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Dr. Daniel Cohan
Associate Professor
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Rice University
6100 Main Street MS 519
Houston, TX 77005

Phone: 713-348-5129
Office: Keck Hall 116B
Email: cohan 'at' rice.edu

HomeDan 2012

The Cohan Research Group at Rice University specializes in the development and application of photochemical models to investigate atmospheric processes and inform air quality management. We are especially interested in how energy use impacts the atmosphere, and how air pollution in turn impacts human health. Current research includes a study of how uncertainty in photochemical modeling impacts environmental decision making; inverse modeling to characterize atmospheric responses to long-term emission trends; and studies exploring the air quality and economic implications of electric power generation.  

Research Interests

Photochemical modeling; atmospheric sensitivity analysis; environmental policy and management; uncertainty analysis; energy and the environment; inverse modeling; satellite data

Research

Uncertainty in Integrated Air Quality PlanningUncertainty in Integrated Air Quality Planning
As states finalize implementation plans to achieve current ozone and particulate matter (PM) standards, more stringent standards may prompt a new wave of attainment planning. »
Inverse Modeling of Atmospheric Response to Emission TrendsInverse Modeling of Atmospheric Response to Emission Trends
Scientific investigations and environmental decision-making rely on environmental models to accurately simulate not only pollutant concentrations but also their sensitivities to emissions. Simulating sensitivities is especially challenging for air pollutants such as ozone and particulate matter that exhibit nonlinear and highly variable responses to multiple precursor emissions. »
Satellite Data to Enhance Ozone ModelingSatellite Data to Enhance Ozone Modeling
Our research is exploring the incorporation of two types of data – photolysis rates based on GOES satellite measurements of clouds, and NO2 measurements from the OMI satellite – to enhance photochemical modeling of ground-level ozone.   »
Electric Power Generation and Air QualityElectric Power Generation and Air Quality
Research in our group has explored how electric power generation impacts air pollution, and the costs of reducing those impacts. »
Temporal Variability in Biogenic Emissions
Biogenic emissions of hydrocarbons and NO are important precursors of ozone and particulate matter.  »

 See more research »