Work-Study Research Assistant Program

Faculty Name: Kristina Wagstrom

Faculty Department: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

General Research Focus: The Computational Atmospheric Chemistry and Exposure (CACE) Laboratory specializes in applying computational engineering-based approaches to address the impacts of air pollution on human and ecosystem health. We use a combination of computational modeling approaches, low cost monitoring, and community partnerships to effectively address a variety of questions. The overarching goal of the laboratory is to bridge the gap between the basic scientific understanding of the transport and transformation of atmospheric pollutants and the tools policy makers and communities use to develop potential air pollution abatement strategies.

Brief Position Description: There are a large number of potential projects (both computer and laboratory based), and I will work with applicants to identify a project of interest though some potential project ideas can be found on the lab webpage (https://cace.lab.uconn.edu/available-undergraduate-research-projects/). There are project in the lab that can be completed either in-person or remotely and many will allow for flexible work hours. 

Students will have the opportunity to learn a variety of skills depending on water project they select. These possible skills include programming, data analysis, hands on monitoring, and working with community members. All students will learn about responsible conduct of research and effective scientific communication. Students will join an active lab with many other undergraduate researchers.

A "Student Laboratory & Field Analysis Assistant - 203" will assist faculty in research efforts within a laboratory or other research-specific environment. The specific research activities will depend on the project the student selects but may include low-cost air monitoring sampling and maintaining the equipment, data analysis of existing data sets, data analysis of collecting monitoring reading, and keeping detailed records of all work completed.