Daniela del Rosal presents pollution research at the US National Conference for Laidlaw Awardees

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Daniela del Rosal (Chemistry minor; research advisor: Prof. Song Gao) presented her research titled Latin American Air from Above: Using TROPOMI satellite data to track atmospheric NO₂ pollution in Latin America at the 2025 US National Conference for Laidlaw Awardees at Brown University. 

She is one of the few selected to represent Georgetown to present at this years Laidlaw Foundation’s National Conference.

Mentored by Prof. Song Gao in the Chemistry Department, Daniella’ research analyzed atmospheric pollutant (especially NO₂) levels and spatial-grid distributions in key urban areas in South America (as compared with a few North American ones) using satellite data retrieval and comparisons to ground observational data. Findings show discernible trends and varied relations among NO₂ pollution, population density, and economic conditions of regional areas. Nitrogen oxides are primarily produced from combustion of fuels including emissions from vehicles, off-road equipment and power plants, and lead to pollution in atmospheric, aquatic, soil environments and harm to human health. The feasibility of using remote sensing in areas where ground monitoring of pollutants is not accessible is evaluated.