About Me

Hi there! My name is Akanksha, and I am a graduate student at the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at the University of Maryland, College Park . I'm currently part of the Atmospheric Chemistry Group, where I work with Prof. Tim Canty . Before pursuing my graduate degree, I earned my BS and MS in Earth and Environmental Sciences from the prestigious Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal . My academic journey has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the natural world and the urgent need to address the environmental challenges we face today.

As an advocate for environmental justice, I strongly believe that corporations and billionaires from the Global North (USA, EU, Australia, Canada, etc) are responsible are responsible for the disproportionate environmental burden on less privileged countries in the Global South. Through my research and advocacy work, I hope to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

Thanks for taking the time to learn more about me. I'm excited to connect with others who share my passion for air quality research and environmental justice!

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Research

Air pollution is a complex and pressing issue that disproportionately affects people belonging to economically and socially disadvantaged strata of society. It affects human health significantly and is responsible for various morbidity and mortality outcomes. Additionally, air pollution has far-reaching environmental impacts, such as acid rain, climate change, and ecosystem damage.

The main objective of my research is to understand atmospheric composition to guide effective pollution control policies. I run Air Quality Models (AQMs) such as CAMx and CMAQ to explore tropospheric air chemistry. I also analyze air quality observations from satellites, ground-based instruments, and aircraft.

Through my research, I aim to develop effective policies and strategies to improve air quality and protect public health. This website is a platform to share my research findings, thoughts, and ideas on air quality and related topics.