Sorooshian named 2027 fellow of the American Meteorological Society
Armin Sorooshian, CHEE professor and aerosol particle researcher, receives a lecturer award from the American Meteorological Society and a fellowship with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
Professor and acting chair of the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering Armin Sorooshian has long studied the impacts of airborne particles on climate change and air quality. For his years of cutting-edge research, the American Meteorological Society named Sorooshian to its 2027 Class of Fellows. Sorooshian is one of 28 fellows in the new class, a distinction reserved for "individuals who make substantial contributions to atmospheric science."
“It’s a deep honor,” Sorooshian said. “Usually, these honors don’t happen much, if at all, in a career, and when they do, it’s a very special feeling.”
Sorooshian’s research team uses both low-cost sensors and more advanced NASA remote sensors placed on U of A rooftops to study trace gases like ozone, aerosols like dust and other elements of the region’s air. These sensors measure changes in air quality over time, helping researchers see how dust and other particles move through the atmosphere.
“We have this unique situation here in Tucson, where we live in a populated, urbanized desert,” he said. “It’s a cool and special natural lab to study since most desert regions of the world do not have measurement infrastructure.”
Tracking these pollutants pinpoints when air quality shifts and what's causing it. The findings can guide efforts to monitor and predict air pollution.
Sorooshian has been working to help Tucson and Phoenix residents make informed decisions, such as when to limit outdoor activity or use air purifiers during poor air quality.
“We’ve been trying to get more involved with outreach and science communication in the local community,” he said. “Educating people about what ozone and aerosols are, where they come from and what days might be the worst to be outside is important.”
The AMS honor comes as Sorooshian steps in as acting chair of the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, where he plans to raise the department's profile and strengthen faculty collaboration.
“I feel pretty battle-tested already, and I’m ready to take on another challenge.”