Leif Abrell

Leif Abrell is an Associate Research Professor at the Arizona Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants (ALEC) and holds positions in the Department of Environmental Science and Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Arizona. His work spans environmental chemistry, mass spectrometry, and contaminant dynamics across diverse ecosystems.

• Current Affiliations:
  • Associate Research Professor, Arizona Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants
  • Department of Environmental Science
  • Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

Research Interests focus on:

• Analysis of trace organic contaminants (PFAS, endocrine disruptors, insensitive munitions compounds)
• Chemical interactions in ecosystems (Sonoran Desert, Amazon, Biosphere 2)
• Development of mass spectrometry and spectroscopy techniques
• Environmental remediation strategies for groundwater and soil

Scientific Contributions include:

• 15+ publications on PFAS remediation, DNAN transformation, and environmental contamination
• Innovations in polyaniline adsorbents for PFAS removal
• Studies on pollinator sensory dynamics and chemical plume interactions

Scientific Awards:

• IUPAC Young Observer (Spring 2011)

Education:

• PhD in Organic Chemistry (1997), University of California, Santa Cruz
• B.A. in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz