Meet the Job Seekers-Ziying (Nancy) Lei

ZIYING LEI, Texas A&M University

     Abstract Number: 607
     Working Group: Meet the Job Seekers

Abstract
My research interests include aerosol chemistry, aerosol physical properties (acidity, viscosity, morphology, and phase state), ice nucleation properties, and state-of-the-art instrumentation. My graduate work in the Prof. Andrew Ault group (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor) focused on understanding the role of acidity, viscosity, and morphology of atmospheric aerosol physicochemical properties and impacts. More specifically: 1) developing a novel single-particle acidity measurement using the degradation of a pH-sensitive polymer; 2) understanding the impacts of aerosol acidity on the formation and evolution of isoprene epoxydiol (IEPOX)-derived secondary organic aerosol (SOA) using an atomic force microscope with photothermal infrared spectroscopy (AFM-PTIR) and Raman microspectroscopy; 3) investigating the morphology and viscosity of submicron SOA from four different volatile organic compounds precursors (α-pinene, β-caryophyllene, isoprene, and toluene) reacted with IEPOX; 4) exploring a new glass transition temperature measurement to reveal the viscosity of individual submicron particles using AFM-PTIR with thermal analysis system. Those research projects have led to 18 publications, including 4 first-author papers.

As a Geoscience Future Faculty Postdoc Fellow at Texas A&M University Atmospheric Science Department, my research in the Prof. Sarah Brooks group expands on my understanding of aerosol acidity and morphology to further investigate the aerosol physicochemical properties that affect heterogeneous ice nucleation abilities: 1) investigate the effects of aerosol acidity and liquid-liquid phase separation on heterogeneous ice nucleation using Raman microspectroscopy with ice nucleation chamber; 2) explore the ice nucleation of size-depended submicron aerosol with varying pH using Continuous Flow Diffusion Chambers (CFDC).

With anticipated availability around fall 2023, I would ideally like to find a tenure-track faculty position to continue working in the field of atmospheric aerosols. I hope to continue growing as a diligent scientist within our aerosol research community. Ideally, I would like to relocate to the West Coast, but I’m open to any opportunities.