Dr. Ziemann's research focuses on experimental studies of the atmospheric and indoor air chemistry of organic gases and particles that affect human health, visibility, and climate. Laboratory experiments are conducted under simulated atmospheric conditions to elucidate mechanisms by which volatile organic compounds emitted from anthropogenic and biogenic sources react with oxidants to form products, some of which can condense to form microscopic particles. Information on the chemical composition of the products are used to develop atmospheric reaction mechanisms and models. These studies improve our understanding of atmospheric chemistry and aid in the development of air quality models for predicting the environmental fate of organic compounds and the formation and properties of organic aerosol particles and the impact of human activities on the atmospheric environment. Related studies focus on measuring and modeling the sources and fate of organic chemicals in indoor air.
keywords
atmospheric chemistry of organic chemicals, atmospheric aerosols, atmospheric reaction mechanisms, air pollution, climate effects of aerosols, indoor air chemistry
