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Yo Ng ’19, who completed a double major in chemistry and forensic science, recently presented her research at Posters on the Hill, an annual event that demonstrates to members of Congress the importance of continued investment in undergraduate research.

June 11, 2019

By Renee Chmiel, Office of Marketing and Communications

Yo Ng ’19, a chemistry and forensic science double major, has always been interested in environmental issues.

She was intrigued by research that Dr. Chong Qiu, an assistant professor of chemistry who recently won a prestigious National Science Foundation Award, was working on related to air quality and the environmental impact of aerosols.

So when Ng earned a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, she began her own research project studying ground-level ozone, which is monitored across the country because it is an indicator of air quality.

Specifically, Ng explored the feasibility of implementing low-cost ozone monitors to supplement the current air monitoring network. Low-cost ozone monitors have been used periodically to measure ground-level ozone in New Haven.

"It is important for legislators and the public to know about our research, because air pollution has a huge impact on the environment and human health."Yo Ng ’19

"Exposure of elevated ground-level ozone could trigger or worsen health conditions such as asthma and bronchitis," said Ng. "This research has the potential to make a difference in our everyday lives."

Ng recently presented her research at the annual event in Washington, D.C., which highlights the work of undergraduate students from across the country. Students present their research to members of congress, federal government officials, congressional staffers, and other academics. Hosted by the Council on Undergraduate Research, the highly selective event demonstrates the importance of federal investment in undergraduate research.

Carol Withers, director of grants and sponsored programs at the University, says research enables students to develop skills that are transferable to graduate studies, careers, and everyday life.

"While not all student researchers will follow a research career track, every one of them will be better prepared to participate in civic engagement and public policy decisions," said Withers, who oversees the University’s SURF program. "Yo had the opportunity to represent the University, but also to help advocate for continued support so that undergraduate students can to have similar experiences."

"I was excited to advocate for the importance of undergraduate research and to highlight the undergraduate research activities at the University of New Haven."Yo Ng ’19

Ng’s research revealed that the monitors offer good data quality with substantially lower costs, and they can be used to supplement the current air monitoring network to benefit rural and financially disadvantaged communities.

"It is important for legislators and the public to know about our research, because air pollution has a huge impact on the environment and human health," says Ng, who has accepted a position at iBio, a biotechnology company that specializes in using plants to develop antibodies, biotherapeutics, and vaccines, in the company’s Texas facility. "This project was also the first to study the long-term performance, operating costs, and benefits of low-cost ozone monitors."

"I was excited to advocate for the importance of undergraduate research and to highlight the undergraduate research activities at the University of New Haven," continues Ng.