She received her Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Resources/Chemistry at PSU investigating free radical chemistry in the troposphere using laser-induced fluorescence measurement techniques for reactive gases. She was a founding partner of a successful environmental consulting firm and analytical lab in Portland, Oregon before returning to academia. Her current research interests include monitoring and modeling of urban air pollutants, assessing human exposure to air pollutants using statistical models and GIS, development of measurement techniques for quantifying atmospheric species, sensing and analysis of urban climate modification and developing curriculum for atmospheric science education.