Brian McDonald, air quality assessments

Brian McDonald has done cutting-edge work to improve scientific understanding of how human activities affect air quality. McDonald’s inventory development and analyses have improved the way scientists and policy makers consider impacts of various sources of pollutants. His nominated research included assessments of nitrogen oxide emissions in a Utah oil and gas basin, and volatile organic compound emissions in the Los Angeles region. In both areas, he has been able to elegantly combine emissions estimates, atmospheric observations, and models to provide insight into air quality challenges with important human health considerations. McDonald’s work has also inspired new fields of research. He finds, for example, that indoor emissions (eg, from consumer products) can have substantial effects on outdoor particulate matter levels; that discovery is inspiring new lines of research at NOAA and beyond.

According to a letter from an internationally recognized scientist who supported McDonald’s nomination: “In summary, Dr. McDonald’s research has had a major impact on atmospheric science and environmental policy...he’s well on his way to becoming a true leader in air quality and atmospheric chemistry research.”