Nancy Daher, PhD
Principal Investigator
Associate Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering
Dr. Daher's research interests are in the characterization of indoor/outdoor air quality, particle oxidative potential, and community-based monitoring using low-cost sensors. She is committed to translating research into action, working closely with regulatory agencies, local governments, and community organizations to develop practical solutions for cleaner air.
As Principal Investigator, Daher leads the Clean Air Schools for U project, guiding the team's efforts to improve indoor air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in schools.
Project Team
Clean Air Schools for U brings together a dedicated team of scientific researchers, health officials, and community organizations. This collaborative effort combines specialized expertise in air quality, environmental health, sustainability, data science, computational modeling, virtual and augmented reality, and community engagement to improve indoor air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in schools.
Kerry Kelly
Team Member
Dr. Kerry Kelly is a professional engineer and an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Utah. Her research focuses on understanding the connections between energy, air quality and health. More recently, she has focused on using cost-effective, air-quality sensing to understand local-scale air quality challenges. She served 8 years on Utah's Air Quality Board and five years on the state's air quality policy board.
Alejandra Maldonado
Team Member
Alejandra Maldonado is the state toxicologist for the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Environmental Health Hazards Team program manager. As the state toxicologist she provides health education, stakeholder engagement, and community outreach on issues related to environmental and public health.
Mallory DiazVela
Team Member
Mallory DiazVela is the Program Manager at the Utah Clean Air Partnership (UCAIR). In this role, she specializes in developing programs centered on air quality education and multi-sector collaboration to achieve collective impact for affected communities.
Tony Saad
Team Member
Tony Saad is an Assistant Professor in Chemical Engineering at the University of Utah. His expertise is in mathematical modeling, fluid dynamics, numerical analysis, and computational science and engineering with specific emphasis on Computational Fluid Dynamics. His most recent work involved simulations of COVID-19 transmission and mitigation strategies in orchestras with specific applications to the Utah Symphony. His current interests are in data science and statistical analysis for data-based model building.
Kody Powell
Team Member
Kody Powell is an Associate Professor in Chemical Engineering at the University of Utah. He is the Director of the Utah Industrial Training and Assessment Center (ITAC), which has conducted over 100 energy assessments for businesses, schools, and municipal organizations in the region. Professor Powell's research work is focused on energy systems, and he seeks to improve the performance of energy systems through assessments, data analytics, machine learning, automation, and optimization.
Julie Sieving
Team Member
Julie Sieving, ExecMBA, P.E., C.E.M., is the co-director of the University of Utah's award-winning Intermountain Industrial Assessment Center. With over 25 years of experience in the energy sector, Julie has been a driving force behind the Center's dual mission: providing no-cost technical services, including energy assessments, to the community and helping develop the next generation of professionals in the field. Throughout her career, Julie has specialized in energy consulting, including co-owning an engineering consultancy.