This project focused on evaluating the feasibility of using the flux-gradient method for measuring oxygen and carbon dioxide fluxes in Harvard Forest. I developed a one-dimensional computational model of the atmosphere, simulating gas emissions and diffusion. This model revealed that while carbon dioxide could be measured with high precision, the flux-gradient method was not suitable for oxygen due to its minimal concentration gradients. This research contributed to understanding atmospheric dynamics and the challenges of measuring gas exchange in forest ecosystems.

I investigated the behavior of wildfire plumes in crosswinds using the QES-Fire and SAM atmospheric models. My research demonstrated that while crosswinds did not alter the plume's overall structure, they caused significant plume displacement, even at low wind speeds. I proposed a parameterization scheme to account for this displacement, offering a potential improvement for wildfire models. This work highlighted the importance of accurate plume modeling for better prediction of wildfire behavior in varying atmospheric conditions​.

Additional details about Lexicon Lab...

During my internship, I analyzed the geographic datasets used by the MONARCH air quality model, including land use, topography, and coastline data. I identified significant errors in the model’s representation of coastal regions, which affected air quality predictions. My findings emphasized the importance of high-resolution geographic data for accurate simulations, particularly in urban and coastal areas, and suggested improvements to enhance the model's predictive capabilities​

Developed a docker-distributed locally hosted web user interface for the MusicBox chemistry model. Used Django, jQuery, and Bootstrap to create a functional, responsive, and attractive interface. Designed and implemented a variety of dynamic features, including flexible form fields, unit conversion calculators, and scientific visualization tools. The MusicBox chemistry box model allows scientists, professors, and students to simulate chemical systems and conduct atmospheric chemistry research with state-of-the-art modeling technologies.