Chun-Ying Chao, Current Ph.D. candidate in Environmental Engineering at Rice University, Seeking Postdoctoral position

CHUN-YING CHAO, Rice University

     Abstract Number: 670
     Working Group: Meet the Job Seekers

Abstract
My research focuses on in-situ measurements and data analysis related to weather impacts on aerosol composition and concentration. In my thesis, I performed a comprehensive analysis of: (1) the effectiveness of composition-dependent aerosol removal under various rain intensities; (2) the impact of aerosol composition on condensation sinks after rain events; and (3) the impact of sea breeze on aerosol levels using historical monitoring measurement of particulate matter in Houston.

In my Ph.D. study, I used the Aerodyne high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS) to measure aerosol during the TRACER-MAP and TRACER-AQ2 field campaigns in Houston. In addition to field campaign experience, I used Igor Pro, R, and positive matrix factorization (PMF) to process highly resolved spatiotemporal data and to employ source apportionment. I also analyzed long-term PM composition data in Houston using EPA-PMF. In my master’s study, I applied low-cost PM sensor data to improve pollution mapping products.

Based on these experiences, I plan to use advanced data science tools in my future research in atmospheric chemistry; for example, I would apply machine learning to analyze AMS PMF results. This will introduce a novel idea for handling various source datasets to the scientific community.

My ultimate goal is to work as a professor in Taiwan or the USA. Therefore, I want to find a research group that can continue to expand my horizons. I am seeking a postdoctoral position in a research group focusing on atmospheric chemistry, field campaigns, or source apportionment. Currently, I am a Ph.D. candidate at Rice University working with Dr. Rob Griffin, and I expect to graduate in December 2024. Before joining Rice University, I completed my master’s degree at Washington University in St. Louis under the guidance of Dr. Pratim Biswas.