The Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences is seeking approval for a Ph.D. in atmospheric sciences – a degree John Casey feels would not only help students, but also improve the quality of the air we breathe.
"There is a growing demand for atmospheric sciences," said Casey, professor of geology and Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Department chair.
To meet this need, the department hopes to shift its upper-division curriculum and research to include studies on climate change and air pollution, in addition to its geology and geophysics endeavors.
With eight students already enrolled in the department masters program, state approval for the Ph.D. program seems promising, Casey said.
"The masters program was already approved, they just need more information on the Ph.D. funding information, positions available and number of expected graduates," he said.
A Ph.D. in atmospheric sciences at UH would allow students to switch from a degree in geology and geophysics to a more adaptive and broad degree.
"It will really help in recruiting now that their degree will say atmospheric science on it," said Barry Lefer, a research scientist at the Institute for Multidimensional Air Quality Studies.
Students would be offered a full range of new courses while maintaining a course structure that fits the previous model. This will help students with the transition from one degree to the next.
The degree is good for students and is also beneficial to our environment as some graduates of the new degree are working for the state-run government organization Texas Commission for Environment Quality. This is similar to the Environmental Protection Agency – a trend Casey said is in no danger of letting up, given the growing demand for atmospheric sciences.
"There are fairly large research facilities that can help Houston’s pollution problems," he said.
UH research scientists are in the process of measuring mercury and formaldehyde emissions that are eroding the ozone layer.
The studies have found groundbreaking evidence linking the emissions to local refineries and petrochemical plants. With further research and testing, changes can be made to benefit Houston’s environmental issues.
"The first part is monitoring emissions sources. Then policymakers can take this and say look, you need to change something in your refineries or allow less cars on the road," Casey said.
