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Haoran Yu analyzes data on air pollutants at his workstation. His research focuses on the health effects of particulate matter, including those from wildfires, to help inform air quality management strategies.

In the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the School of Mining and Petroleum Engineering, Haoran Yu, an assistant professor, is at the forefront of research into air pollution and its health consequences. His work centers on deciphering the specific effects of particulate matter, particularly as wildfires increasingly influence air quality. 

His research projects are designed to provide practical insights, examining how wildfire particles affect human health, penetrate indoor spaces, and how novel metrics like oxidative potential can better assess toxicity. His work helps develop informed air quality management and emergency preparedness strategies, ultimately supporting healthier communities.

Meet Haoran Yu.

Tell us about your current role and the work you are involved in.

I am currently an assistant professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and School of Mining and Petroleum Engineering. My research mainly focuses on investigating the health effects of air pollutants, specifically, particulate matter in the atmosphere.

My projects explore how wildfire-emitted particles affect human health, how these particles infiltrate indoor environments, and how we can use oxidative potential as a mechanistic link between particle composition and biological responses.

It’s a field that combines environmental engineering, public health and chemistry, and I find it both urgent and inspiring.

What led you to pursue a career in your field?

It all began during my undergraduate years, when I interned at an environmental impact assessment consulting firm.

I could always remember when I compared the smoggy, grey haze urban skyline in Hohhot to the breathtakingly clear sky in rural Inner Mongolia.

That contrast was a turning point for me, as it opened my eyes to the real-world consequences of human emissions and air pollution.

It sparked my desire to pursue air quality research.

Was there a particular moment or influence that sparked your interest?

Yes, and it’s a very personal moment that changed everything. In 2021, my aunt passed away just two months after being diagnosed with small cell lung cancer, which was found highly associated with cigarette smoking history.

She had never smoked a cigarette, but her husband had been a lifelong smoker.

In the weeks after her diagnosis, I searched many papers and discovered how second-hand smoke, or broadly speaking, exposure to harmful air pollutants, can silently impact our health.

That painful experience fueled my drive to investigate how air pollution contributes to disease, and to develop better ways to evaluate and mitigate these risks.

How does your work or research contribute to the high-level goals of your department or unit?

Environmental sustainability is a key aspect of our department’s mission, and my research speaks directly to that goal.

As climate change intensifies, wildfires have become increasingly common in Alberta, posing serious threats to air quality and public health.

By examining the toxicity and health impacts of wildfire emissions, I aim to support more informed ambient and indoor air quality management and emergency preparedness strategies.

These can contribute to building a more resilient and sustainable environment for our communities.

What do you find most rewarding about your job?

For me, the most rewarding part is seeing how my research contributes to a deeper understanding of the invisible air pollutants that affect our everyday lives.

One focus of my work is on oxidative potential of particles, which is a promising indicator of particle toxicity that goes beyond just measuring mass.

Our early studies helped demonstrate its strong association with health outcomes, and it’s incredibly delightful to see the scientific community increasingly adopt this framework.

It reminds me that we are making a difference to understanding the world.

Can you share a project or initiative you are particularly proud of? What was its impact?

Absolutely.

We used both oxidative potential and cellular toxicity to understand how particles from different regions affect health, and we found that it’s impossible to apply a single global dose-response curve due to the huge differences in particle sources and composition.

What skills or experiences have been most valuable to you in your work?

I believe time management is the most valuable skill in my work.

Balancing the demands of research, teaching, supervision and collaboration isn’t easy, especially in the early stages of a faculty career.

I’ve learned and am still learning how to structure my day so that I give each responsibility the attention it demands.

It’s a constant work-in-progress, but mastering this skill has helped me stay focused and make meaningful progress across different areas.

How do you stay current with advancements and new trends in your field?

I stay connected through social media platforms, like X and LinkedIn.These platforms have become vibrant hubs where researchers share their latest work, ideas and breakthroughs.I follow thought leaders in the field who often post summaries and key insights, making it easier to keep up with cutting-edge developments.It’s amazing how fast ideas can spread, and how accessible knowledge has become.

What is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?

I am deeply passionate about singing.It’s my favourite way to recharge outside of research.

Recently, I even helped a local music teacher prepare a children’s concert, supporting rehearsals and encouraging the young performers backstage. It was a joyful experience, reminding me that nurturing creativity matters just as much in the art as it does in science.The next concert is coming in December, and it’s open to everyone to attend!