Project Description
The Vance Lab at the University of Colorado Boulder specializes in indoor and outdoor air quality investigations, with a special focus on aerosols or particulate matter (PM). PM can range from a few nanometers to micrometers in size and can be generated from a variety of sources, from vehicles to cooking and chemical processes. PM can affect the human respiratory system, cardiovascular health, and even brain activity. In fact, some studies have linked exposure to PM to stress and brain aging. Thus, it is important to characterize emissions of PM from everyday sources and mitigation strategies. The student working in our lab will perform experimental research to measure size distributions of PM that enters a home from nearby wildfires. The project also includes evaluating different strategies to mitigate indoor PM concentrations. The work includes a field component, a laboratory component, and a data analysis & data visualization component. This student will work alongside a PhD student who is leading the project.
Special Requirement
Undergraduate CU Boulder engineering student, self-motivated and willing to explore and learn new technical skills, including operating research-grade instrumentation. Applicants must have great attention to detail and be careful with lab work. Students who are rising juniors and seniors are strongly encouraged to apply. The student must be available to travel within Colorado and nearby states (all travel costs will be covered by the project) and be able to physically lift a 25 lb weight load. Basic knowledge and interest in continuing to learn Excel and MATLAB is required. Because the project includes both experiments in the lab and in the field, and data analysis, the student must be willing to spend approximately equal amounts of time working in the lab/field and working on their computer.
Contact
- Marina Vance (faculty)
- Avery Hatch (graduate student)