David Bell

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).