Tessa's Science Blog
Summary
I am a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at University College Dublin researching community-led sustainable mobility. I recently defended my Ph.D. dissertation in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, specializing in the intersection of air quality, atmospheric chemistry, and climate. This research leveraged satellite observations to improve particulate matter (PM) simulations, examines how model chemistry settings impact simulated PM, and investigated the role of aerosols in shaping urban air quality and climate.
Beyond research, I am passionate about translating scientific insights into actionable solutions for a more sustainable future. As a Policy & Research Legislative Fellow, I collaborated with Illinois State Representatives to research and conduct outreach on renewable energy incentives available to constituents.
I am eager to pursue career opportunities that tackle pressing environmental challenges at the intersection of science and policy.
Journal Publications
Influence of emission inventories and secondary organic aerosol chemistry on simulated fine particulate matter over the U.S. in a chemical transport model
Clarizio, T. M., Hossain, M., & Horowitz, H. M. (2026). Influence of emission inventories and secondary organic aerosol chemistry on simulated fine particulate matter over the U.S. in a chemical transport model. Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 131, e2025JD046028. https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JD046028
Wildfire Smoke Challenges Attainment of the Strengthened U.S. Annual PM2.5 Standard through Regional and Transboundary Contributions
M. Hossain, T.M. Clarizio, H.M. Horowitz. (2026). Wildfire Smoke Challenges Attainment of the Strengthened U.S. Annual PM2.5 Standard through Regional and Transboundary Contributions. ACS EST Air, 3 (8): 2028–2041. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsestair.6c00101
Transdisciplinary approaches to graduate student training for food–energy–water challenges
Gittlin, M. L., Clarizio, T., Lamino, P., Michels, A., Opejin, A., & Barrera, E. L. (2023). Transdisciplinary approaches to graduate student training for food–energy–water challenges. Natural Sciences Education, 52, e20119. https://doi.org/10.1002/nse2.20119
Education
August 2020 - May 2026
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Ph.D., Environmental Engineering in Civil Engineering
Energy-Water-Environment-Sustainability
August 2017 - September 2018
University College Dublin
M.Eng.Sci., Water, Waste and Environmental Engineering
1st Class Honors
August 2013 - May 2017
University of Notre Dame
B.S., Major: Environmental Engineering, Minor: Energy Studies
magna cum laude