Here's the latest news from AirUCI — our events, our people, our science.
AirUCI researchers Dr. Carla Kidd, Dr. Mychel Varner, and Dr. Lisa Wingen volunteered to promote science education at the annual conference for the National Council of La Raza. In a booth sponsored by the American Chemical Society, they gave some fun demonstrations for families with children of all ages and spoke about the importance of science education.
Carla Kidd and Mychel Varner helping kids discover the fun of science
James N. Pitts, Jr., who has been our dear friend and invaluable resource since AirUCI's inception, has died at age 93. He passed away peacefully at home this morning, surrounded by his family. Our hearts are with his wife, AirUCI Director Barbara Finlayson-Pitts, and their family at this difficult time. Jim's contributions to atmospheric science are legendary, and the air quality standards we enjoy today are largely due to his tireless work. He is greatly missed.
AirUCI received word that the California State Senate closed their session on July 3rd in remembrance of Jim and his many contributions to the UC system, to his pioneering body of scientific discoveries, and to air quality advancements in California and beyond. On June 26th, Rep. Ken Calvert of Riverside spoke before the U.S. Congress to honor Jim and his work.
Private services were held on June 27th at St. Columba’s Episcopal Mission near Fawnskin and Big Bear Lake. Barbara wishes to convey her deepest appreciation for the many kind messages of comfort and support she has received and feels truly blessed to have so many dear people in her life. Please feel free to visit the Jim Pitts memorial web page for a lovely remembrance of him, as well as the opportunity to leave your comments and contribute to the Jim Pitts Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship Fund.
Read the UCI article Read the Riverside Press-Enterprise obituary Read the Los Angeles Times obituary
Prof. Donald Dabdub, AirUCI PI, has been given the Senior Innovation in Teaching Award presented by the Dean of Engineering at UCI. We're so proud, Donald!
AirUCI PI Don Blake was quoted in the June 15, 2014 Los Angeles Times article about President Barack Obama's commencement address to our graduating class of 2014 at Anaheim Stadium on Saturday, June 14. President Obama urged the graduates to "push back" on climate change deniers and those who dismiss scientific studies in general. Don was pleased that the President cited UC Irvine's Nobel Laureate F. Sherwood Rowland in his remarks. Read the article
In June, 2014, UCI's Henry Samueli School of Engineering presented AirUCI PI Donald Dabdub with the 2014 Senior Innovation in Teaching Award — congratulations, Donald!
Five AirUCI researchers were honored with awards at the annual Lee Dinner on May 29, 2014, hosted by the Department of Chemistry. Matt Dawson of the Finlayson-Pitts research group received the Lee Award, while Kristine Arquero in the F-P group and Sandra Blair of the Nizkorodov group were presented with two of the three Gebel Awards for graduate students along with Lindsay Reinstatler (of the Heyduk group in the Chemistry department). The Gebel Award for undergraduate students was presented to Nujhat Ali and Mariyah Saiduddin of AirUCI's Nizkorodov group.
AirUCI Project Coordinator Melissa Sweet received the Chemistry staff award along with AirUCI collaborator John Greaves and Tenley Dunn (of the Chemistry department). Congratulations to all!
AirUCI PI Ralph Delfino was quoted in an article in the Los Angeles Times on May 29, 2014 as a main reviewer of a new study showing the extent of pollution generated at Los Angeles International Airport. The research, believed to be the most comprehensive of its type, found that takeoffs and landings at LAX are a major source of ultrafine particles that are being emitted over a larger area than previously thought. Read the article
Three members of AirUCI's research team were contributors to the influential 2014 report issued by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. AirUCI PIs Michael Prather and Donald Blake, along with Prather group postdoc Christopher Holmes, are listed among the IPCC report's contributors. Government leaders and policymakers around the world refer to this report as they determine how best to cope with the effects of climate change and reduce the amount of carbon that is added to the atmosphere.
AirUCI Director Barbara Finlayson-Pitts will address the "Dinner with a Scientist" event hosted by the ARCS Foundation, Orange County Chapter, on April 23, 2014. The title of her talk is "Enjoying Air We Can't Chew."
Twenty Girl Scouts from a local Mission Viejo troop will tour the AirUCI labs and see demonstrations of scientific principals on March 26, 2014. Project Scientists Lisa Wingen and Theresa McIntire will host the tour and discuss studies and career options in science for women and girls with the troop.
