Mark Nicas

Mark Nicas is an Adjunct Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, specializing in Environmental Health Sciences. His research focuses on exposure and risk assessment for microbial pathogens and chemical toxicants, with a particular emphasis on respiratory infection transmission pathways and mathematical modeling of indoor air pollutants.

• PhD in Environmental Health Sciences (UC Berkeley, 1991)
• Teaches courses on exposure assessment and control (PB HLTH 270A/298-002)

Nicas pioneered a Markov chain model integrating inhalation, surface contact, and droplet spray pathways for influenza transmission analysis. His work spans chemical pollutant dispersion in indoor environments, tuberculosis risk among healthcare workers, and optimizing respiratory protection efficacy against airborne hazards.

Recent publications analyze peracetic acid emission rates, respirator protection standards, elevator ventilation efficacy against SARS-CoV-2, and odor-based exposure intensity estimation. His modeling approaches address near/far field exposure dynamics, welding fume concentrations, and tuberculosis control in healthcare settings.

Key contributions include mathematical frameworks for microbial risk assessment, dermal absorption studies, and exposure estimation techniques for volatile organic compounds. Research applications range from rural Bangladesh air exchange rates to occupational coccidioidomycosis outbreaks in construction crews.