Heather Holmes

Heather Holmes is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Utah, with adjunct appointments in Mechanical Engineering and Atmospheric Sciences. She directs the Holmes Lab, focusing on atmospheric pollutant transport using ground-based sensors, numerical models, and satellite remote sensing. Her research bridges atmospheric physics, air quality forecasting, and public health policy applications.

Education:

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah (2010)
• MS in Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah (2007)
• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Montana State University (2001)

Postdoctoral Training:

• University of Hamburg, Meteorological Institute (2010-2011)
• Georgia Institute of Technology, Environmental Engineering (2012-2013)

Her research investigates atmospheric turbulence dynamics, wildfire smoke transport, and pollution dispersion in complex terrain. Key projects include NSF-funded wildfire modeling in mountainous regions, NIH-sponsored health impact studies of smoke exposure, and NASA-supported satellite aerosol retrieval validation. The Holmes Lab's work integrates field measurements with computational models to improve air quality predictions during extreme events like winter inversions and wildfires.

Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on atmospheric modeling validation, wildfire emissions quantification, and satellite remote sensing techniques. Recurring themes include cold air pool dynamics, plume rise parameterization, and health-relevant pollution exposure metrics, often using interdisciplinary approaches combining atmospheric science with data analytics.

Awards and Honors:

• National Science Foundation CAREER Award
• Fulbright Scholar Award (Australia, 2023)

She mentors graduate and undergraduate researchers in atmospheric modeling, dispersion analysis, and remote sensing applications. Her team collaborates on NIH R01 grants investigating wildfire smoke exposures and extreme heat impacts on public health, leveraging HYSPLIT and WRF modeling frameworks.

The Holmes Lab maintains active research programs in three areas: 1) Atmospheric turbulence characterization using field data, 2) Turbulence parameterization development for numerical models, and 3) Air quality estimation methods for health policy applications. Current projects include the NSF-funded CREATE-AQI air quality forecasting initiative for Utah.