Sukriti Kapur, Ph.D. Candidate at UC Irvine, Seeking Government / Industry /National Lab Positions

SUKRITI KAPUR, University of California, Irvine

     Abstract Number: 620
     Working Group: Meet the Job Seekers

Abstract
I am a PhD candidate in the Shiraiwa Lab at UC Irvine. My research focuses on studying health effects of particulate matter from biomass burning and non-exhaust emissions.

As part of the 6-week Alaskan Layered Pollution and Chemical Analysis (ALPACA) campaign in Fairbanks, Alaska, I led efforts to collect outdoor and indoor particulate matter samples and analyze environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative potential (OP). In a separate collaborative project ‘beyond the tailpipe’, I led efforts to assess radical formation and oxidative potential of brakewear particles. I have successfully conducted several field campaigns under these projects and am also proficient in using specialized instruments such as the electron paramagnetic resonance, ICP-MS, Hi-Vol and MOUDI samplers.

Recognizing the direct implications of my work on public health, I have been actively translating my findings in the field and lab to address air quality issues faced in environment justice (EJ) communities in Santa Ana, California. My work involves advocacy and outreach, capacity building and community engaged air monitoring, and is funded/ supported by the NSF Climate Justice Fellowship. Through this work, I have gained invaluable skills in community-based research and wish to build upon those further in my career.

Prior to my PhD, I worked for two years as a research fellow at Jawaharlal Nehru University studying land use and urban heat islands. I completed my masters in Environmental Science from Banaras Hindu University, India, where my thesis focused on aerosol optical depth in the Indo-Gangetic Basin.

I also hold a keen interest in science communication, outreach and mentorship. Throughout my career, I have led several outreach and mentorship initiatives within and outside of UCI.

I am looking for government/industry positions that span across aerosol measurements, health effects of PM and environmental justice research, with a preference for opportunities located in California.

Anticipated availability: Summer 2025

Contact: sukritk@uci.edu