Sensing Change: Peter DeCarlo
This interview was conducted as part of the Institute’s yearlong Sensing Change initiative exploring the interconnections between art, science, and our changing environment.
Peter DeCarlo is an assistant professor in the Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering and the Department of Chemistry at Drexel University. He studies the size and chemical composition of the particulates that affect our air quality and climate. DeCarlo, an alumnus of the Jimenez Research Group, participates in global field studies to understand various facets of air pollution.
Do you believe in climate change, or have we observed climate change? Those are two very different questions. And I think that we can say pretty unequivocally that we’ve observed climate change.
—Peter DeCarlo
Science doesn’t belong to experts. Peter DeCarlo calls on the general public to get engaged with science.
Air quality is more than the number of particulates in the air. Can you see the difference when you look at your skyline?
Peter DeCarlo explains why visuals are vital to communicating scientific findings.
Using a wide range of instruments, including Aerodyne aerosol mass spectrometers, DeCarlo and his group elucidate information about submicron particulate matter in the atmosphere.
Learn more about DeCarlo’s research: