Peter Effertz, a professional research assistant at CIRES, studies atmospheric ozone and leads the NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory (GML) Surface Ozone Network. In 2022, Effertz visited NOAA GML’s Mauna Loa Atmospheric Baseline Observatory just two weeks before the volcano erupted. He is currently working on his PhD in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at CU Boulder, while working at CIRES — and his go-to karaoke song is “Viva la Vida” by Coldplay.

What is your role at CIRES?

I investigate the long-term ozone trends in the troposphere and stratosphere, working with NOAA and international partners to attribute changes to chemical and dynamic processes. I also lead the NOAA GML Surface Ozone Network as Primary Investigator and contribute to the World Dobson Calibration Center.

Where is the most exciting place you’ve traveled for your research/job?

The most exciting place has definitely been the NOAA GML's Mauna Loa Atmospheric Baseline Observatory. I happened to visit just two weeks before the Mauna Loa volcano erupted and cut off power and electricity to the observatory. It is an otherworldly yet immensely beautiful location. It's cool to be at the site of the longest continuous measurement of carbon dioxide in the world!

What is your go-to karaoke song?

Viva la Vida by Coldplay!

Dogs or cats?

We have two cats that mean the world to us. Someday I would like a dog, but our cats would never forgive us!

Tell us about your academic background.

Last year I was admitted to the PhD program at CU Boulder in the Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences Department. I have been working toward my degree while working full time here at CIRES.