Prince George, B.C.– It's extremely rare for a PhD student to say their research is taking them from northern B.C. to NASA, but for UNBC’s Ahmad Jalil, that’s exactly what’s happening.

Jalil was awarded the prestigious Canada Graduate Scholarships – Michael Smith Health Research BC Foreign Study Supplement from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. This award enables his 2025 international research internship at the University of California, Davis, where he will work with Dr. Ann Marie Dillner and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to analyze black carbon data from Ethiopia.

Black carbon, a byproduct of incomplete combustion, is a major contributor to climate change and air pollution. By absorbing sunlight, it accelerates warming and worsens air pollution, increasing health risks. Addressing these challenges requires innovative research and collaboration.

Under the supervision of UNBC's Northern Analytical Lab Services Director Dr. Hossein Kazemian, Jalil is refining low-cost sensor data with high-precision Aethalometer measurements to improve air quality monitoring. His research bridges local and global efforts, enhancing neighborhood-scale air quality assessments in northern B.C. while contributing to international studies on pollution monitoring. His research clarifies whether pollution stems from biomass burning or fossil fuel combustion, helping shape environmental policies and management strategies.

“Black carbon has significant implications for climate change and public health,” says Jalil. “In regions like northern B.C., better pollution source identification can help communities respond more effectively to air quality threats.”

Jalil’s research enhances air quality tracking, offering insights that could improve pollution response and mitigation efforts. His findings can support targeted policies, such as improving air quality advisories during wildfire season or reducing exposure in urban centres impacted by traffic emissions.

“Ahmad’s work is tackling a critical environmental challenge through his collaboration with NASA and UC Davis,” says UNBC’s Vice President of Research and Innovation, Dr. Paula Wood-Adams. “His research is not only advancing our understanding of black carbon but also contributing to potential solutions for air quality improvements and public health. UNBC is committed to fostering research excellence and equipping students with the knowledge and experience to drive innovation that addresses global environmental and health challenges.”

By refining measurement techniques, Jalil’s research contributes to Canada’s climate and air quality goals and has the potential to benefit rural and Indigenous communities. His findings could play a role in shaping policy decisions at multiple levels of government.

“This research opportunity is invaluable,” says Jalil. “Thanks to UNBC and Dr. Hossein Kazemian, I’ve gained the expertise to contribute to an international project with real-world impact. Aethalometer monitoring in Prince George could strengthen regional air quality policies and public health initiatives.”