Hello! I’m Dr. S. Marcela Loría-Salazar, and I’m delighted to welcome you to the AAAQ Lab at the University of Oklahoma School of Meteorology. We are a diverse, multidisciplinary team of researchers dedicated to studying atmospheric aerosols (tiny particles that play a big role in air quality, climate, and human health).Our work explores how these particles interact with the atmosphere and affect our daily lives. On this website, you’ll find information about our research projects, team members, and my teaching philosophy.
Thank you for visiting. We’re excited to share our science with you!
Aerosols remain one of the least understood components of the global radiative forcing budget, largely due to limited surface observations and persistent gaps in scientific knowledge. Unlike greenhouse gases, the climatic effects of aerosols are still uncertain, making it challenging to fully understand their role in climate change. Despite this uncertainty, aerosols are a vital part of atmospheric composition, influencing not only the climate but also air quality, human health, behavior, and economic systems.
While much of the existing research has focused on densely populated areas with known air quality issues, the AAAQ Lab is committed to advancing aerosol science across all environments including rural and underserved regions. Our research explores how aerosols and trace gases contribute to pollutant accumulation, transport, and mixing. By leveraging advanced satellite retrievals and remote sensing technologies, we aim to support equitable access to air quality data and climate adaptation strategies for all communities. Our approach prioritizes minimal disruption to local lands and cultural practices, aligning scientific progress with principles of environmental justice.
🌎 AAAQ Lab – Core Research Areas
1. Fundamental Aerosol Investigations
We study the physical and chemical properties of atmospheric aerosols using a combination of field experiments, international monitoring networks, satellite remote sensing, statistical modeling, and deep learning. Our goal is to advance scientific understanding of aerosol behavior and their role in atmospheric processes, including climate and air quality dynamics.
2. Smoke Transport
Our team investigates the transport of smoke and its interactions with both the planetary boundary layer and the free troposphere. This research enhances our ability to predict smoke dispersion and its impact on air quality and visibility, particularly during extreme events such as wildfires.
3. Air Quality Applications for Health, Policy, and Community Partners
We develop innovative tools and applications that integrate satellite observations with numerical models to improve air quality assessments. These tools support public health research, guide evidence-based policy decisions, and empower communities with actionable insights to mitigate the effects of air pollution.