CMU’s Dominic Casalnuovo earns NSF Graduate Fellowship

First-year Chemical Engineering Ph.D. student, Dominic Casalnuovo, has earned a fellowship in the prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP).

The NSF GRFP recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students pursuing full-time research-based masters and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or in STEM education. The program provides three years of support for the graduate education of individuals who have demonstrated their potential for significant research achievements in STEM or STEM education.

Casalnuovo’s research focuses on developing new techniques for measuring trace gaseous pollutants in the atmosphere, such as sulfuric acid and amines. These measurements are crucial to predicting how particles affect the Earth’s radiative balance and will be used to improve global climate models.

“The NSF GRFP gives me the opportunity to explore how anthropogenic pollution affects the atmosphere and climate,” said Casalnuovo.

“Historically, this research area has been underfunded despite its impacts on public health and the environment. As part of my Ph.D., I will work with my advisor, Coty Jen, and local Pittsburgh high school teachers to develop atmospheric science lesson plans to raise awareness on how air pollution impacts our communities.”

To learn more about fellowship and scholarship opportunities, visit CMU's Fellowships and Scholarships Office.