Dr. Ran Zhao started his undergraduate journey at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan. He then decided to move to Canada to complete his study. His first destination in Canada was here at the University of Alberta, where he studied as a chemistry major student for a year. During this time, he developed an interest in applying chemical knowledge to study environmental issues. At that time, there was no program specific to environmental chemistry at U of A, and he found one across the country at the University of Toronto. He decided to transfer (again) to Toronto, where he eventually received his Bachelor’s and PhD degrees in Atmospheric Chemistry. After graduation, he worked as an NSERC postdoctoral fellow at the California Institute of Technology before becoming an assistant professor of environmental chemistry at the University of Alberta in 2018. This completed his return to U of A, establishing a research program that he could not find as a student himself over a decade ago.

 

Currently, Dr. Zhao’s research team is engaged in a wide range of research topics related to atmospheric chemistry, air quality, and climate change. Specific research directions include indoor air quality, wildfire emissions, cloud water chemistry, air quality and occupational health, and the development and application of low-cost air quality sensors. His publication on household humidifiers and indoor quality was highlighted by Global News and CTV News. Dr. Zhao is the recipient of the 2022 Clean Air Award from Alberta Capital Airshed in recognition of his contribution to the understanding of local air quality.