Research

General Research Interests

Air Pollution Exposure Modeling (Wildfires)
Atmospheric Chemical Mechanism Development
Atmospheric Dynamics and Climate Risk

Research Projects

Framework of Chemical Assessment for Mechanism Evaluation and Optimization (CAMEO)

CAMEO framework provides a unified database that integrates experimental observations, box model outputs, and detailed mechanistic information. Its querying functions and interactive visualization tools enable transparent and comprehensive comparisons between laboratory data and model predictions.

Evaluation and Refinement of the CARCMM Monoterpene Mechanism

The Community Regional Atmospheric Chemistry Multiphase Mechanism (CRACMM) is a state-of-the-science chemical mechanism developed by the U.S. EPA for the Community Multiscale Air Quality Modeling System (CMAQ). This project aims to evaluate the accuracy of monoterpene chemistry representation in CRACMM using advanced mass spectrometry data, with a focus on detailed gas- and particle-phase products.

Assessing Wildfire Smoke Exposure Risks in Wine Vineyards

This project aims to improve chemical transport model predictions of wildfire smoke exposure by enhancing emissions inventories, updating chemical mechanisms, and applying machine learning–based data fusion.

Development of Chemical Mechanisms for Wildfire Precursors

New chemical mechanisms for wildfire-derived VOCs were developed and evaluated using the SAPRC modeling system. This work also marked the first use of MechGen to connect gas-phase chemistry with SOA formation, advancing air quality modeling of wildfire emissions.

Mechanistic Studies of SOA Production from Wildfire Precursors

Chamber-derived secondary organic aerosol (SOA) yields from camphene are reported here for the first time. The influence of peroxy radicals (RO2) was investigated using chemically detailed box models. Notably, this study is the first to show that low concentrations of NO can enhance the formation of oxygenated organic molecules (HOMs) in the atmosphere.

Future year PM2.5 PWC and exposure disparity by scenarios and race/ethnicity

Long-Term Environmental Impacts Under the Manure Management Program

Anaerobic digesters on California dairy farms can significantly reduce methane emissions with minimal impact on air quality. Modeling for the year 2050 in the San Joaquin Valley shows slight changes in PM2.5 and ozone levels, negligible health risks, and no effect on environmental justice disparities, supporting digesters as a low-risk GHG reduction strategy.

Genesis Study of Tropical Cyclones over the Pacific Ocean

This project analyzes tropical cyclone formation and extratropical transition over the western North Pacific, showing that strong storms are more likely to undergo ET and that upper-level cold vortices and the subtropical high play key roles in both processes.

Orographic Influences on Mesoscale Convective Systems in Coastal Regions

Severe convective events are closely linked to the region’s complex terrain and land-sea interactions. Analysis and WRF simulations show that coastal mountains and latent heat release play key roles in triggering and sustaining convection.