Sara Lance

Sara Lance is a Research Professor at the University at Albany's Atmospheric Sciences Research Center (ASRC), leading laboratory and field investigations into aerosol-cloud-chemistry interactions with implications for climate, visibility, and human health. Her work focuses on organic compounds' role in atmospheric processes, particularly as sulfur emissions decline globally.

Education:

• PhD in Atmospheric Science, Georgia Institute of Technology (2007)
• BSE in Chemical Engineering, Arizona State University (2002)

Dr. Lance's research integrates laboratory experiments, field measurements at Whiteface Mountain, and Arctic campaigns to study multiphase chemical transformations. She examines how cloud processing alters aerosol properties, with recent work revealing organic carbon's dominance in cloud water composition – a significant shift from historical acid rain regimes. Her innovative approaches include single-particle levitation techniques and real-time chemical monitoring of cloud residuals.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications shows concentrated expertise in cloud water chemistry evolution (78% organic mass average), Arctic halogen chemistry, and advanced aerosol instrumentation. Key trends include the emergence of high-pH organic regimes, water-soluble organic carbon dynamics, and mountain observatory network development for atmospheric composition tracking.

Scientific Awards:

• NSF CAREER Award (AGS-1945563) for revitalizing aerosol-cloud research at Whiteface Mountain
• NASA FINESST Fellowship (20-EARTH20-0298) on organic carbon and base cations in cloud water

Dr. Lance manages $5M+ in active grants supporting Whiteface Mountain monitoring (NYSERDA), Arctic CHACHA campaign (NSF), and organic aerosol studies (NASA). She mentors graduate students in experimental design and fieldwork, collaborates with international teams across Germany, France, and U.S. institutions, and operates specialized laboratories for aerosol-cloud interaction studies. Her Lance Lab maintains continuous field operations at Whiteface Mountain – celebrating 50 years of atmospheric research – with ongoing projects extending through 2026.