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Our research interests are broad and
interdisciplinary. The projects briefly outlined below provide a
cross-section of the range of work that we do.
Kinetic
and Mechanistic Studies of Organic Oxidation Reactions
 Smog chambers are used to investigate the mechanisms
of the photo-oxidation of gas-phase organics. Typically, we use a combination
of analytical techniques (including long-path FTIR, GC-MS, GC-FID and HPLC)
to study the chemical evolution of the reaction mixture. Mechanistic
information about the reactions is obtained by comparing measured product
yields to the output from a chemical model. In recent years, we have been
interested in the chemistry of organic peroxy radicals under low NOx
conditions, and the production of radicals and hydroperoxides from
ozone-alkene reactions.
Composition
and Health Effects of Particulate Matter
 We have developed analytical methods to measure
levels of trace organics both in particulate matter and in biological
samples. Our focus is on quinones, which may be involved in the chemical
ageing of particles, and which have been implicated in the initiation of
oxidative stress in the lung, potentially leading to adverse health outcomes.
Air
Quality Impacts of Agriculture
 Agricultural
operations are important sources of volatile organic compounds (VOC),
particulate matter and greenhouse gases, but their emissions are often poorly
characterized. Our current focus is on VOC emissions from dairy facilities,
which may significantly impact regional ozone levels.
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