Helen Chen
Third Year PhD Student
I study the kinetics of multiphase ozone and organosulfur compound reactions through lab experiments and modeling. I’m originally from Fremont, California and earned my bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California. Things I do for fun outside of lab include running and biking around Fort Collins, cooking Asian food, and reading.
John Clark
Fourth Year PhD Student
My research involves studying the chemical fate of volatile organic compounds in an indoor context using chemical ionization mass spectrometry. I am originally from Austin, Texas and completed my bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. When I am not doing chemistry, I enjoy reading, hanging out with my cat, Bobby, binding books, and running.
Audrey Lawrence
Fifth Year PhD Student
My research focuses on exploring oxidation mechanisms of aromatic volatile chemical products and their contributions to secondary organic aerosol, as well as monitoring gas-phase pollutants in Denver. I’m from Alaska and graduated with my bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Harding University in Arkansas. When not reading about science, I love reading science fiction, knitting, and backpacking.
Amy McElroy
Third Year Bachelor Student
I am interested in understanding and mitigating the impacts of atmospheric pollutants. Currently, I am focused on monitoring the behavioral interaction between ozone and nitrogen oxides in Denver and across Colorado’s front range. Outside of school I like to knit, read, hike, and ice skate with my husband, Mark. Originally from Texas, I earned a bachelor’s in biology from the University of North Texas and a master’s from Texas A&M University. I retired from the U.S. Coast Guard in 2024.
Rae Pooley
Fifth Year PhD Student
I am interested in several areas of research: 1) developing a new method to measure the solubility of gases in liquids, 2) characterizing atmospheric particle formation events over the delicate Arctic region, and 3) building a science kit-in-a-box for middle and high school students on the Arctic radiative balance during the onset of ice melt. When I’m not thinking about chemistry I enjoy thrifting, artsy things, hiking, and caring for my tree frogs. I am also a proud parent to two cats, Cupcake Boy and Mochi.
Alli Salamone
Fourth Year PhD Student
My research is focused on the fate of ozone and reactive trace gases indoors. I am originally from Kansas City, and received my bachelor’s degree in chemistry and physics at the University of Missouri. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading, hiking, puzzles, yarn-related activities, and spending time with my cat, Skippy.
Ian Shoemaker
post-Bachelor’s research assistant
I study indoor volatile organic compounds using chemical ionization mass spectrometry. I’m from Boulder, Colorado and completed my bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading, biking, and spending time with friends.
Megan Willis
Assistant Professor
Contact: Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University (room C229A)
Office Tel: (970) 491-7450
Email: megan.willis”at”colostate.edu
More about Megan here.