Additionally, this award will enable Professor Prather to further her overall professional development as a researcher and educator at the University of California at Riverside.