In October 2023, CE-CERT’s newest research staff, Dr. Tom Eckel, and graduate students Ryan Drover and Kyah Gracia embarked on a unique field campaign to investigate emissions from a container ship as it sailed through the open ocean. Departing from the Port of Long Beach bound for the Port of Honolulu, the team’s ship became...
Even as microplastics gain attention as a pollutant widely found in all environments, methods to detect airborne nanoplastics and the implications for public health and policy are not well known.
CE-CERT members engaged in the 41st AAAR Annual Conference in Portland, a hub of cutting-edge aerosol science. Dr. Sarah Petters stood out, winning the Juan de la Mora Prize for her work on sub-10-nm particles. Her inspiring journey, from a 2022 runner-up to a winner, emphasized self-belief and determination in science. This achievement and the...
CE-CERT proudly recognizes Dr. Matthew Barth, Dr. William Carter, and Dr. Georgios Karavalakis among the world's top 2% scientists in 2023. Their pioneering research, spanning sustainable transportation, atmospheric reactions, and emissions' physicochemical characteristics, marks significant contributions to their respective fields. CE-CERT celebrates their achievements, setting a high standard for future researchers and reinforcing the institute's...
UC Riverside's CE-CERT proudly announces Ryan Drover, a graduate student, as a National Science Policy Network (NSPN) Science Policy Scholar-in-Residence. Ryan joins the NSPN's SciPol Scholars program, focusing on health policy, vital science policy, and communication skills. After a six-week bootcamp, scholars, including Ryan, can pursue real-world projects in 2024. Ryan's achievement reflects UCR's excellence...
Dr. Tom Durbin, a seasoned researcher at CE-CERT, has been honored as an SAE Fellow, recognizing his 30-year dedication to automotive engineering. His achievements include impactful studies on vehicle emissions, mobile source control technologies, and alternative fuels. Nominated by Dr. James Parks, Oak Ridge National Laboratories, Durbin's success echoes CE-CERT's commitment to innovation. Dean Lynch...
On October 5th, CE-CERT organized STEPCon 2023, the premier student STEM conference in the Inland Empire. The event engaged 4th to 12th graders with hands-on experiences, exhibits, and presentations, bringing STEM fields to life. High school students toured CE-CERT's cutting-edge research facilities, and an interactive booth featuring UC Riverside's EcoCAR EV Challenge Team enthralled attendees...
Dr. Sarah Petters, a renowned expert in atmospheric chemistry, has joined CE-CERT, focusing on aerosol composition and condensed-phase reactions. Petters emphasizes perseverance in research, viewing setbacks as integral to progress. Her plans include establishing her lab, building collaborations, and advancing analytical techniques. She also values work-life balance, exploring ancient civilizations with her family. CE-CERT anticipates...
Dr. Markus Petters, a prominent environmental researcher at CE-CERT, delves into atmospheric particulate matter's complexities. His work spans health, climate, and air quality, emphasizing mentorship to bridge the skills gap in graduate students. With dedication and a chess hobby, he enriches the research landscape.
Dr. Hang Qiu, CE-CERT's new full-time professor, brings expertise in collaborative intelligence within cyber-physical systems. His research aims to merge robot, edge/cloud, and human intelligence to enable cooperation among autonomous entities. Driven by CE-CERT's exceptional teams and infrastructure, he sees potential in connected vehicles and cooperative perception. Overcoming challenges, he emphasizes the importance of mentoring...
In a groundbreaking research project based out of San Diego, CE-CERT researchers have been delving into the fascinating interaction between low-level clouds and a unique blend of clean marine air and highly polluted air originating from the emissions-rich Los Angeles/Long Beach region. Director of CE-CERT, Dr. Don Collins and Ph.D. student Minghao Han dedicated the...
CARB awarded a research program led by UCR's College of Engineering Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT) to study non-exhaust emissions from operational vehicles. The project targets specialized sampling for brake and tire particulate matter, aiming to refine measurement methods and understand non-exhaust PM's chemical properties. The initiative supports CARB's air quality goals and...
CE-CERT is part of a pioneering DHS-led project creating sustainable emergency response technologies. The "H2Rescue," a hydrogen fuel cell-driven relief truck, showcases collaborative efforts between DHS, DoE, DoD, Army Corps, Cummins, etc. The truck offers zero-emission, 72-hour disaster site power, emitting no pollutants and quietly powering shelters or homes. CE-CERT's involvement underscores dedication to sustainable...
CE-CERT researchers, including Tom Durbin, Kanok Boriboonsomsin, and Guoyuan Wu, participated in the DOE VTO's Annual Merit Review. Held virtually, this event evaluated ongoing transportation research projects for alignment with DOE goals. CE-CERT's dual involvement as reviewers and project contributors highlighted their commitment to robust evaluation and technological advancement. The review process emphasizes collaboration and...
CE-CERT's OSAR Research Program Advances in Second Quarter of 2023 The second phase of the OSAR (On-Board Sensing, Analysis, and Reporting) research program at CE-CERT has made significant progress during the second quarter of 2023. Thanks to funding from the California Air Resources Board, the California Attorney General's Office, and the South Coast Air Quality...
Georgios Karavalakis Joins UCR as Full-Time Professor Georgios Karavalakis, a seasoned researcher at CE-CERT, is set to embark on a new academic journey. "I am excited to announce that after almost 13 years as a research faculty at CE-CERT, I will join the Chemical and Environmental Engineering Department at UCR as a full-time Professor. Of...
CE-CERT is proud to announce the recipients of the 2023-2024 Scholarship Awards totaling $40,500. We would like to congratulate them on their hard work and thank our generous donors who made these awards possible. Esther F. Hays Graduate Fellowship Ryan Drover Chemical & Environmental Engineering Ryan Drover is a fourth-year graduate student with a focus...
UCR's EcoCAR Team had a remarkable success at the highly anticipated First-Year EcoCAR EV Challenge, a competition held on May 21-26, 2023 in sunny Orlando, Florida. The EcoCAR EV Challenge is renowned for pushing the boundaries of sustainable transportation and attracting top universities from across the country. The EcoCAR EV challenge is a four year...
On December 9, 2022, the Plug In IE workshop brought together a diverse group of about 50 individuals at Teamsters Local 1932 in San Bernardino, California, to discuss the electrification of the Inland Empire region’s logistics industry. Participants included representatives from environmental justice, labor, and other community organizations; community colleges; industry; and state regulatory agencies...
Ph.D. candidate, Jacqueline Garrido, named UC Riverside's Outstanding Student of the Year by NCST for Academic Excellence and Leadership Congratulations to Jacqueline Garrido for being named UC Riverside's Outstanding Student of the Year by NCST for Academic Excellence and Leadership! From the breathtaking Andes to the world of academia, Jacqueline's journey has been nothing short...
