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STUDENT PROFILES

Rynda Hudman

Area

Environmental Sciences & Engineering

Focus

“I lead ski trips; hikes in the White Mountains; rafting and kayaking trips; Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins outings; apple picking; and whatever other fun things we can think up. I have truly been able to work hard, play hard. Can you tell I love what I do?!”


Education

San Jose State University, B.S. in Meterology; B.S. in Environmental Studies

I study with Daniel Jacob in the Atmospheric Chemistry Modeling Group. My thesis work examines how man-made pollution produced in one country can travel across oceans and affect the air of countries far downwind.

This is an integrated science. You need a knowledge of physics and mathematics to understand the dynamics of the fluid atmosphere; chemistry to understand how this pollution evolves after leaving its source; and computer science to model these complex systems. In addition, the policy implications of this work are far reaching, so an understanding of and an ability to communicate in the public policy arena is hugely beneficial.

The School is an ideal place to prepare such future scientists. We have the flexibility in our degree to take classes within the School, but also campus wide (JFK school of government, chemistry, physics etc.) and at MIT.

I am excited that my research has such real life implications. Research coming out groups like ours molds the legislation that protects human health in this country and helps draft air quality and climate change treaties internationally.