Position Description: Research over the past several decades has shown different ways in which poor air quality affects our health and quality of life. In order to create meaningful legislation to regulate harmful pollutants, such as ozone and PM2.5, it is critical to know where they exist and how they change with time.

This project will examine recent trends in these pollutants and greenhouse gases using a 3-D atmosphere chemistry model, GEOS-Chem. Students will learn about the state of global air quality, and analyze data from GEOS-Chem to investigate recent trends in key pollutants (no prior experience in programming is necessary). At the end of the project, students will write a short report detailing what they learned from their readings and data analysis.

Duration: 3 weeks

Work Hours: 10 hours/week

Pay Rate: $15/hour

Qualifications/Requirements:

• no prior knowledge of the topic is preferable/necessary

• computer

• internet

• prepare summary report

• complete a survey at the end of the project

All necessary software, data, and instructions will be provided.

Opportunities to Explore the EPS Department:

Students are invited to attend the Jacob group weekly meeting, and graduate student Nadia Colombi will host a meeting to discuss life, research, and experiences in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences.

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) welcomes everyone and aims for a diverse and inclusive community. Preferences will be given to rising sophomores and incoming first year students, but we encourage all interested students to apply. Students who are already working with members of the EPS community and non-Harvard students are not eligible for this position.

Application: closed (July 29-31)

Number of Applicants: 26

Number of Positions Available: 2

Students Hired: Eleftheria Lambropoulos (rising sophomore)

Eric Reyes-Munoz (rising sophomore)