Tristalee Mangin, Project Manager and PhD Candidate at the University of Utah Chemical Engineering Department, Looking for Post-Doctoral or National Laboratory Position

TRISTALEE MANGIN, University of Utah

     Abstract Number: 95
     Working Group: Meet the Job Seekers

Abstract
I am seeking a postdoctoral or national laboratory position, available fall of 2025. I am looking to enhance my skills in modeling and simulations, remote sensing, and the overlap of these tools with measurements from sensor networks. I am especially interested in developing my ability to write funding proposals, having successfully secured $8,645 in research funding through the University of Utah during my Ph.D, along with smaller travel grants.

My research has focused on air quality, environmental sensing, and data science. I managed a network of 100+ low-cost air quality sensors deployed across Utah (schools, childcare centers, residential), including a team of two staff and four students. I also led a study on how pollution events (e.g., wildfire smoke, inversions, dust storms) affect indoor particulate matter concentrations in commercial buildings. The study found that wildfire smoke infiltration was three times greater in buildings with HVAC systems using air-side economizers than those without.

Additionally, I designed and deployed a novel system to mitigate discretionary idling that provided dynamic feedback about idling status and a persuasive message to drivers on large outdoor displays. The system integrates audio and video feeds into a machine-learning algorithm to detect vehicle idling status and a network of low-cost sensors to measure air quality impacts. Installed at a hospital drop-off zone, the system reduced CO₂ emissions by 30% compared to static signage.

I also have strong teaching experience. I served as a TA for the process control course (90+ students), where I transitioned support sessions online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout my PhD, I have mentored 12 students in undergraduate research and two high school students in summer programs. Before graduate school, I served in the U.S. Navy, teaching four courses and leading two divisions at the Nuclear Power School, graduating 200+ students into advanced training.