People

Vikas Goel
Postdoctoral researcher
e-mail: vikasgoel (vt.edu)

Research interests: Instrument development, source apportionment, and secondary aerosol formation. I am particularly interested in secondary aerosol formation from biomass burning. My current work involves aerosol generation and instrument testing. In my free time, I enjoy cooking and hiking.

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/dr-vikas-goel/home

James Hurley
Postdoctoral researcher
e-mail: jamesfh (vt.edu)

Research Interests: Instrument development, characterization of emissions from biota and fragrance mixtures. More generally, I am interested in organic and physical chemistry, spectroscopy and kinetics. Recreation-wise, I enjoy reading, archery, hiking/climbing in the mountains and trying to learn Mandarin

Talha Jubair
Ph.D. student
e-mail: jubairtalha175(vt.edu)

I am interested in studying atmospheric chemistry through innovative techniques like mass spectrometry, gas chromatography, detectors for volatile organic compounds and developing novel techniques and instruments. Currently I am making a prototype instrument that integrates sensor arrays, gas chromatography, and sample enrichment to enhance hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) detection, with significant applications in environmental justice and community air monitoring. Additionally, I study air pollution dynamics, including the sources, transport, and health impacts of particulate matter (PM2.5), while exploring indoor-outdoor air quality relationships influenced by socioeconomic factors and activities. Alongside my work on environmental challenges, I am deeply inspired by the vastness of space, which fuels my curiosity and passion for exploration and discovery.

Outside of research, I enjoy painting, listening to music, capturing moments through photography, and staying active by going to the gym, which helps me maintain a well-rounded and balanced lifestyle.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/talha-jubair-0a7950256/

ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Talha-Jubair-2

ORCID:  https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8645-4773

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=He2Q5osAAAAJ&hl=en

Sina Tayebbi Nia
Ph.D. student
e-mail: sinat (vt.edu)

Atmospheric chemistry and the fate of air pollutants in the atmosphere; with the goal of developing innovative tools and models for analyzing air pollution in mind. I am also interested in combining environmental engineering with machine learning to enhance prediction and mitigation strategies in the future. In my free time, I enjoy reading and watching movies, which offer inspiration and a refreshing break from research.

Shallon Jozi
M.S. student
e-mail: shallonmj (vt.edu)

I am interested in the study in the study of SVOCs in the atmosphere and have been analyzing samples of data using the GC-MS to identify the VOCs in them. I have also been constructing and operating portable air samplers that can be used to collect various air samples passively. I also enjoy reading and learning about water resources policies and business management. During my spare time I enjoy reading a good book, cooking and running.

Nazifa Sayeed
M.S. student
e-mail: nazifasayeed (vt.edu)

I am interested in developing models for atmospheric chemical mechanisms, with a focus on biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) oxidation, secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation, and atmospheric reactivity. My current work involves using tools like MechGen and F0AM to generate and analyze detailed reaction pathways, ensuring accurate representation of multi-generation oxidation processes. In my spare time, I love reading books and playing co-op games with my partner.

Amira Hansch
Undergraduate researcher
e-mail: amirakh (vt.edu)

I am an undergraduate student interested in sustainability, renewable energy, and air and water resources. I have been working on analyzing GC-MS data using IGOR to identify the abundance of different VOCs in the samples. Additionally, I have been working to construct and operate portable air samplers that can be used for various projects. In my free time, I like doing gymnastics, outdoor activities, and traveling.

Clara McMullin
Undergraduate researcher
e-mail: claram03 (vt.edu)

I’m a junior undergraduate student majoring in physics with an interest in environmental and atmospheric research. I’m currently working with GC-MS to analyze and identify compounds in air samples. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, running, and listening to music.