About Mae

My primary research interests are the study of the fate and transport and biogeochemical cycles of inorganic contaminants in the environment. My recent work focuses primarily on understanding the chemistry and environmental fate of atmospheric mercury in the environment, and the sources of ozone and other air pollutants to the western United States. I am especially interested in regional and long range transport, and how air pollution moves in complex terrains.

Specific research topics in the past included investigation of natural sources of atmospheric mercury, the role of plants in the biogeochemical cycling of mercury, mercury pollution and methyl mercury production in watersheds impacted by legacy mining, and arsenic. I also have done a significant amount of work investigating the potential use of coal combustion by-products as agricultural amendments and on mercury release from areas of legacy and industrial-scale mining. I have worked with the mining industry to develop best-management practices for reducing Hg releases from non-point sources. I have also done research on the fate of trifluoroacetic acids and organophosphate pesticides during interaction with vegetation and soils. I am especially interested in the role that the atmosphere, and vegetation play as sources, sinks and pathways for cycling of environmental contaminants.

For more information about my previous work and activities, see my CV.