Popular Science article highlighting our research!

"You might be inhaling tiny bits of toxic algae" - Popular Science article about our harmful algal bloom lake spray research in collaboration with the Ault Lab!

Winter field work in Kalamazoo

What are we doing:
Pratt Lab 4th year PhD student Stephen McNamara (me) and visiting PhD student Jacinta Edebeli from the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland are conducting a two month field study at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI, about 100 miles west of Ann Arbor.

Kalamazoo (circled) located in the southwest corner of the state near Lake Michigan (Google Maps image)

Our primary research question focuses on characterizing the chemical composition of the urban atmosphere and how it interacts with the snowpack. Our research group has measured air-snowpack interactions in the Arctic, so the mid-latitude, urban area is somewhat of a new environment for us! One important type of species, oxidants, can impact the lifetimes or "fates" of a variety of atmospheric compounds such as greenhouse gases or other pollutants. They exist in very low quantities in the atmosphere (parts-per-trillion levels) and many are short lived, so they are difficult to measure. Additionally, the oxidant budget can vary between the summer and winter months, so there is still quite a lot to learn about them!

Snowy Kalamazoo morning

Where are all the instruments?
In a trailer! Or rather, a "mobile laboratory".

The "mobile laboratory" snowed in after a large storm on Feb 9

The trailer with WMU in the background

We deployed our chemical ionization mass spectrometer (CIMS), operated by Stephen, and ambient ion monitor-ion chromatograph system (AIM-IC), operated by Jacinta, as well as several additional instruments - all packed into this trailer! With everything inside, it was quite cozy (and very loud, so ear protection was a must).

Thank you to Prof. Steve Bertman of Western Michigan University who is hosting us at his university!

Top: Jacinta and the CIMS. Bottom: AIM-IC

If you're interested in learning more about the deployment of our mobile laboratory trailer, continue to check out our blog for more details!

Polar Science/Mass Spec Post-doc Opening!

A postdoctoral researcher position is available in the research lab of Prof. Kerri Pratt (http://prattlab.blogspot.com; http://prattlab.chem.lsa.umich.edu/) in the Departments of Chemistry and Earth & Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan. The Pratt Lab uses aircraft aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometry, chemical ionization mass spectrometry, ambient ion monitor-ion chromatography, and numerical modeling to study atmospheric chemistry, with a focus on aerosol, trace halogen gas, and snowpack chemistry in the Polar Regions and wintertime environments.

The open position is associated with a Sloan Research Fellowship awarded to Prof. Pratt. The post-doc position is expected to include field deployments, likely to the Arctic and/or Antarctic. Postdoc responsibilities will include participating in and leading field deployments of the aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometer, analyzing and interpreting field measurement data, mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, and preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication. There may be opportunities to participate in chemical education efforts.

Qualifications: Candidates must have a PhD (by appointment start date) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related science or engineering field, with a prior research focus on Atmospheric Chemistry. Fieldwork experience, experience studying aerosols, and experience operating and troubleshooting a field-deployable mass spectrometer (Aerodyne, single-particle, or other) are required. Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team are necessary. Candidates must have experience analyzing atmospheric aerosol field data with demonstrated knowledge of mass spectrometry. Experience using MATLAB and LabVIEW is preferred.

The initial appointment is for one year, with renewal based on funding and performance.

Please email a CV, cover letter (describing your research experience, interests, career goals, and fit for the position), representative publications, and contact information for 3 references to Prof. Kerri Pratt, email: prattka at umich.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Forbes named Ann Arbor, Michigan the best college town in the US. Ann Arbor is 30 min from the Detroit International Airport, a Delta Airlines hub with non-stop flights to many domestic and international locations. Ann Arbor is ~4 h by train or car from Chicago, ~1 h by train or car from downtown Detroit, and ~5 h by car from Toronto. According to US News & World Report, the University of Michigan is the #4 public school, #15 chemistry graduate school (#7 analytical chemistry), and #8 Earth science graduate school in the US.

The University of Michigan, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University of Michigan is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Welcome Kate!

Welcome Kate Hogan to the Pratt Lab! Kate is a senior Chemical Sciences major and veteran U-M Biological Station analytical chemist.

Eastern Analytical Symposium announces Young Investigator Award!

Prof. Pratt's 2018 Young Investigator Award from the Eastern Analytical Symposium has been announced! Check out the write-up!