Ryan W. Drover, Ph.D. Candidate at UC Riverside
RYAN W. DROVER, David R. Cocker III,
University of California, Riverside Abstract Number: 118
Working Group: Meet the Job Seekers
AbstractI am a 5th year Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering at the University of California, Riverside in Dr. David Cocker’s group. My research spans a range of topics in sustainability, emissions, chemistry, and health, including contractual projects and policy-related work (UCR Science to Policy Certificate and active contributor to reports and events).
My work in emissions has centered on evaluating in-use modern ocean-going vessels (OGVs) with the most recent applications in control technologies and fuels (part of Zero- and Near Zero-Emission Freight Facilities with CARB and SC-AQMD). This has included working with the US EPA to develop an extensive database of in-use marine emissions (criteria pollutants, GHGs, air toxics) to develop a MOVES-equivalent model for OGV emissions. As part of this work, I work with vessel operation data, independently collected GIS data, and emissions data to evaluate vessel activity and address current issues with OGV emissions accounting and evaluation.
In the Atmospheric Processes Lab, I lead research in a global standard environmental chamber facility with studies on the atmospheric aging of wildfire smoke and the ozone formation potential of novel industrial chemicals. This work involves the use of extensive experimental instrumentation to evaluate physical and chemical properties, operated via LabVIEW, alongside the SAPRC atmospheric chemical mechanisms model.
Alongside biomedical and microbiology collaborators at UC Riverside, I work to develop models of immune and inflammatory response and disease development from aerosol exposures, with emphases on health disparities, the asthma crisis in the nearby Salton Sea region, and identifying air pollutant risks from other sources (wildfire smoke (fresh or aged), non-exhaust emissions, etc.).
My focus is translating primary- and secondary- research sources to apply scientific knowledge to critical environmental, pollution, energy, and health issues. This includes recent whitepapers on An Analysis of California’s (Renewable Energy) Net Energy Metering Policy Proposals and Impacts, the Potential Health Impacts of a Distribution Center in [redacted California city], and Evaluating the Status of the Clean Technology Industry in the Inland Empire, Southern California.
I have extensive experience with programming languages (Python, R, MATLAB), quantitative & statistical methods, and pollution modeling (GEOS-CHEM, HYSPLIT, AERMOD, USGS PHAST, SAPRC, box models) through coursework, contractual testing projects, and research applications.
I am interested in opportunities in industry, government, national laboratories, or academic institutions. I do not have any geographical limitations.
Preferred start date: Spring/Summer/Fall 2024
Contact: rdrov002@ucr.edu