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Making the Invisible Visible: Wildfire Smoke, PM2.5, and Health Disparities in Chicago
Making the Invisible Visible: Wildfire Smoke, PM2.5, and Health Disparities in Chicago
Project Overview
Project Overview
We investigate how wildfire smoke influences air quality and human health in urban communities, focusing on PM2.5 in Chicago. By integrating high-resolution environmental and health data, low-cost sensor networks, and modeling tools, we quantify community-level exposure, estimate associated health impacts, and identify disparities across the city.
This multidisciplinary project brings together faculty and students from environmental science, data science, and public health.
This work is supported by the Center for Health Outcomes and Informatics Research (CHOIR) at Loyola University Chicago (July 2026–June 2027).
Research Questions
Research Questions
How does wildfire smoke affect PM2.5 concentrations across Chicago communities?
How does wildfire-smoke related exposure vary among communities with different socioeconomic, demographic, and environmental characteristics?
What health impacts are associated with wildfire-smoke-related PM2.5 exposure, and which Chicago communities face the greatest risks?
Our Team
Our Team
Faculty Leads
Faculty Leads
Ping Jing: Air quality analysis, computational methods, and student mentoring
Justin Harbison: Epidemiology and health data analysis
Mena Whalen: Data science and statistical analysis
Research Assistants
Research Assistants
Environmental studies and urban sustainability
Jose Chiquito (he/him) is a senior at Loyola University Chicago studying Environmental Studies with a minor in Urban Studies. Originally from Oxnard, California, Jose has been living in Chicago since 2018. He is passionate about environmental justice, sustainable urban development, conservation, and renewable energy. In addition, he works as an SES office assistant and conducts research with CELTS. In his free time, he enjoys exploring new places, discovering history and cultures, gardening, and spending time outdoors.
Environmental studies and urban planning
Callan Keo (he/him) is a senior at Loyola University Chicago in the School of Environmental Sustainability studying Environmental Studies with a minor in Sociology. Some of his interests include sustainable urban development/planning. Originally from Portland, Oregon, he enjoys hiking and swimming.
Public health
Nathan Perl is a Master of Public Health student at Loyola University Chicago and holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health.
Environmental health and community engagement
Aana Shenai is a senior at Loyola University Chicago majoring in Environmental Health. She is interested in the intersection between environmental pollution and public health, and hopes to pursue a career in global environmental health research. Aana has researched air quality, microplastics and WASH interventions, and is a student leader within Loyola’s Student Environmental Alliance. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new parts of Chicago, reading, and traveling.
Environmental data analysis and modeling
Aidan Wedwick is a senior at Loyola University Chicago majoring in environmental science and applied mathematics. He is interested in the intersection of his studies, particularly modeling climate phenomena and population ecology. Originally from Rockford, Illinois, he enjoys running, reading, and exploring the national parks that sparked his interest in the environment.
Our Progress
Our Progress
Timeline
Timeline
July–August 2026: Launch the project, form the student research team, and begin identifying community partners and engagement opportunities.
Fall 2026: Acquire, clean, and integrate environmental, health, and demographic data; consult with community partners to better understand local air-quality concerns and priorities.
Spring 2027: Conduct exposure and health-impact analyses; share preliminary findings with community partners and incorporate their perspectives into the interpretation of results.
June 2027: Present findings to academic and community audiences and develop accessible research products and educational materials for public use.
Team Workspace
Team Workspace
Shared Project Folder [Access restricted to project members]
Data Sources:
Data Sources:
National Weather Service Chcago Forecast Office: Provides access to NOAA's local NOWData, including weather observations and climate information for the Chicago area.
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