CAPS pursues research into all aspects of air quality and atmospheric chemistry with a focus on airborne particulate matter. Particulate matter is either emitted directly into the atmosphere or formed there as a result of the atmospheric oxidation of precursor species. Once formed, atmospheric particles (also known as aerosol):
are detrimental to human health
play a pivotal role in clouds, precipitation, climate, and visibility
We are highly collaborative, pursuing this research through a combination of laboratory experiments, field measurements, theory, and modeling. We strive to balance fundamental and applied research and to make our findings policy-relevant.