Tessa's Science Blog
Summary
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. My research leverages satellite observations to improve particulate matter (PM) simulations, examines how model chemistry settings impact simulated PM, and investigates the role of aerosols in shaping urban air quality and climate.
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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.
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I am eager to pursue career opportunities that tackle pressing environmental challenges at the intersection of science and policy.

Journal Publications
Wildfire Smoke Challenges Attainment of the Strengthened U.S. Annual PM2.5 Standard through Regional and Transboundary Contributions
Mashiat Hossain, Tessa Clarizio, Hannah M. Horowitz. Wildfire Smoke Challenges Attainment of the Strengthened U.S. Annual PM2.5 Standard through Regional and Transboundary Contributions. Submitted to ES&T Air.
Evaluation of Near-Real-Time Satellite AOD-Chemical Transport Modeling Framework to Estimate PM2.5 over North America
Tessa Clarizio, Vishal Verma, Lei Zhao, Hannah M. Horowitz. Evaluation of Near-Real-Time Satellite AOD-Chemical Transport Modeling Framework to Estimate PM2.5 over North America. Submitted to ES&T Air.
Influence of emission inventories and secondary organic aerosol chemistry on simulated fine particulate matter over the U.S. in a chemical transport model
Tessa Clarizio, Mashiat Hossain, Hannah M. Horowitz. Influence of emission inventories and secondary organic aerosol chemistry on simulated fine particulate matter over the U.S. in a chemical transport model. ESS Open Archive. December 05, 2025. In review for JGR Atmospheres.
DOI: 10.22541/essoar.176495145.51415759/v1.
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(1), e20119. https://doi.org/10.1002/nse2.20119
Education

August 2020 - May 2026 (Expected)
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Ph.D., Environmental 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