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Heike WexView profile

Researcher

• Aerosol-Cloud Interactions
• Atmospheric Physics
• Ice Nucleation
• +4 more

Dr. Heike Wex is a prominent atmospheric scientist at the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research in Leipzig, Germany, where she serves as a Researcher in the Atmospheric Microphysics department. With over two decades of continuous research since completing her PhD in 2002, she has established herself as a leading expert in aerosol-cloud interactions and ice nucleation processes. Her work spans multiple international collaborations and major research initiatives including (AC)³, PICNIC, MarParCloud, and PI-ICE projects. Her research focuses on experimental investigations and theoretical descriptions of aerosol-cloud interactions, with specific expertise in hygroscopic growth at high relative humidities (>99% RH), particle activation to cloud droplets, heterogeneous ice nucleation processes, and the role of atmospheric aerosol particles as nuclei for cloud droplets and ice formation. Her work bridges atmospheric physics, climate science, and environmental chemistry, with significant contributions to understanding how microscopic processes affect cloud formation and climate. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on polar and marine environments, with particular attention to biological contributions to ice nucleation, seasonal variations in Arctic aerosols, and the development of advanced measurement techniques. Her work consistently addresses fundamental questions about how aerosols influence cloud properties and climate systems, with increasing emphasis on climate-relevant processes in polar regions. Dr. Wex has held significant leadership positions, including serving as Vice President of the International Commission on Clouds and Precipitation (ICCP) from 2021-2024. She is also actively engaged with Scientists for Future in Leipzig, demonstrating her commitment to addressing climate change through scientific expertise and public engagement. Beyond her research, she has organized numerous scientific workshops and field campaigns, including leadership roles in the LExNo experiment, FROST projects, and the 16th International Conference on Clouds and Precipitation. Her work has established important methodological approaches for studying ice nucleation and has contributed significantly to our understanding of aerosol impacts on cloud formation across diverse environments from the Arctic to the tropics.

• Environmental Engineering
• Virology
• Water Treatment
• +3 more

Helen Nguyen is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign , where she has held positions since 2006. She also serves as an Affiliate at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine and the Institute for Genomic Biology . Her academic roles include chairing the Environmental Engineering and Science Program (2017-2019) and prior positions as Associate and Assistant Professor at UIUC. Ph.D. (2005), M.S. (2004) in Environmental Engineering from Johns Hopkins University M.S. (2000) in Earth and Environmental Science from University of Illinois at Chicago B.S. (1995) in Geology from Ivan Franko National University of L'viv Nguyen's research focuses on pathogens and biofilms in drinking water distribution systems , environmental surveillance of pathogens , and water and food safety . Her work spans microbial inactivation mechanisms, biofilm dynamics, and innovative water treatment strategies. Her recent 15 articles (2023-2025) emphasize coronavirus stability , legionella contamination , rotavirus on produce , biofilm mechanics , and climate-pathogen interactions . Trends include environmental virology, microbial risk assessment, and disinfection science. Scientific awards include the NSF CAREER award , Fulbright Specialist , AEESP/CH2M Hill Outstanding Dissertation Award , and University of Illinois College of Engineering Research Excellence Awards at both Assistant and Associate Professor levels. Nguyen advises 10 undergraduate students on pathogen removal and has mentored award-winning graduate students like Ruiqing Lu (2015) and Chamteut Oh (2024). She leads Engineers Without Borders teams and collaborates on USDA-funded food safety workshops .

• Hospital Ventilation
• Indoor Airflow Distribution
• Thermal Comfort
• +3 more

Guangyu Cao is a Professor at the Department of Energy and Process Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). He holds leadership roles in multiple international organizations, including the European standards working group CEN TC156 WG18, REHVA's technical committee, and the editorial board of the Journal of Building Engineering (Impact Factor 5.318). His research focuses on indoor airflow dynamics, ventilation systems in healthcare settings, and airborne disease transmission mitigation, with a strong emphasis on surgical environments and school buildings. Education: PhD in Energy Engineering (2009), Helsinki University of Technology Senior Researcher at VTT Technical Research Center (2009-2014) Research Interests: Hospital ventilation optimization, thermal comfort in clinical settings, airborne infection control, and sustainable building environmental quality. He combines experimental studies with mathematical modeling to evaluate ventilation strategies, particularly in operating rooms and isolation wards. Projects: EU Marie Curie DTN HumanIC (2024–2027) EU H2020 iclimabuilt (2021–2025) NFR POSIred (2020-2024) Labs/Teams: Collaborates with St. Olav's Hospital on indoor environment projects and leads teams in Cold Climate HVAC and Healthy Building Europe initiatives.

Imad El HaddadView profile

Researcher

• Atmospheric Chemistry
• Aerosol Science
• Air Pollution Source Apportionment
• +4 more

Dr. Imad El Haddad serves as Group Head of the Molecular Cluster and Particle Processes group at the Laboratory of Atmospheric Chemistry (LAC), part of the Center for Energy and Environmental Sciences at Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), Switzerland, since 2018. Previously, he held positions as Tenured Scientist and Deputy Head (2018-2019), Senior Scientist in the Smog Chamber group (2015-2018), and Postdoctoral Fellow (2011-2015) at PSI. His research aims to quantify how anthropogenic emissions alter atmospheric pollutant composition and impact Earth's climate and public health through molecular-level analysis using advanced mass spectrometry techniques. His academic background includes: Ph.D. in Atmospheric Chemistry, University of Provence, Marseille (2007-2011) Master's in Environmental Sciences (with distinction, rank 1/9), University of Provence (2006-2007) Master's in General Chemistry (with distinction, rank 1/10), Saint-Joseph University of Beirut (2005-2006) Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (with distinction, rank 1/14), Saint-Joseph University of Beirut (2002-2005) El Haddad's work centers on molecular fingerprinting of atmospheric aerosols , utilizing mass spectrometry (GC/MS, HPLC/APCI-MS2, HPLC/ESI-MS2) to identify primary and secondary molecular markers. He conducts smog chamber experiments to characterize emissions from wood burning, traffic, and cooking processes, determining secondary organic aerosol potential and oxidation state evolution. His group also studies in-cloud aqueous-phase aging and collaborates with global modelers to link aerosol composition to climate forcing and health outcomes like oxidative stress. Recent publications (2025-2024) reveal three dominant trends: (1) rigorous molecular-scale analysis of secondary aerosol formation under varying humidity/temperature, (2) source apportionment breakthroughs in diverse regions (India, Europe, Arctic) using 14C and AMS data, and (3) quantification of health-relevant aerosol properties such as oxidative potential through DTT assays. High-resolution mass spectrometry is a consistent methodological thread across these studies. His scientific awards include: MENRT research fellowship from French ministry of research (2007-2010) Excellence Scholarship (top 1% student, University of Saint Joseph, 2005) Distinction Prize (best student, University of Saint Joseph, 2005) As Group Head, El Haddad oversees the Molecular Cluster and Particle Processes group's research direction and mentorship of junior scientists. While specific grant details are absent from the text, his leadership in multi-institutional publications (e.g., CERN CLOUD, iCUPE) implies active grant management and international collaboration. The group's work bridges laboratory simulations, field deployments, and health/climate modeling to address air pollution complexities. The Molecular Cluster and Particle Processes group develops cutting-edge online/offline mass spectrometers for 1 Hz-resolution atmospheric analysis. They deploy instruments in laboratory smog chamber experiments and global field studies, focusing on molecular marker identification, emission source characterization, and aging process quantification. Collaborations with biochemists and climate modelers extend their impact beyond pure aerosol physics into health risk assessment and policy-relevant climate science.

Constant HakView profile

Assistant Professor

• Room Acoustics
• Hall Acoustics
• Acoustic Measurement Techniques
• +3 more

Constant Hak is an Assistant Professor with the Building Acoustics research group at the Department of Built Environment, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). His work focuses on reducing adverse health effects caused by human-induced noise while promoting positively perceived sound environments through computational and experimental acoustic methods. Dr. Hak specializes in room and hall acoustics, developing advanced acoustic measurement techniques based on impulse responses. His research includes analyzing how orchestra members influence stage acoustic parameters across multiple concert hall stages and orchestra pits, as well as creating methods for accurate impulse response measurements in large open-air theaters. Software and measuring equipment developed by Hak is used worldwide for research and engineering applications. His recent publications demonstrate expertise spanning building acoustics, plasma physics, and indoor environmental quality measurement. The research shows consistent focus on measurement techniques, with applications in architectural acoustics, concert hall design, and educational tools for environmental quality assessment. Dr. Hak teaches multiple courses including Architectural Acoustics, The Science of Sound, Techniques in Architectural Acoustics, and various Master's projects related to Building Physics and Services. His educational work includes developing the SvS (Senses versus Sensors) device, which helps students understand indoor environmental quality through hands-on measurement of temperature, humidity, light, and sound.

• Atmospheric environment
• Air quality
• Aerosol science
• +7 more

Dr. Congrong He is a Senior Research Fellow at the School of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia. He has been affiliated with the International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health (ILAQH) at QUT since 1999, contributing over three decades of research in atmospheric and environmental sciences. BSc in Atmospheric Physics, Nanjing University, China (1982) MSc in Environmental Sciences, Murdoch University, Australia (1999) PhD in Aerosol Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Australia (2005) His research focuses on atmospheric environment, air quality, aerosol science, particle emissions, indoor air, VOCs, and the building environment . He has extensive experience in monitoring and analyzing airborne particles, their formation, health impacts, and environmental behavior. His work bridges environmental science, public health, and engineering, particularly in urban and indoor settings. The recent publications (2019–2025) highlight a strong trend in aerosol dynamics, bioaerosols, indoor air quality, and pollution control . Key themes include the behavior of printer emissions, secondary organic aerosol formation in urban-forest interfaces, the impact of prescribed burning on light-absorbing carbon, and the use of UV-C for pathogen inactivation. His collaborative work with leading researchers like Morawska and Ristovski underscores his integration into high-impact environmental health research. Dr. He has not received any explicitly mentioned scientific awards in the provided text. He has been actively involved in research grants and collaborative projects, particularly within ILAQH, focusing on air quality monitoring, health impacts of aerosols, and emission sources. While no formal students are listed, his work supports broader research teams and projects. He is based at QUT and continues to contribute to critical environmental and public health research.

• Materials Engineering
• Wood Science
• Biomaterials
• +4 more

Lauri Rautkari is an Associate Professor in the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems at Aalto University, Finland. His research focuses on water interactions in biomaterials, particularly wood, with an emphasis on developing advanced analytical methods for water vapor sorption, creating novel low-sorption materials, and investigating hygroscopicity and fungal decay resistance in modified wood systems. Research Highlights: Gas-phase ozone treatment for improved wettability, thermal and chemical wood modification, hyperspectral imaging for moisture prediction, bioinspired coatings for fungal protection, and interlaboratory studies on sorption data quality. Recent Publications: Key contributions to understanding lignin's role in moisture interactions, acetylation reversibility, and the impact of fungal degradation on heat-treated wood. The trend in his publications reflects a strong focus on hygroscopicity, chemical modification techniques (acetylation, melamine-formaldehyde impregnation), advanced imaging methods (hyperspectral, neutron scattering), and the development of sustainable wood-based materials for construction and acoustic applications. Collaborative interlaboratory efforts dominate his work, ensuring standardized methodologies for moisture analysis.

Julia LoshelderView profile

Assistant Professor

• Geotechnical Engineering
• Remote Sensing
• Machine Learning
• +3 more

Dr. Julia Loshelder is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at South Dakota Mines. Her research integrates remote sensing, machine learning, and geotechnical engineering to analyze soil properties and remediate sensitive clays. She holds degrees from the University of Arkansas (B.S., M.S., Ph.D.) and a Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship. During her Ph.D., she conducted fieldwork in Oslo, Norway, focusing on quick clay remediation and laboratory projects at the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute. Education: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, University of Arkansas Master of Science in Civil Engineering, University of Arkansas Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Civil Engineering, University of Arkansas Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship Research focuses on proximal/remote sensing techniques (e.g., hyperspectral imagery, LiDAR) combined with machine learning to rapidly assess soil mineralogy and engineering properties. Key areas include unsaturated soil characterization and remediation of sensitive clays. Teaching includes courses such as CEE 346: Geotechnical Engineering 1 and CEE 448/548: Applied Geotechnical Engineering. Her articles highlight advancements in soil moisture analysis, compaction methods, and remote sensing applications. No scientific awards explicitly mentioned. Advising and grants sections remain unspecified in provided data. No labs/teams explicitly listed, though her research collaborations with the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute indicate active partnerships.

Teis Nørgaard MikkelsenView profile

Associate Professor

• Plant Ecophysiology
• Climate Change
• Air Pollution
• +7 more

Teis Nørgaard Mikkelsen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), specializing in the Waste, Climate & Monitoring section. His research integrates plant ecophysiology with environmental monitoring to address climate change and air pollution challenges. Institution: Technical University of Denmark (DTU) School: Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering Department: Waste, Climate & Monitoring Position: Associate Professor Location: Bygningstorvet 115, 110, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark Email: temi@dtu.dk ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7470-6522 Website: https://sustain.dtu.dk/ His research focuses on plant responses to environmental stressors such as tropospheric ozone, UV radiation, elevated CO2, and temperature. He investigates how vegetation can act as a filter for air pollution and contribute to urban climate regulation. His work spans controlled experiments to field studies and contributes significantly to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to climate action and sustainable cities. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in climate change impacts on agriculture, urban air quality, and innovative pollution mitigation technologies. Key themes include the effects of abiotic stress on crop nutrition, the use of ecotrons for ecosystem analysis, photocatalytic degradation of pollutants, and life cycle assessments of emission control technologies. Teis Nørgaard Mikkelsen actively supervises PhD students and participates in national and international research projects such as UVWarm and AnaEE, Denmark. He also serves as an external examiner for academic theses, demonstrating his role in academic governance and mentorship. PhD Supervision: V. Sobejano Paz (project: Diffuse radiation and temperature effects on crop water use efficiency) External Examiner: Swedish boreal forest BVOC emissions, wheat grain quality under ozone and CO2 He is involved in collaborative research networks and has held leadership roles, such as Chairman of the Ministry of Higher Education and Science (2019–2021). His activities include conference presentations, participation in workshops, and contributions to expert groups, reflecting a strong engagement with the scientific community. Chairman, Ministry of Higher Education and Science (2019–2021) Guest Lecturer, 2023 onward Participant, Forests and Climate Symposium (2018) Attendee, International Conference on Ozone and Plant Ecosystems (2018)

• Climate Change
• Atmospheric Chemistry
• Aerosol Science
• +5 more

Stephen E. Schwartz is an Adjunct Professor at Stony Brook University's School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, with a career focused on atmospheric chemistry, climate sensitivity, and environmental impacts of energy-related pollutants. His work has been funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, particularly through the Atmospheric System Research Program. Ph.D., University of California (1968) His research explores the Earth energy budget , climate sensitivity , and atmospheric aerosol dynamics , emphasizing their roles in radiative forcing and acid deposition. He pioneered studies on sulfur and nitrogen oxide emissions from fossil fuels and their atmospheric transformation. Recent publications highlight his focus on CO2 lifetime quantification , climate modeling uncertainties , and high-resolution cloud studies . Key keywords across his work include Climate Science, Atmospheric Chemistry, and Environmental Risk Assessment. Haagen-Smit Award (2003) DOE Research Milestone (2017) Dr. Schwartz actively collaborates with institutions like Brookhaven National Laboratory and NASA, mentoring students and emphasizing interdisciplinary research. His work spans laboratory experiments, field measurements, and global-scale modeling through the PARAGON Initiative and ARM Program .

Laura K. StrawnView profile

Associate Professor

• Food Microbiology
• Food Safety
• Produce Safety
• +3 more

Laura K. Strawn is an Associate Professor in the Department of Food Science & Technology at Virginia Tech. Her research and extension work focuses on reducing foodborne pathogen contamination in the produce supply chain, with a 50-50 split between research and extension activities. She teaches FST 5034: Good Agricultural and Manufacturing Practices through the Virginia Tech Online Masters program. Ph.D., Food Science, Cornell University (2014) M.S., Food Science, University of Florida (2009) B.S., Food Science and Technology, University of California, Davis (2007) Her research interests include food microbiology, pathogen survival on agricultural surfaces, produce safety, and compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). She develops mitigation strategies for pathogens like Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli, and evaluates sanitation interventions for packinghouse equipment and harvest materials. Awards include the Larry Beuchat Young Researcher Award (2021), FDA Outstanding Service Award (2016), and multiple top honors in Virginia Cooperative Extension poster competitions. Her work emphasizes translating scientific findings into actionable guidelines for growers and distributors through extension programs. Grants and collaborations include studies on agricultural water management, cyberbiosecurity in fermentation, and FSMA training effectiveness. She advises students and serves on graduate committees, contributing to both academic and industry-focused training.

Daniel LacksView profile

Professor

• Electrostatics
• Material Science
• Environmental Engineering
• +3 more

Daniel Lacks is the Vice Provost for Interdisciplinary and International Initiatives and the C. Benson Branch Professor of Chemical Engineering at Case Western Reserve University’s Case School of Engineering. He leads university-wide collaborations and oversees institutions like the Inamori Center for Ethics and Excellence and the Social Justice Institute. Previously, he served as Associate Dean for Academics and Chair of the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Lacks holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Harvard University. His research focuses on material properties, electrostatics, and environmental applications. He has pioneered international academic programs, including the first U.S. academic program in Myanmar, and developed NSF-funded research programs in Africa and Asia. His scientific awards include the Service to Society Award from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. He serves on the Board of Directors at STEMpower, an NGO expanding STEM education in sub-Saharan Africa, and leads the Gelfand Global STEMpower Initiative. He has authored numerous studies on electrostatic charging, particle adhesion, and plasma-based technologies. Lacks has advised over a dozen institutions globally, including roles at Yangon Technological University (Myanmar) and the University of Botswana. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary education, conflict-affected regions, and sustainable innovation.

Tamar KohnView profile

Professor

• Environmental Virology
• Waterborne Pathogens
• Airborne Pathogens
• +5 more

Dr. Tamar Kohn is a Full Professor at EPFL, leading the Laboratory of Environmental Virology (LEV) within the Institute of Environmental Engineering (IIE), School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC). She holds additional roles as Director of the IIE-GE unit and serves on the ENAC School Direction. Her expertise focuses on environmental virology, waterborne pathogens, and disinfection mechanisms. Education: 2000–2004: PhD in Environmental Engineering, Johns Hopkins University 1999: Diploma in Environmental Sciences, ETH Zurich 2004–2006: Postdoc at UC Berkeley Research Interests: Her work investigates viral behavior outside hosts, particularly in water and air. Key areas include viral inactivation mechanisms, environmental stability of pathogens, and applications in wastewater surveillance. She explores how factors like pH, salinity, organic compounds, and microbial interactions influence virus survival and transmission. Key Contributions: Recent studies highlight aerosol pH's role in influenza stability, bacterial promotion of viral inactivation in lakes, and mpox monitoring via wastewater. Her lab also models virus transport in Lake Geneva under climate change scenarios. Advising & Grants: Supervised over 20 PhD students, including Chaojie Li (2023), Aline Schaub (2024), and Margot Olive (2022). Her research leverages advanced techniques like mass spectrometry and metagenomics for pathogen detection. Labs/Teams: Leads the LEV lab, collaborating on projects combining virology, environmental chemistry, and engineering to combat waterborne and airborne diseases.

David BellView profile

Researcher

• Atmospheric Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Secondary Organic Aerosol (SOA)
• +5 more

Dr. David Bell is a Scientist at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) within the Center for Energy and Environmental Sciences and Laboratory of Atmospheric Chemistry . Since 2017, he has conducted research on aerosol formation and aging processes, particularly focusing on secondary organic aerosol (SOA) from biomass burning and complex combustion sources. He transitioned to a Tenure Track position at PSI in 2021. Education : B.Sc. in Chemistry and Mathematics from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (2008); Ph.D. in Chemistry from University of Utah (2013); Postdoctoral Researcher at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (2013-2017). His research systematically investigates aerosol source profiles using atmospheric simulation chambers and real-time chemical composition analysis. Key areas include secondary organic aerosol formation , oxidative potential of combustion aerosols , and humidity effects on aerosol behavior . He employs advanced instrumentation like extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (EESI-TOF) for molecular-level insights. The 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) highlight his work on biomass burning emissions , α-pinene oxidation , NO3 radical impacts , and instrument development for aerosol analysis. His studies emphasize the interplay between inorganic-organic interactions (e.g., ammonia effects) and climate-relevant processes (e.g., cloud formation).

Philipp ReutterView profile

Researcher

• Atmospheric Physics
• Climate Modeling
• Meteorology
• +3 more

Dr. Philipp Reutter is an academic staff member and researcher at the Institute for Atmospheric Physics at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. He focuses on theoretical cloud physics, specifically cirrus clouds and ice supersaturation, and manages the university's weather station. His teaching includes courses on atmospheric thermodynamics and partial differential equation modeling. Research: Cirrus cloud dynamics, ice supersaturated regions (ISSRs), tropopause inversion layers, and climate system interactions. Teaching: Instructs Atmosphärische Thermodynamik and Modellierung mit partiellen Differentialgleichungen courses. Publications: 15+ peer-reviewed articles on cloud physics, atmospheric transport, and climate modeling (2009-2025).