Mirtha Allain
Environmental Science Associate, Aerosol Processing & Observing Systems, Environmental Science and Technologies Department
Brookhaven National Laboratory
Environmental Science and Technologies Department
Bldg. 815, Room 1-10
P.O. Box 5000
Upton, NY 11973-5000
(631) 344-2844
(631) 639-0810
mallain@bnl.gov
Environmental Science Associate experienced in aerosol characterization, air quality monitoring, and atmospheric chemistry. Currently a first-year Ph.D. student in Atmospheric Science at Stony Brook University’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS), focusing on nocturnal boundary layer dynamics, aerosol transport, and the impact of temperature inversions on air quality and radiative forcing.
As a member of the Aerosol Group at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), I work with aerosol instrumentation and data analysis, including troubleshooting and processing data from the Aerosol Chemical Speciation Monitor (ACSM), serving as an associated mentor. COntributed to large-scale field campaigns, such as the ARM CoURAGE campaign and the Urban Threat Dispersion Project in NYC.
Passionate about environmental research, STEM outreach, and collaborative scientific efforts. Outside of academia, I enjoy music, sports, and sustainability initiatives.
Expertise | Research | Education | Awards
Expertise
- Experienced in utilizing perfluorocarbon tracers (PFTs) as tools for studying atmospheric transport, dispersion, and infiltration in urban environments and built infrastructure.
- Applied perfluorocarbon tracers to analyze gas movement through urban transportation systems, with a focus on subway ventilation dynamics during the Urban Threat Dispersion Project in New York City.
- Conducted maintenance, calibration, application, and troubleshooting of atmospheric tracer samplers (BATS) for large-scale field studies.
- Performed Atmospheric Tracer Depletion Tests (ATD) using perfluorocarbon tracers to assess unfiltered air in-leakage into nuclear power plant control buildings.
- Skilled in mass spectrometry for aerosol property analysis, specifically in aerosol chemical composition and atmospheric particulate characterization.
Research Activities
- 2019–2021: Investigated the viscosity and stability of bio-oil solutions for energy and industrial applications.
- 2021–2022: Utilized perfluorocarbon tracers (PFTs) to enhance scientific understanding of atmospheric transport and dispersion in urban environments, with a focus on subway systems, as part of the Urban Threat Dispersion Project in New York City.
- 2024–Present: Studying the impact of coastal sea breeze circulation patterns on aerosol composition in urban areas, specifically focusing on Baltimore's air quality and pollutant distribution.
Education
- Master of Science (M.S.), Chemical Science, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Chemistry (BS/MS Program), Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Awards & Recognition
Brookhaven National Laboratory Spotlight Award - 2024
Brookhaven National Laboratory
Environmental Science and Technologies Department
Bldg. 815, Room 1-10
P.O. Box 5000
Upton, NY 11973-5000
(631) 344-2844
(631) 639-0810
mallain@bnl.gov
