Welcome to the Pratt Lab blog! Dr. Kerri Pratt is an assistant professor in the Departments of Chemistry and Earth & Environmental Sciences and faculty associate of the Program in the Environment at the University of Michigan. We study the chemical interactions of atmospheric trace gases, particles, clouds, and snow, with a focus on the Polar Regions and wintertime environments. Our interdisciplinary research has relevance to climate change, air quality, and human health. As an analytical chemistry lab, we primarily apply novel mass spectrometry techniques to our field research. We invite you to follow our adventures in (and outside!) the lab!

Monday, February 24, 2014

UMBS Winter Research Meeting

This past Friday Nate May (me) and Dan Gardner, accompanied by Professors Kerri Pratt and Andrew Ault, attended the University of Michigan Biological Station Winter Research Meeting in preparation for our upcoming field campaign in northern Michigan this summer. This event brought together a diverse group of scientists for a day of discourse on current and future research plans, collaborations, and the state of the University of Michigan Biological Stations, located in Pellston, Michigan. It was a great time to discuss research plans with collaborators Professor Eric Kort and post-doctoral researcher Dr. Mackenzie Smith of the College of Engineering, Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences. Their work is focused on measuring methane emissions in North America to identify the impact of the recent boom in the natural gas industry and is a part of an MCubed research project with Professors Kerri Pratt and Andrew Ault to investigate the effects of greenhouse gases and atmospheric particles on climate and air quality in Northern Michigan. While it was great to be exposed to so many different researchers about their exciting new projects, the highlight of the day was arguably the morning hand-drawn poster session. Dan, Mackenzie and I were given an hour, a set of markers, a large sheet of paper and the opportunity to use our artistic talents to communicate our research interests. The result, shown below, creatively displayed how a variety of anthropogenic (natural gas drilling, shipping, industry, etc.) and natural (lake spray particles, biogenic volatile organic compounds from trees, etc.) sources effect the atmospheric composition of northern Michigan. While drawing we were able to speak more about our research plans, gave each other some great ideas, and fostered future collaboration. Overall the day was a great exposure to the University of Michigan Biological Station and made us all very excited for this summer and all the great research we have planned!
The result of an hour of hard work on our hand-drawn poster!
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