Grad student research-Hartnett
SES graduate student investigates links between wildfire smoke and Chicago air quality
In recent years, climate change has driven an increase in wildfires worldwide, creating concerns about the health impacts of the resulting smoke. Loyola graduate student Nora Hartnett is studying air pollution with support from her faculty mentor, Ping Jing, PhD. She is investigating how fires across North America impact air pollution levels in the Chicago area. Her findings could inform new strategies for improving air quality and human health.
Nora Hartnett presented her research at the NASA Health and Air Quality Applied Sciences Team Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Nora grew up in the Beverly neighborhood on Chicago’s Southwest Side and completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin—Madison. She is in her second year of the master’s degree program in Loyola’s School of Environmental Sustainability.
Nora’s research focuses on fine particle pollution called PM2.5—one of the most dangerous air pollutants. PM2.5 is made up of extremely small solids and liquids suspended in the atmosphere. Due to its small size, it can get deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Exposure can lead to cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, and other conditions. Even a short exposure to high levels of PM2.5 can have serious health impacts. To help people protect themselves, Nora is working to expand our understanding of what causes high PM2.5 levels and predict when levels are likely to be high.
Smoke is a significant source of PM2.5, and due to climate change, we are seeing an increase in the number and intensity of wildfires across North America. The resulting smoke and pollution can travel thousands of miles, causing air quality concerns in Chicago even when the fires are far away.
Nora is investigating whether high levels of fine particle pollution (PM2.5) in Chicago could be related to smoke from wildfires and prescribed burning across the continent. In her initial research, she found that the Chicago area is experiencing a rising number of days with high concentrations of PM2.5, and days with smoke from fires are also becoming more frequent. Furthermore, high levels of PM2.5 usually occur on the same days when smoke is present. This finding suggests that wildfires across the continent contribute to increased PM2.5 pollution in Chicago.
This October, Nora presented these findings at the NASA Health and Air Quality Applied Sciences Team (HAQAST) Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her research aligns with investigations by her faculty mentor, Ping Jing, PhD, who supported her in attending the meeting. Jing studies how climate change has affected air quality in the Midwestern U.S.
“Nora’s research will help to answer to what extent wildfires have affected Chicago’s particle pollution in recent years. Reducing local emissions may not be adequate to protect future air quality in Chicago,” said Jing.
After completing her master’s degree in spring 2024, Nora plans to pursue a career in environmental and atmospheric science. She is confident that her research experience and education in SES will prepare her to achieve her career goals.
“I have been able to solidify the area of environmental science that I want to pursue,” she said. “I have also created an incredible network of peers, professors, and experts through SES. The education I am receiving has given me the confidence that I can be successful in whatever career I pursue.”
Learn more about graduate education in the School of Environmental Sustainability.
SES graduate student investigates links between wildfire smoke and Chicago air quality
In recent years, climate change has driven an increase in wildfires worldwide, creating concerns about the health impacts of the resulting smoke. Loyola graduate student Nora Hartnett is studying air pollution with support from her faculty mentor, Ping Jing, PhD. She is investigating how fires across North America impact air pollution levels in the Chicago area. Her findings could inform new strategies for improving air quality and human health.
Nora grew up in the Beverly neighborhood on Chicago’s Southwest Side and completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin—Madison. She is in her second year of the master’s degree program in Loyola’s School of Environmental Sustainability.
Nora’s research focuses on fine particle pollution called PM2.5—one of the most dangerous air pollutants. PM2.5 is made up of extremely small solids and liquids suspended in the atmosphere. Due to its small size, it can get deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Exposure can lead to cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, and other conditions. Even a short exposure to high levels of PM2.5 can have serious health impacts. To help people protect themselves, Nora is working to expand our understanding of what causes high PM2.5 levels and predict when levels are likely to be high.
Smoke is a significant source of PM2.5, and due to climate change, we are seeing an increase in the number and intensity of wildfires across North America. The resulting smoke and pollution can travel thousands of miles, causing air quality concerns in Chicago even when the fires are far away.
Nora is investigating whether high levels of fine particle pollution (PM2.5) in Chicago could be related to smoke from wildfires and prescribed burning across the continent. In her initial research, she found that the Chicago area is experiencing a rising number of days with high concentrations of PM2.5, and days with smoke from fires are also becoming more frequent. Furthermore, high levels of PM2.5 usually occur on the same days when smoke is present. This finding suggests that wildfires across the continent contribute to increased PM2.5 pollution in Chicago.
This October, Nora presented these findings at the NASA Health and Air Quality Applied Sciences Team (HAQAST) Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her research aligns with investigations by her faculty mentor, Ping Jing, PhD, who supported her in attending the meeting. Jing studies how climate change has affected air quality in the Midwestern U.S.
“Nora’s research will help to answer to what extent wildfires have affected Chicago’s particle pollution in recent years. Reducing local emissions may not be adequate to protect future air quality in Chicago,” said Jing.
After completing her master’s degree in spring 2024, Nora plans to pursue a career in environmental and atmospheric science. She is confident that her research experience and education in SES will prepare her to achieve her career goals.
“I have been able to solidify the area of environmental science that I want to pursue,” she said. “I have also created an incredible network of peers, professors, and experts through SES. The education I am receiving has given me the confidence that I can be successful in whatever career I pursue.”
Learn more about graduate education in the School of Environmental Sustainability.