IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems (AESS) and Geoscience and Remote Sensing (GRSS) Societies Speaker Series Presents Dr. Jennifer Kaiser

Abstract: Urban air pollution remains a problem in many regions throughout the US, particularly in cities where progress has stagnated and the disparity between neighborhoods has widened. Advancements in remote sensing have revealed otherwise unmapped sources and heterogeneity of urban air pollution. Over the past two decades, space-based UV-Vis observations have evolved from regional scans conducted once a day to hourly, neighborhood-level monitoring. These new space-based observations are validated and interpreted using a new generation of ground-based remote sensing and in-situ platforms.

Using Atlanta as a testing ground, I will show how NO2 observations from TROPOMI (7 km x 3.5 km resolution, launched in 2018) can be used alongside air quality models to isolate the impact of the airport on air quality. I will then discuss the agreement (or lack of agreement) between TROPOMI and Pandora MAX-DOAS observations at measurement sites located throughout Atlanta.

Finally, I will introduce TEMPO, launched earlier this year. TEMPO marks a significant milestone as the first-ever instrument capable of monitoring US air pollution at hourly intervals, providing a comprehensive and real-time understanding of air quality dynamics. We will explore the work that still needs to be done to best leverage this new platform.

Presenter Bio: Dr. Jennifer Kaiser is an assistant professor at Georgia Tech in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and completed postdoctoral training in Engineering and Applied Sciences at Harvard University. As an atmospheric chemist, Dr. Kaiser studies the emissions, formation, and impacts of air pollutants. By integrating field work, satellite observations, and air quality modeling, Dr. Kaiser’s research works towards two goals: (1) develop and implement a more accurate representation of VOC emissions and oxidation in air quality models (2) advance the use of new satellite-based observations in air quality studies. Her work is supported by grants from the NSF, NOAA, NASA (including an early career award), the EPA, and private institutions.

Location: Lunch will be provided at 11:30 at both locations. Dr. Kaiser will present live from the Georgia Tech campus location, and the talk will be live streamed to the Cobb County location.

Room 107, GTRI Cobb County Research Facility (Building 1)
2001 Dixie Ave SE, Smyrna GA 30080

Room 3029, Krone Engineered Biosystems Building
950 Atlantic Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30332