City Smellscapes: The Surprising Chemistry Behind Urban Odors (Good and Bad!)

Every city has a different olfactory fingerprint—a mixture of aromas that define its identity and range from mild to strong. Imagine the fresh perfume of rain splashing over concrete or the mix of street food smells with pollution. Living in a city, I have grown rather conscious of these urban scentscapes and started to wonder ...
Read MoreThe Chemistry of Breaking Down: Understanding Polymer Degradation in Nature

Over my study in environmental chemistry, I have looked at the intricate mechanisms of polymer breakdown in different habitats. The chemistry of material breakdown exposes possibilities as well as difficulties for tackling plastic contamination. Research on polymer breakdown in my lab has revealed how various environmental conditions either speed up or slow down these chemical ...
Read MoreThe Chemistry of Air: Understanding Earth’s Atmospheric Symphony

Years of study in atmospheric chemistry have shown me how the gaseous envelope of our planet preserves a delicate chemical equilibrium vital for life. By means of atmospheric sampling and analysis at various altitudes, I have seen how intricate chemical processes shape our air quality and climate. Our atmosphere’s chemistry consists in complex feedback loops ...
Read MoreOcean Acidification: The Hidden Chemical Crisis Threatening Marine Life

As a marine chemistry researcher, I’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of ocean acidification on our marine ecosystems. Over years of field studies, I’ve observed how changing ocean chemistry impacts everything from tiny plankton to magnificent coral reefs. Through my work analyzing water samples from various depths and locations, I’ve gained deep insights into how ...
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