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.
2026 Summer Lei Group Picture
Jared Hancock, Hannah Harrington, Ziying (Nancy) Lei, Rebecca Conner, Jack Smith, Guadalupe Montaldo
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 (3rd 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 (3rd 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
Alumi
Bachelor's Degree
Natalie Bacallao, University of Tennessee, Chemistry
Undergraduate Students:
Peyton Stiles, University of Tennessee, Chemistry
Rebecca Conner, Ziying (Nancy) Lei, Jack Smith
Lei Group 2024 Holiday Photo
Jack Smith, Rebecca Conner, Natalie Bacalao
Salett Salazar, Nancy Lei, Peyton Stiles
Lei Group 2025 Holiday Photo