Jennifer Murphy

Jennifer Murphy is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Toronto and serves as Associate Chair, Graduate Studies. Her research focuses on environmental chemistry, particularly the application of advanced analytical techniques to study reactive nitrogen compounds in contexts like urban air quality, climate change, and Arctic ecosystems. She leads field campaigns addressing challenges in Earth system modeling, emphasizing the need for precise observational data to improve model accuracy.

Her research group investigates topics such as ammonia emissions, particulate matter dynamics, and the interactions between atmospheric chemistry and human activity. Notable projects include Arctic expeditions (2014–2016) to study NH3 sources and fate, and studies on the Great Salt Lake’s halogen emissions. Administrative roles include overseeing graduate programs and fostering interdisciplinary research.

Recent work highlights include advancements in aerosol pH modeling, ozone depletion mechanisms, and the impacts of industrial and agricultural emissions. The group’s activities are reflected in frequent student presentations at conferences like the Environmental Chemistry Colloquium and AGU meetings. Research is conducted in collaboration with global teams and leverages field measurements, laboratory studies, and computational modeling.

Labs and teams: The Murphy Research Group maintains active field and analytical chemistry labs at the University of Toronto, supporting undergraduate and graduate students in experimental design, data analysis, and environmental policy-relevant research. Collaborations span universities and institutions globally, emphasizing Arctic and urban environmental challenges.