Exploring emerging and traditional aerosol emission sources

As the world evolves, so too do the implications of aerosol emission and exposure. Our research delves into a broad spectrum of emergent and conventional aerosols ranging from nanomaterials to micro- and nano-plastics, from hexavalent chromium to crystalline silica, from allergens to human exhalations. We aim to enhance our understanding of aerosol and other indoor air contaminant exposures across diverse scenarios such as metal and stone fabrication, 3D printing, cooking, smoking, nail polishing, etc. You name it, we study it. [detail] Developing and validating aerosol measurement instruments

Aerosols have long presented challenges to researchers, industrial hygienists, and workers. To better characterize aerosols, our work spans a variety of measurement instruments, and we sometimes develop our own prototypes. Beyond traditional mass and spectrometer-based instruments, we emphasize the importance of real-time direct-reading monitors and sensors with much lower cost and network deploying capacity. Understanding the advantages and limitations of each instrument is crucial for placing these instruments in the right places. [detail] Investigating aerosol toxicity and health impacts

The inhalation of aerosols can significantly impact human health. Existing toxicological studies may not be sufficient for newer emission sources and physiologically relevant to inhalation exposures. Our research encompasses a wide array of assays, including respiratory deposition studies, oxidative stress measurements via chemical assays, in vitro ALI lung cell exposures and cytotoxicity evaluations, in vivo rodent-based biomarker studies. Current studies focus on airborne nanomaterials, welding fumes, and plastics. [detail] Designing engineering controls and personal protections

Controlling and mitigating aerosols and gaseous pollutants' exposure and risks are paramount to addressing real-world issues. Ventilation is still the most effective engineering control technology. The pandemic has underscored the importance of PPEs. However, people are frequently not well informed about the fit factors and actual protection levels, which puts them in danger. Our research aims to optimize engineering controls and PPE usage, focusing on healthcare workers, firefighters, and other at-risk groups. [detail] Conducting field studies and community-based intervention

Bridging the gap between research and practices requires more than a laboratory-centric approach. We need to engage directly with communities of certain worker population groups and conduct field studies at construction sites, schools, factories, etc. Mixed research methods allow us to test our hypotheses on aerosol exposure and implement multi-faceted interventions based on our findings. [detail] Leveraging AI to Enhance Data Analysis

Artificial Intelligence (AI) represents a transformative force in aerosol and industrial hygiene research in decades to come. Beyond mere buzzwords and popular generative AI, AI has the potential to uncover "ground truth" with human-ish intelligence in both data-limited and data-rich studies. Our future endeavors include incorporating AI to automate image and video recognition, data pattern and trend unveiling, hazards mapping and assessment, and improving instrument accuracy in aerosol science and industrial hygiene. [detail]