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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 (1st year Ph.D.)
Department of Chemistry
B.S. Chemistry, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Email: rconner9@vols.utk.edu
Projects: Aerosol Acidity
Jack Smith (1st 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
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