Jo Machesky, Ph.D. Candidate at Yale, Seeking Post-doctoral or Full-Time Government or Industry Positions

JO MACHESKY, Yale University

     Abstract Number: 758
     Working Group: Meet the Job Seekers

Abstract
I am a Ph.D. candidate at Yale University, advised by Dr. Drew Gentner. As combustion-related emissions have declined over the past decades, non-traditional sources play an increasingly important role in urban and downwind air quality. These sources contain a larger fraction of functionalized gas-phase compounds containing oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur, which are historically challenging to measure.

My Ph.D. has focused on employing top-down and bottom-up approaches to identify emissions from some of these sources, including cooking and materials in the built environment. For a subset of studied sources, I speciated the gas and particle-phase oxidation products. When possible, I explored the different functionalities of compounds emitted from these sources, such as variations in nitrogen-containing functional groups from different cooking sources.

During my time in the Gentner lab, I have enhanced our offline analytical capabilities by developing and refining methods for our multiphase sample collection of gas- and aerosol-phase compounds and analysis via liquid and gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry for speciation of complex mixtures of organic compounds. Furthermore, I gained valuable experience through collaborations with Aerodyne Research Inc, where I utilized oxidation flow reactors for simulated atmospheric aging and employed multiple online techniques, notably iodide chemical ionization mass spectrometry, both in field and laboratory settings.
Looking ahead, I am enthusiastic about applying my expertise and acquiring new skills to investigate emerging atmospheric chemistry questions. My passion lies in interdisciplinary research, and I aim to find a position that fosters collaboration and communication across disciplines to achieve shared scientific goals. As a researcher, I recognize the importance of mentorship and successfully mentored numerous undergraduate projects. Thus, I am seeking roles that prioritize early career mentorship and offer opportunities for me to engage in community or undergraduate/graduate mentorship.

Geographically flexible

Anticipated availability: June 2024

Contact email: jo.machesky@yale.edu