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Our Team.
Meet the passionate researchers driving our mission to advance knowledge in atmospheric chemistry, aerosol science, and climate change. Our team brings together diverse expertise, from experimental design to data analysis, working collaboratively to tackle some of the most pressing environmental challenges.
Rebecca Conner, Ziying (Nancy) Lei, Jack Smith
Lei Group 2024 Holiday Photo
Graduate Students
Ziying (Nancy) Lei, Ph.D
Assistant Professor,
Department of Chemistry
Nancy's research is centered on the detailed physicochemical characterization of atmospheric aerosol particles and their ice nucleation ability, employing cutting-edge microscopic and spectroscopic methods. Currently, she serves as a Co-Principal Investigator on a Department of Energy-funded project. Her goal is to understand the physical properties and chemical composition erosol particles collected during the TRACER (Tracking Aerosol Convection Interactions Experimental) Field Campaign
Rebecca Conner (2nd year Ph.D.)
Department of Chemistry
B.S. Chemistry, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Email: rconner9@vols.utk.edu
Projects: Aerosol Acidity,
Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation,
Ice Nucleating Particles
Jack Smith (2nd year Ph.D.)
Department of Chemistry
B.S. Chemistry, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Email: jsmit711@vols.utk.edu
Projects: Biogenic Aerosol
Electron Scanning Microscopy
Cloud Condensation Nuclei
Undergraduate Students
Peyton Stiles (3rd year)
Department of Chemistry, minor in Biology
High School: Edmond North High School (Edmond, OK)
Fun fact about me: I love tornados
Email: jsmit711@vols.utk.edu
Project: Ice Nucleating Particles
Natalie Bacallao (4th year)
Department of Chemistry
High School: Villa Maria Academy in Malvern, PA.
Fun fact about me: I have been to 17 countries!
Email: nbacalla@vols.utk.edu
Project: Ice Nucleating Particles
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