Martin Delivers First Research Landscapes Event
Feb. 22, 2018 — Community, business and legislative leaders got a first-hand review of Utah's air quality challenges from one of the state's foremost experts on air quality research. On Feb. 26, Randy Martin, associate research professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and researcher at the Utah Water Research Laboratory, presented the first Research Landscapes lecture in Salt Lake City. The event took place at the O.C. Tanner Headquarters in front of a standing-room-only crowd.
USU air quality expert and research professor Randy Martin delivered the first Research Landscapes lecture in Salt Lake City on Feb. 26.
Martin spoke on several topics including the harmful effects of idling. Idling a vehicle, he said, has a significant impact on air quality. When a vehicle reaches its optimal operating temperature, the catalytic converter can reduce emissions by 99 percent. Therefore, he added, idling causes a vehicle to emit harmful emissions for a longer period of time.
Research Landscapes, a lecture series presented by USU's Office of Research and Graduate Studies, addresses critical issues affecting Utahns while highlighting the work of some of USU's most accomplished researchers. The three presentations this year focus on Utah’s land, water and air. The events are free and open to the public.
Lawmakers and community leaders attended the event. Martin discussed the harmful effects of vehicle idling.
Since joining USU in 2000, Martin has completed dozens of studies and analyses of atmospheric trace species, most notably reactive hydrocarbons and related oxidation products. In recent years, Martin has become well known for his expertise of the characterization and behavior of ambient fine particulate matter, known as PM 2.5 or PM 10. Martin also serves on the Utah Air Quality Board.
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Research Contact: Randy Martin, 435-797-1585, randy.martin@usu.edu
Writer: Matt Jensen, 435-797-8170, matthew.jensen@usu.edu