Bernhard Rappenglueck

Bernhard Rappenglueck is a Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry at the University of Houston within the Earth and Atmospheric Science Department, part of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. He maintains an active research group with students from diverse international backgrounds originating from over 15 countries, with expertise spanning Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, Engineering disciplines, Meteorology, and Physics.

His educational background includes a Habilitation in Bioclimatology & Atmospheric Environmental Chemistry from Munich University of Technology (TU Munich) in 2003, a PhD in Physics from University of Munich (LMU Munich) in 1996, an M.S. in Meteorology from University of Munich (LMU Munich) in 1991, and a B.S. in Technical Physics from Munich University of Technology (TU Munich) in 1985.

Rappenglueck's research integrates meteorology and atmospheric chemistry through both experimental field work and numerical modeling. His primary research interests encompass meteorological processes and their impacts on atmospheric chemical composition across spatial and temporal scales, micrometeorological and boundary layer studies, regional and large-scale transport processes within the troposphere, air quality studies in polluted and unpolluted areas including photochemical processes, and the application and development of atmospheric modeling. His work spans from biosphere-atmosphere exchange processes to regional urban air quality studies and long-range transport studies, utilizing various meteorological measurement tools including micrometeorological towers, tethered sondes, SODAR, RASS, and radio- and ozonesondes.

His publication record shows consistent research output focused on urban air quality assessment across multiple global megacities including Munich, Berlin, Athens, Santiago de Chile, Mexico City, Houston, Los Angeles, Dallas/Ft Worth, and Doha, Qatar. Recent work emphasizes machine learning applications for ozone forecasting, boundary layer height determination, VOC source apportionment, and the impacts of emission changes on atmospheric composition. His research demonstrates strong methodological diversity, combining field measurements with advanced modeling approaches to address complex air quality challenges.

Rappenglueck actively mentors numerous graduate and undergraduate students, with a track record of successful student placements in academic, government, and industry positions. His group has participated in major field campaigns including TexAQS-II/TRAMP, SHARP, and TCEQ O3 formation campaigns in Houston.

His teaching portfolio includes advanced courses in Atmospheric Chemistry, Boundary Layers and Turbulence, Remote Sensing for Atmospheric Science, Aerosols and Climate, and Air Pollution Meteorology, contributing to both undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Atmospheric Science at the University of Houston.