I work with a wonderful, multidisciplinary team

of scientist here at PSU

to understand air pollution in the Portland metropolitan area

and to estimate the economic cost

of this air pollution to human health.

Cities are hot spots for air pollution

and it has an effect on people's health

making asthma worse, increasing the risk of heart problems

and shortening life expectancy.

We're also looking at the role of trees

in reducing air pollution in Portland.

Our research shows that trees are removing

about 10-15% of nitrogen dioxide from the city's air

providing a health benefit of a few million dollars annually.

I'm fascinated by the interaction between people and cities

how people shape the cities

and are in turn effected by them.

With my research, I hope to inform policy and planning

and help create healthier cities worldwide.