This research focuses on how air pollutant particles are produced and transformed in the atmosphere, and their impact on the cardiopulmonary and immune systems. The laboratory collaborates with EPA’s inhalation facilities group and has studied a variety of air pollutants including ozone, nitrogen dioxide, phosgene, emissions from oil and coal combustion, as well as concentrated particulate matter and air particulate samples from around the US and Europe. Chemical characteristics of size fractionated particles are further applied in source apportionment models. The laboratory has developed several rodent models of pulmonary infection and allergy, and assesses mechanisms of protection/disease using molecular markers (receptor upregulation), protein signaling molecules (cytokines), tissue injury (inflammation), and clinical illness (pulmonary function testing and pathology). Additional endpoints include mutagenicity and cancer signaling. Current studies are investigating the comparative toxicity and mutagenicity of woodsmoke from domestic burning and wildfires and how fuel type and combustion conditions affect the chemistry of the emissions and health endpoints following exposure

 

key words

Immunology; Lung; Infection; Asthma; Air pollution; Ozone; Particles; Wildfire; Smoke;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants