Dr. Neil Donahue

Professor

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Biography

Neil M. Donahue is the Thomas Lord University Professor in the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Chemical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. He also holds a courtesy appointment as a Professor in the Engineering and Public Policy department. Dr. Donahue earned his Ph.D. in Meteorology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His research interests focus on atmospheric chemistry, particularly organic aerosol, kinetics, reaction dynamics, and the oxidation processes affecting the atmosphere. He directs the Steinbrenner Institute for Environmental Education Research and has been active in exploring the impacts of fine particulate matter on climate and human health. His work has garnered significant recognition, including the American Chemical Society Award for Creative Advances in Environmental Science & Technology and being listed among the World’s Highly Cited Researchers. Dr. Donahue has authored numerous publications discussing atmospheric aerosol behavior and chemical transformation processes that are critical for understanding climate change and public health. He continues to engage in interdisciplinary research, aiming to elucidate the complex interactions between emissions, atmospheric reactions, and human health implications.

Research Interests

Atmospheric Chemistry Organic Aerosol Kinetics Reaction Dynamics Radical-Molecule Reactivity Ozonolysis Mass Spectrometry

Experience

Thomas Lord University Professor

2015-01-01 — Present

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, as well as Engineering and Public Policy.

Director

2005-01-01 — 2013-01-01

Center for Atmospheric Particle Studies • Pittsburgh, PA

Oversaw the research activities and direction of the center.

Associate Professor

2005-01-01 — 2008-01-01

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

Held a position in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.

Assistant Professor

2000-01-01 — 2005-01-01

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

Involved in teaching and research in the Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.

Postdoctoral Research Scientist

1991-01-01 — 2000-01-01

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

Conducted research in atmospheric sciences.

Awards

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American Chemical Society Award for Creative Advances in Environmental Science & Technology

2023-01-01
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David Sinclair Award

2022-01-01
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World’s Highly Cited Researchers

2021-01-01
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Fellow of the American Association for Aerosol Research

2020-01-01
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Dowd Fellowship, College of Engineering

2019-01-01
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Carnegie Science Award, Environmental Award

2017-01-01
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Esselen Award, Northeastern Section American Chemical Society

2017-01-01
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Pittsburgh Award of the American Chemical Society

2016-01-01
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Fellow, American Geophysical Union

2011-01-01
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Outstanding Research Award, Carnegie Institute of Technology

2010-01-01
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Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Energy

1991-01-01
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Graduate Student Researcher, NASA

1985-01-01
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Jule Charney Award, MIT

1985-01-01

Requirements for Carnegie Mellon University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
GRE General
Verbal
Required:158
Quantitative
Required:149
Analytical Writing
Required:4
Overall
Required:4
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field Research experience/publications
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • GRE scores (optional but reported in profile)
  • English Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo)
Specialization Notes

Admission is extremely competitive with no strict GPA cut-offs; holistic review is used.