He received his BS degree in chemical engineering from the University of Arizona (2003, Summa Cum Laude) and his PhD from the California Institute of Technology (2008). His research focuses on the effect of aerosol particles on environmental and climate change, public health/welfare, and the hydrologic cycle. He teaches a variety of courses related to chemical and environmental engineering and is especially invested in advancing teaching methods in design capstone courses for senior-level undergraduates in engineering.