Jenno J.L.H.
Revealing Winter's Hidden Hazard: Assessing PM2.5 Health Risks Through PAH and Metal Analysis
Spring 2025 Mentor Award
Jenno, Engineering Graduate Student, and Remy Gray, Sophomore in Biological Sciences, are quantifying the health impacts of wintertime Particulate Matter (PM2.5) pollution by analyzing its composition, specifically polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals. Using GC-MS and ICP-MS, they aim to assess the potential toxicological risks associated with exposure to these pollutants. Their findings will contribute to a better understanding of air quality and public health in cold-climate regions.
How is your project going so far this semester?
Jenno: Despite some shipping delays and technical issues, the project is well on track. We are troubleshooting effectively, developing alternative solutions, and making steady progress. Remy is gaining hands-on experience in handling chemicals and collecting particulate matter samples. We have adjusted our workflow to stay on schedule and ensure smooth progress. The mentor-mentee collaboration has been productive, fostering skill development and problem-solving. Despite initial challenges, we are confident in completing the planned work on time while maintaining the research quality. We are excited to showcase our findings at UAF Research and Creative Activity (RCA) Day, on April 1, and work toward publishing our research in the future.
How did you find out about URSA and what encouraged you to submit an application for funding?
How has your undergraduate mentoring experience been thus far?
Jenno: Remy is a quick learner and highly dedicated to research, making the mentoring process smooth and productive. Our collaboration is driving the project forward while allowing both of us to develop new skills. Remy’s enthusiasm and willingness to take the initiative have been instrumental in overcoming challenges and maintaining steady progress. This collaboration has the potential to produce high-quality research on the health impacts of winter PM2.5 pollution in the ²ÊÉñix¹ÙÍø-North Pole area. Through this experience, I have gained valuable mentoring skills, while Remy is building expertise in handling chemicals, data collection, and analytical techniques. Overall, this has been an enriching experience, fostering a strong research partnership.
If you could share one piece of advice with prospective URSA Mentors, what would you say?
Jenno: Trust yourself, apply for the funding, and start preparing early. Plan ahead, think of contingencies, and stay flexible. Time flies quickly and you may need to improvise. Create a full schedule, stay organized, and make the most of your mentee’s skills. The mentor-mentee relationship is a valuable learning experience for both mentor and mentee, fostering growth and collaboration. Embrace the process, adapt to challenges, and maintain an open line of communication. This experience not only advances research but can also serve as a stepping stone for future collaborations. With the right mindset and preparation, mentoring opportunities can be both rewarding and impactful.
How did you come to work with your mentor on this URSA project in particular?
Remy: I found the opportunity to work with Jenno through a flyer I received for a lab position where I could research the air quality in ²ÊÉñix¹ÙÍø via spectroscopy and PM2.5 samples. I was interested in the opportunity and reached out to Jenno with my CV. I had an interview scheduled for the next day. I was nervous for the interview since this was my first job on campus and I had very little experience. Later in the night, I was informed that I got the job! I was excited to learn that, with this position, I would be working with URSA and I would be able to present my findings to the public on RCA day.
How does your work on this URSA project relate to your career or personal goals?
Remy: I wish to one day work in a lab creating and researching antibiotics. This job seemed like an interesting way to gain experience working in a lab and to communicate with people outside of my major. This experience has allowed me to learn how to work with more volatile chemicals and new instruments that I thought I would not work with until later in my career. Due to the nature of working in a lab, I was also able to read and learn much more about public health, how to read scientific papers, and how to apply [what I learn] to my work.
If you could share one piece of advice with other undergraduate students looking to join a mentored project on campus, what would you say?
Remy: My advice is to reach out to the jobs you may feel underqualified for, especially if you are not confident. The worst answer you can get is rejection, but you can always try again. I was excited to see a posting for this opportunity and even though I thought I would never get the position due to submitting my CV the night before the deadline, I did end up getting the job. I learned that it's crucial to reach out. As the saying goes "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."