Reflections from the Perspective of a Graduate Student - Nathan Li
Princeton Graduate Student's Research on Air Pollution Gains Momentum
Nathan Li, a first-year graduate student in the 5-year PhD program in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Princeton, is making strides in the field of air pollution research. Li, who completed his undergraduate studies at Johns Hopkins University, majoring in Chemical Engineering with an Environmental track, is working under the guidance of Professor Mark Zondlo.
Li's research primarily focuses on ammonia, a gas with a polar nature and large emissions from agricultural waste. Using optics-infrared lasers, he detects the concentration of gases like ammonia, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides, and methane in the air. The open-path lasers used in the research are exposed to the air, allowing for easy measurement. This setup enables Li's group to measure ammonia concentrations better than other labs.
The lasers used in the research are low-intensity, similar to lasers seen in James Bond movies. The team has placed sensors in various locations, including the San Joaquin valley in California, cattle ranches and feed lots in Colorado, open areas of Beijing, and the Marcellus Shale in northern Pennsylvania.
Li's work is not harmful to the research team or environment. Despite his new status in the program, he works closely with a post-doctoral researcher on his project. As older students graduate and new ones enter the program, Li receives help and training, carrying on the knowledge from his predecessors.
For students seeking to identify a suitable professor to work with, Li recommends researching faculty profiles and their work to find professors whose research topics and approaches resonate with their academic interests or desired new fields of inquiry. Engaging with potential advisors early, by attending their talks, reading their publications, and discussing possible projects, can help assess compatibility and communication style.
Considering the mentor’s commitment and advising style is also crucial. Students should ensure their potential advisors provide timely, substantive feedback, support grant writing, career development, and have clear expectations about research progress and co-authorship. Looking for professors who support student growth beyond research, such as offering guidance for conferences, teaching development, and diverse career paths, is equally important.
Using tools like Individual Development Plans (IDPs) can help clarify personal goals and identify faculty mentors who can support these objectives effectively. Overall, a good match is built on shared research interests, the professor’s mentoring approach, and the ability to support the student’s academic and professional development throughout graduate study.
Li encourages students to email potential professors before applying to a graduate program to get a sense of their research group and environment. By following these steps, students can find a suitable professor and research group that aligns with their academic and professional goals.
Pursuing education and self-development in the field of air pollution, Nathan Li's research on ammonia concentrations in the air contributes significantly to personal growth and learning, particularly within the discipline of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Princeton. Engaging with potential advisors early, such as Li, can help students identify professors with similar research interests and fostering environments that support academic and professional development.
