May 2014 - Dr. Nga Lee “Sally” Ng has been a member of Georgia Tech’s faculty since 2011 as an assistant professor in the School of Chemical and Bimolecular Engineering and School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. In spring of 2013, she received a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency early career grant under the Science to Achieve Results (STAR) solicitation titled “Anthropogenic Influences on Organic Aerosol Formation and Regional Climate Implications.”

Sally recently won the Health Effects Institute (HEI) Walter A. Rosenblith New Investigator Award based on her proposed research efforts investigating the oxidative properties of particulate matter (PM) mixtures, specifically secondary organic aerosols.  Historically, HEI’s research program has addressed a broad range of questions about the health effects of air pollutants derived from motor vehicle emissions, including aldehydes, carbon monoxide, methanol, nitrogen oxides, ozone and particulate matter including diesel emissions. The award evaluation process takes into consideration the background, qualifications and research environment of the applicant, as well as the quality and relevance or their research proposal. Applicants are encouraged to design their research around the four key topic areas outlined in the 2010 HEI strategic plan.

Her work focuses on the chemical mechanisms of secondary organic aerosol formation and composition. These specific aerosols have an important impact on climate, visibility and human health. By researching this topic, she is upholding Rosenblith’s initiative to strengthen fundamental science related to environmental issues.

For more information on Dr. Ng's STAR Grant: The role of nitrate radicals (NO3) in aerosol life cycle: Secondary organic aerosol formation and aging of atmospheric organic aerosols

For more information on STAR grantees: STAR Grants and Cooperative Agreements

For more information on funding opportunities: Research Grants Funding Opportunities