A cross-divisional department spanning

Dr. Kirsten Koehler Faculty Research

Low-Cost Sensor Technology

Quantifying disproportionate air pollution exposures is at the core of my research relevant to environmental justice. The regulatory monitoring network, comprised of high-accuracy (and high-cost) measurement technologies, is poorly suited to understanding exposure disparities within urban areas. For example, within Baltimore City limits, there is a single monitor to measure PM2.5 exposures for all ~600,000 residents. A similar situation is true in many other metropolitan areas. Lower-cost sensing technologies offer a strategy to increase air pollution monitoring and to engage communities in data collection. Much of my research in this area has included calibration approaches for sensor technology. My future research will continue to develop cost-effective approaches to calibrate and maintain sensor networks that meet the needs of the communities in which they are located.

Publications