Dr. Adelaide Clark’s Lab
About Our Research:
Dr. Clark’s research group started in 2022 to focus on investigating chemicals present in atmospheric particulate matter, specifically plasticizers and flame retardants. My students are analyzing samples collected around the country while taking our own samples using FriAir Net: The Friar Air Monitoring Network at Providence College. By better understanding what is in our air, we can better regulate these chemical exposures.
Undergraduates in Dr. Clark’s research group can expect to learn various techniques spanning analytical and environmental chemistry. Students use high-volume active air samplers to take total suspended particulate and PM2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter, the respirable size fraction), pressurized liquid extraction to extract filter samples, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to analyze samples.
Undergraduates join the lab as soon as the spring semester of their first year at PC, where they work with an experienced lab member before they get their research project. Students can work in the lab for class credit during the fall and spring semesters and are paid to work for 8-10 weeks over the summer. Students have been supported through the Robert H. Walsh Student Research Fellowship, the Providentia Summer Research Award, and RI-INBRE Research Grants.
Recent Publications
Providence College Undergraduate Authors are Underlined
Gathof, A., Bonanno, T., Rossicone, P., and Clark, A.E. (2024) Improved and Novel Methods for Investigating Organophosphate Esters in Particulate Matter. Analytica, 5 (4), 471-480. 10.3390/analytica5040032
Clark, A.E., Bringing Real-World Context to Classroom Activities for Non-Majors. Engaging Chemistry Students with Real-World Context: Vol. 2, 115-130. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/bk-2023-1461.ch008
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5605-8170
