Allison L. Steiner

Allison L. Steiner serves as Chair and Professor in the Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering (CLaSP) department at the University of Michigan's College of Engineering. Her leadership extends to national scientific organizations including serving as President of the Atmospheric Sciences section of the American Geophysical Union (2023-present) and membership on the National Academy of Sciences Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate (2016-2022). She directs a vibrant research group focused on biosphere-atmosphere interactions and maintains an active role in professional service through editorial positions and scientific steering committees.

Education:

• Ph.D., Atmospheric Science, Georgia Institute of Technology
• B.S., Chemical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University

Dr. Steiner's research examines the complex interactions between vegetation and atmospheric processes, with particular emphasis on how biological emissions affect air quality and climate. Her group investigates pollen emissions and their impacts on cloud formation, studies biogenic trace gas emissions from forests, and models regional climate responses to land surface changes. Recent work has expanded to include microplastics in agricultural dust, lake spray aerosols in the Great Lakes region, and the public health implications of pollen concentrations. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates field observations, satellite data, and advanced modeling techniques to address critical environmental questions.

Analysis of recent publications reveals a strong trend toward interdisciplinary research connecting atmospheric science with public health, energy systems, and environmental policy. Her group has increasingly focused on translating climate research into actionable insights for stakeholders, evidenced by publications on power grid resilience, pollen-related respiratory health, and Great Lakes ecosystem management. The research spans multiple spatial scales from canopy-level processes to continental climate modeling, with growing emphasis on integrating social dimensions into environmental science.

Notable Awards:

• American Meteorological Society Walter Orr Roberts Lecturer in Interdisciplinary Sciences (2022)
• Sarah Goddard Power Award, University of Michigan (2020)
• Harold R. Johnson Diversity Service Award, University of Michigan (2018)
• American Geophysical Union Atmospheric Sciences Ascent Award (2016)
• Henry Russel Award, University of Michigan (2013)
• NSF CAREER Award (2010-2015)

Dr. Steiner has successfully mentored numerous graduate students to completion of their PhDs, with many securing prestigious postdoctoral positions at institutions like NCAR, NOAA, and major research universities. Her research program is supported by multiple grants from NSF, NASA, DOE, and NOAA, including leadership roles in the NSF CoastalSEES project on harmful algal blooms and participation in NASA's ECOSTRESS mission. She has established productive collaborations with public health researchers, particularly on pollen-related health impacts.

The Steiner research group operates the Frontiers in Atmospheric Chemistry Seminar Series (FACSS) and maintains active field sites at the University of Michigan Biological Station and in the Great Lakes region. They collaborate extensively with national laboratories including NCAR, NOAA, and DOE facilities, and participate in major field campaigns such as TRACER in Houston. The group's modeling work leverages advanced tools including WRF-Chem, RegCM, and custom canopy chemistry models like FORCAsT.