Daniel Cziczo, Associate Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry, leads a research group interested in the interrelationship of particulate matter and cloud formation. His team utilizes laboratory and field studies to elucidate how small particles interact with water vapor to form droplets and ice crystals, which are important players in the Earth’s climate system.
Experiments include using small cloud chambers in the laboratory to mimic atmospheric conditions that lead to cloud formation and observing clouds in situ from remote mountaintop sites or through the use of research aircraft.
Current specific research interests include chemical composition of atmospheric aerosols with an emphasis on their effect on cloud formation mechanisms, Earth's radiative budget, and meteoritic debris and launch vehicle emissions in the atmosphere.
Cziczo finds Science for the Public's focus on adult STEM education a really appealing platform for outreach, so much so that, besides lecturing and featuring in videos explaining his work, he now serves on the group's advisory board.
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