Dr. Rebecca Buchholz, Postdoctoral Researcher in Atmospheric Science
Education and experience
2014 – Present: Postdoctoral researcher in the MOPITT satellite group, at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)
2010 – 2014: PhD in Atmospheric Chemistry at the Center for Atmospheric Chemistry, University of Wollongong, Australia
2006 – 2007: Honors degree in Chemistry, University of Queensland, Australia
2001 – 2006: B.Sc./B.A (Chemistry, Biological Chemistry, Mathematics), University of Queensland, Australia
My interests
I use satellite and ground based measurements as well as computational modeling to understand air quality and determine the contributions of local and transported sources. I am also interested in the interaction between climate and chemistry, for trace gases which have short-term climate effects. Being from Australia, my research has a Southern Hemisphere spin. In addition to research, I love traveling and have completed many international trips both for work and play. In 2008 I traveled the world for 6 months, experiencing everything from an African safari to a Russian banya. When not researching or traveling, you can find me dancing – I have tried almost every style.
How I became a scientist
Originally, my plan was to be a veterinarian. However, I found that Science and Math provided a huge range of subject areas that piqued my interest. I kept my options open in undergraduate study with a dual degree in Science and Art (with Math under Art). From there, honors year research involved synthetic bio-inorganic chemistry, trying to understand and mimic the way enzymes detoxify pesticides. After honors, I made a side-step into atmospheric chemistry for a graduate degree, which led to the opportunity for international travel and the move from Australia to the USA.
How my work benefits society
My PhD work helped to validate and develop the Australian Community Climate and Earth System Simulator – a model that will be used to predict future climate and chemistry. I also developed a new record of in-situ atmospheric measurements at Wollongong, Australia.