Suzanne Paulson's Research at UCLA: Unveiling Air Pollution's Secrets

Suzanne E. Paulson, a distinguished professor at UCLA's Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, stands as a leading expert in the intricate world of atmospheric chemistry, with a particular focus on smog, ozone, and air pollution. Her research delves into the chemical composition and measurement of these pollutants, seeking to understand the effectiveness of air pollution control measures. As a member of the UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, Paulson's work extends from monitoring data at field stations across Southern California to developing models that inform public policy debates on pollution control strategies. Her work bridges the gap between scientific understanding and practical solutions for cleaner air.

Expertise in Smog, Ozone, and Air Pollution

Paulson's research spans a wide array of topics within atmospheric chemistry. She investigates the composition of tiny airborne particles, striving to decipher their impact on human health. This includes measuring pollutant exposures in microclimates, examining the effect of black soot particles on the Earth’s climate, and assessing the environmental effects of biodiesel fuels. Her work provides a comprehensive understanding of the sources, transformations, and impacts of air pollutants.

Key Research Areas

Paulson's research interests are broad, encompassing several critical areas within atmospheric science:

Chemical Composition and Measurement of Smog and Ozone

A core focus of Paulson's work involves understanding the chemical reactions that lead to smog and ozone formation. She investigates the specific compounds present in smog, their concentrations, and how they interact with each other and the environment. This understanding is crucial for developing effective strategies to reduce smog levels.

Effect of Air Pollution Control Measures

Paulson's research extends to evaluating the effectiveness of various air pollution control measures. By monitoring air quality data and using atmospheric models, she assesses how different policies and technologies impact pollution levels. This information is vital for policymakers in making informed decisions about air quality management.

Composition of Airborne Particles and Human Health

The tiny particles suspended in the air we breathe can have significant impacts on human health. Paulson's research delves into the chemical composition of these particles to identify the most harmful components. By understanding the sources and properties of these particles, she aims to inform strategies to reduce their impact on respiratory and cardiovascular health.

Pollutant Exposures in Microclimates

Air pollution levels can vary significantly even within a small area, creating microclimates with different levels of exposure. Paulson's research measures pollutant concentrations in these microclimates, providing insights into how factors like traffic, buildings, and vegetation affect local air quality. This information can be used to develop targeted interventions to reduce exposure in vulnerable areas.

Effect of Black Soot Particles on Climate

Black soot, also known as black carbon, is a potent absorber of sunlight and contributes to global warming. Paulson's work examines the sources and properties of black soot particles, as well as their impact on the Earth’s climate. This research is crucial for understanding the role of black soot in climate change and for developing strategies to reduce its emissions.

Environmental Effects of Biodiesel Fuels

As a potential alternative to traditional fossil fuels, biodiesel has garnered attention for its environmental benefits. However, Paulson's research investigates the environmental effects of biodiesel fuels, including their impact on air quality and greenhouse gas emissions. This research helps to ensure that biodiesel is used in a way that minimizes its potential negative impacts.

Key Publications and Their Significance

Paulson's extensive research has resulted in numerous publications in leading scientific journals. Some of her notable works include:

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Atmospheric chemistry and global change: This comprehensive book, co-authored with GP Brasseur, JJ Orlando, and GS Tyndall, provides a foundational understanding of atmospheric chemistry and its role in global change.
Aerosol formation in the photooxidation of isoprene and β-pinene: This 1991 study, co-authored with SN Pandis, JH Seinfeld, and RC Flagan, published in Atmospheric Environment, explores the formation of aerosols from the photooxidation of isoprene and β-pinene, two common volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by vegetation. This research contributes to understanding the formation of secondary organic aerosols (SOA), which play a significant role in air quality and climate.
Human breath emissions of VOCs: Published in the Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association in 1999, this study, co-authored with JD Fenske, examines the VOCs emitted in human breath. This research has implications for understanding indoor air quality and the potential for using breath analysis for medical diagnostics.
The reactions of ozone with alkenes: An important source of HOx in the boundary layer: This 1996 Geophysical Research Letters publication, co-authored with JJ Orlando, investigates the reactions of ozone with alkenes, a class of unsaturated hydrocarbons. The study highlights the importance of these reactions as a source of HOx radicals, which play a crucial role in atmospheric chemistry.
Development and evaluation of a photooxidation mechanism for isoprene: This 1992 Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres article, co-authored with JH Seinfeld, focuses on the development and evaluation of a photooxidation mechanism for isoprene. Isoprene is a major VOC emitted by vegetation, and understanding its oxidation is crucial for modeling air quality and climate.

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Atmospheric photooxidation of isoprene part I: The hydroxyl radical and ground state atomic oxygen reactions: Published in the International Journal of Chemical Kinetics in 1992, this study, co-authored with RC Flagan and JH Seinfeld, examines the reactions of isoprene with hydroxyl radicals and ground state atomic oxygen, key oxidants in the atmosphere.
Ascorbate oxidation by iron, copper and reactive oxygen species: Review, model development, and derivation of key rate constants: Published in Scientific Reports in 2021, this study, co-authored with J Shen, PT Griffiths, SJ Campbell, B Utinger, and M Kalberer, examines the oxidation of ascorbate (vitamin C) by iron, copper, and reactive oxygen species. This research has implications for understanding the role of antioxidants in biological systems and atmospheric chemistry.
OH radical formation from the gas-phase reaction of ozone with terminal alkenes and the relationship between structure and mechanism: This 1999 Journal of Physical Chemistry A article, co-authored with MY Chung and AS Hasson, investigates the formation of OH radicals from the gas-phase reaction of ozone with terminal alkenes. The study explores the relationship between the structure of the alkene and the reaction mechanism.
A wide area of air pollutant impact downwind of a freeway during pre-sunrise hours: This 2009 Atmospheric Environment publication, co-authored with S Hu, S Fruin, K Kozawa, S Mara, and AM Winer, examines the impact of freeway emissions on air quality downwind during pre-sunrise hours. The study highlights the importance of considering the spatial distribution of air pollution sources.
Atmospheric photooxidation of isoprene part II: The ozone‐isoprene reaction: This 1992 International Journal of Chemical Kinetics article, co-authored with RC Flagan and JH Seinfeld, focuses on the reaction of ozone with isoprene.
HDO in the Martian atmosphere: Implications for the abundance of crustal water: This 1988 Icarus publication, co-authored with YL Yung, JS Wen, JP Pinto, M Allen, and KK Pierce, examines the abundance of HDO (deuterated water) in the Martian atmosphere and its implications for the abundance of crustal water.
Aircraft emission impacts in a neighborhood adjacent to a general aviation airport in Southern California: This 2009 Environmental Science & Technology publication, co-authored with S Hu, S Fruin, K Kozawa, S Mara, and AM Winer, examines the impact of aircraft emissions on air quality in a neighborhood adjacent to a general aviation airport in Southern California.
Product studies of the OH‐and ozone‐initiated oxidation of some monoterpenes: This 2000 Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres article, co-authored with JJ Orlando, B Nozière, GS Tyndall, and GE Orzechowska, examines the products of the OH- and ozone-initiated oxidation of monoterpenes, VOCs emitted by vegetation.
Production of stabilized Criegee intermediates and peroxides in the gas phase ozonolysis of alkenes: 1. Ethene, trans‐2‐butene, and 2, 3‐dimethyl‐2‐butene: This 2001 Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres article, co-authored with AS Hasson and G Orzechowska, examines the production of stabilized Criegee intermediates and peroxides in the gas phase ozonolysis of alkenes.
Reaction of Criegee Intermediates with Water Vapor An Additional Source of OH Radicals in Alkene Ozonolysis?: This 2003 Journal of Physical Chemistry A article, co-authored with AS Hasson, MY Chung, KT Kuwata, AD Converse, and D Krohn, examines the reaction of Criegee intermediates with water vapor as an additional source of OH radicals in alkene ozonolysis.
Production of stabilized Criegee intermediates and peroxides in the gas phase ozonolysis of alkenes: 2.

These publications demonstrate the breadth and depth of Paulson's research contributions to the field of atmospheric chemistry. Her work has advanced our understanding of air pollution, ozone depletion, and climate change.

Informing Public Policy

Paulson's research directly informs public policy debates about strategies to control pollution. By providing data-driven insights into the sources, impacts, and potential solutions to air pollution, her work helps policymakers make informed decisions that protect public health and the environment. Her involvement with the UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability further enhances her ability to translate scientific findings into practical policy recommendations.

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