Havala Pye (Research Scientist)

Understanding the implications of airborne chemicals for health requires characterizing their identity and abundance as well as how harmful they are. This talk will show that the characterization of hazard (toxicity) and exposure is incomplete for species in air by highlighting several recent projects. Wildfires will be used as a case study to show how smoke exposure varies as a function of dilution and smoke age and identify uncertainties in how risk is currently estimated. The talk will conclude by highlighting how a greater understanding of airborne pollutants can improve public health.

Dr. Pye is a research scientist using computer models to understand what governs chemicals in air: from emissions through chemical and physical transformation and ultimately removal. Dr. Pye is a recipient of a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers beginning their independent careers. Dr. Pye received her PhD in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Environmental Science and Engineering from the California Institute of Technology and her B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Florida. For the past 15 years, she has been a research scientist at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  More information about Dr. Pye’s work is available at https://havalapye.wordpress.com/. This seminar was prepared by Havala Pye in her personal capacity. The opinions expressed are the author's own and do not reflect the views of the US EPA or the United States government.