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Dr. Ng

Nga Lee (Sally) Ng Elizabeth W. Gilloon Professor of Environmental Science and Engineering

B.E., Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, 2002; M.S., California Institute of Technology, 2004; Ph.D., 2007. Visiting Associate, Caltech, 2026; Gilloon Professor, 2026-.

Dr. Ng's research interest is in aerosol chemistry, air quality, and health effects. Her research focuses on both laboratory experiments and field measurements to understand the formation and evolution of atmospheric nanoparticles (aerosols). This research includes conducting laboratory chamber experiments in which specific compounds of interest can be isolated and studied under simple, well-controlled oxidation environments, allowing for a more detailed and direct characterization of the composition, chemical, and physical properties of aerosols. Dr. Ng is also involved in field measurement campaigns and integrated analysis of multidimensional and multiple worldwide mass spectrometer datasets to investigate the chemistry and life cycles (sources, processes, and fates) of ambient aerosols.

Dr. Ng's group also investigates the linkage between the chemical composition of atmospheric nanoparticles and their health effects. Her group uses chemical and cellular assays to study the generation of reaction oxygen and nitrogen species from exposure to particulate matter mixtures.

Additionally, she works on the development and characterization of advanced aerosol instrumentation, which can routinely characterize and monitor the mass and chemical composition of non-refractory submicron aerosols in real time.

Education

  • B.Eng. Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, 2002
  • Exchange Student, Chemical Engineering, University of Minnesota, 2000-2001
  • M.S. Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 2004
  • Ph.D. Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 2007

Awards

  • Ascent Award, American Geophysical Union, 2023
  • Robert W. Vaughan Lectureship, Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 2022
  • Sigma Xi Best Paper Award, Georgia Tech, 2021
  • Highly Cited Researcher, Clarivate Analytics, 2019
  • Outstanding Achievement in Early Career Research, Georgia Tech, 2019
  • Highly Cited Researcher, Clarivate Analytics, 2018
  • Dreyfus Foundation Fellowship in Environmental Chemistry, 2017
  • Highly Cited Researcher, Clarivate Analytics, 2017
  • Faces of Inclusive Excellence, Georgia Tech, 2017
  • Kenneth T. Whitby Award, American Association for Aerosol Research, 2016
  • Sigma Xi Young Faculty Award, Georgia Tech, 2016
  • CAREER Award, National Science Foundation, 2015
  • Top Five Most-Cited Papers in 2011-2013, Aerosol Science and Technology, 2014
  • Walter A. Rosenblith New Investigator Award, Health Effects Institute, 2013
  • Early Career Award, Environmental Protection Agency, 2013
  • Faces of Inclusive Excellence, Georgia Tech, 2013
  • "New Hot Paper" recognition, Thomson Reuters, 2011 Link
  • Sheldon K. Friedlander Award, American Association for Aerosol Research, 2010
  • ACCESS Invitee: Atmospheric Chemistry Colloquium for Emerging Senior Scientists, 2007
  • 3rd Place Winner, Ultrafine Particle Graduate Student Research Competition, South Coast Air Quality Management District, 2006
  • Academic Achievement Medal, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, 2002
  • The Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarship (full undergrad scholarship), Hong Kong Jockey Club, 1999-2002