Invited Speakers

Dr. Armistead (Ted) Russell is the Howard T. Tellepsen Chair and Regents’ Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Georgia Tech, where his research on the linkages between air and climate policies, air quality and health. He has served on EPA’s Clean Air Science Advisory Committee (CASAC) that advises the Administrator on  air quality standards, and currently co-directs the NSF-funded Integrated Urban Infrastructure Solutions for Environmentally Sustainable, Healthy, and Livable Cities network and is on the Health Effects Institute’s Energy Research Committee.

Dr. Ng’s research interest is in aerosol chemistry, air quality, and health effects. Her research focuses on both laboratory experiments and field measurements to understand the formation and evolution of atmospheric nanoparticles (aerosols). This research includes conducting laboratory chamber experiments in which specific compounds of interest can be isolated and studied under simple, well-controlled oxidation environments, allowing for a more detailed and direct characterization of the composition, chemical, and physical properties of aerosols. Dr. Ng is also involved in field measurement campaigns and integrated analysis of multidimensional and multiple worldwide mass spectrometer datasets to investigate the chemistry and life cycles (sources, processes, and fates) of ambient aerosols.

Ruthie joined the Center for Serve-Learn-Sustain in 2017. In her capacity as Service Learning and Partnerships Specialist, her work focuses on deepening the capacity of faculty and students to understand and act on equity as central to the creation of sustainable communities.  Specifically, she supports course and project development around themes such as Water, Green Infrastructure, & Citizen Science; and Equitable and Sustainable Development.  She is a graduate of the inaugural Transformation Alliance Academy which trained participants to organize stakeholders around equitable transit-oriented development.

As the SLS Community Engagement Specialist, Anna supports SLS’ work by developing and maintaining relationships with off-campus partners and by designing, managing, and implementing related programs. She identifies, develops, and maintains partnerships with off-campus partners to engage in and advance learning and action related to sustainable communities; collaborates closely with and serves as a connector among Georgia Tech’s other key community-related initiatives and offices; and develops and manages SLS programs intended to support SLS faculty and students, complement SLS courses, and benefit partners. She holds a Bachelor of Science in International Studies with a double minor in Spanish and Latin American Studies from Kennesaw State University. She earned her master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in Non-Profit Management from Georgia State University. 

Dr. Stephanie Castillo is a Science Video Producer, Science Communication Researcher, and Digital Storyteller based in Nashville, TN. Dr. Castillo received her Ph.D. in science communication from Vanderbilt University where she studies how representation and storytelling affect how young adults engage with science and scientists through video. Her scientific background, teaching experience, and science filmmaking training as a 2019 Jackson Wild Media Lab Fellow and 2021 AAAS Mass Media Fellow have allowed her to produce multimedia science stories for a 13+ audience.

Dr. Ng’s research interest is in aerosol chemistry, air quality, and health effects. Her research focuses on both laboratory experiments and field measurements to understand the formation and evolution of atmospheric nanoparticles (aerosols). This research includes conducting laboratory chamber experiments in which specific compounds of interest can be isolated and studied under simple, well-controlled oxidation environments, allowing for a more detailed and direct characterization of the composition, chemical, and physical properties of aerosols. Dr. Ng is also involved in field measurement campaigns and integrated analysis of multidimensional and multiple worldwide mass spectrometer datasets to investigate the chemistry and life cycles (sources, processes, and fates) of ambient aerosols.

Dr. Kaiser joined Georgia Tech as an assistant processor in Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth and Atmospheric Sciences in the Fall of 2018. Her research examines the formation of air pollutants, with a focus on the emissions and chemistry of volatile organic compounds. Dr. Kaiser’s interests span from instrument development to data assimilation, and her projects have examined the influence of agriculture, oil and gas production, and the biosphere on air quality.

Kimberly Scott, is a native Atlantan, and has a Bachelors in Chemical Engineering from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. She has a wide range of environmental and climate justice experiences along with grassroots organizing. Previous work experiences include being an Engineer/Project Director with the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management and City of Atlanta Dept of Aviation (Environmental Planner). Kim is a community leader and has been a champion for change in inequities that impact the environment, housing, and community issues.

Kimberly Scott, is a native Atlantan, and has a Bachelors in Chemical Engineering from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. She has a wide range of environmental and climate justice experiences along with grassroots organizing. Previous work experiences include being an Engineer/Project Director with the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management and City of Atlanta Dept of Aviation (Environmental Planner). Kim is a community leader and has been a champion for change in inequities that impact the environment, housing, and community issues.

Joseph Otis Minott, Esq. has been the Executive Director and Chief Counsel for Clean Air Council for more than three decades and supervises all Council projects. Mr. Minott has developed statewide recognition for his work on transportation, urban air pollution, and environmental justice issues. Mr. Minott started the Council’s Indoor Air Pollution Information Center over 20 years ago and is an expert on the Clean Air Act and regulatory policies in Pennsylvania. He has taught courses as an adjunct professor in environmental law and policy at the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University. He holds an M.A. in political science from the University of Pennsylvania and a J.D. from Villanova University School of Law.