who we are
Reactive trace gases comprise a fraction of the Earth’s atmosphere, yet their chemistry strongly influences the oxidation capacity of the troposphere, Earth’s climate, ecosystems, and our health. We make and use measurements at the Earth’s surface, onboard aircraft, and from space in polluted cities, agricultural areas, and forest canopies. Our focus is on reactive nitrogen, its role in chemical oxidation, its neighborhood-level variability, and emissions of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide. We use observed spatial and temporal variability to derive mechanistic insight into processes taking place within cities and human-influenced environments. We work to find solutions to atmospheric problems that adversely affect human health and ecosystems.