Patrick Arnott

Patrick Arnott is a Professor in the Physics Department at the University of Nevada Reno, holding the Clemons-Magee Endowed Professorship in Physics. He concurrently serves as a Research Professor at the Desert Research Institute's Atmospheric Sciences Division. His roles include teaching courses such as Atmospheric Radiation Transfer and developing advanced photoacoustic instruments for aerosol analysis. Arnott's research focuses on aerosol light absorption, particulate emissions from vehicles, and environmental monitoring technologies.

• Ph.D., Physics, Washington State University (1988)
• M.S., Physics, Washington State University (1986)
• B.S., Physics, University of Southern Colorado (1984)

His research interests synergize instrument development with environmental applications, including real-time dust monitoring, black carbon measurement, and satellite data validation. Over 30 years, he has contributed to NASA-funded projects and wildfire emission studies. Recent work explores low-cost aerosol sensors and their accuracy, with applications to urban air quality and occupational safety.

Publications emphasize aerosol optical properties, instrument calibration, and climate impacts. Notable collaborations include the DOE Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program and the Fire Lab at Missoula Experiments (FLAME). He advises multiple projects on aerosol dynamics and leads field campaigns in Nevada, Mexico, and Peru.

Arnott's lab focuses on advancing photoacoustic spectroscopy for trace gas and particulate detection, with applications to spacecraft fire safety and glacial pollution studies. His work bridges fundamental physics with applied environmental science, addressing global challenges in air quality and climate change.