Dr. Steven Chillrud

Biography

Steven Chillrud is a Lamont Research Professor at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University. He is an environmental geochemist whose research primarily examines public health issues related to chemical contaminants' transport, behavior, and fate. His expertise lies in exposure assessment, with a focus on developing and testing air samplers and analytical methods to quantify airborne contaminants. Chillrud's formal training in geochemistry, particularly analytical chemistry, involves studying particle-associated contaminants' transport and fate, particularly in the Hudson River Watershed, utilizing dated sediment cores. His postdoctoral research at Columbia University included reconstructing the history of atmospheric deposition of particle-bound contaminants in New York City from the late 19th century to the 20th century. His work addresses urban-rural pollution and includes projects aimed at enhancing air quality in low- and middle-income countries, where he oversees the development and use of air sampling equipment. Chillrud has identified public transit systems as significant exposure pathways for airborne contaminants and has been involved in developing miniaturized air samplers for various pollutants. He also contributes to Columbia's Superfund Program, focusing on groundwater remediation and health effects related to arsenic contamination. He teaches classes on sustainability in the School of International and Public Affairs’ Environmental Science Policy Program.

Research Interests

Experience