Rachel O’Brien

The O’Brien research group focuses on the sources, composition, and fate of atmospheric organic material both indoors and outdoors. We measure organic aerosol composition, especially as a function of aerosol size, and we evaluate how aerosol particles will evolve in terms of their chemical and physical properties as they are transported in the air. We also study organic surface films that form when aerosol particles and gases deposit on different surfaces both indoors and outdoors. The overall goal of our research is a better understanding of the health impacts of the air we are breathing and the climate impacts of outdoor atmospheric aerosol particles.