Boats on lake

Anthony Wexler

Anthony Wexler

Current positions

  • Director, Air Quality Research Center, University of California, Davis
  • Distinguished Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California, Davis

Education

  • BS in Engineering Physics at UC Berkeley 
  • SM in Mechanical Engineering at MIT 
  • PhD in Mechanical Engineering 

What’s your expertise?

I study the physical and chemical properties of particles in the atmosphere related to air pollution and climate change. I also study how these particles harm human health, including pulmonary, cardiovascular and neurological health effects.

What was your childhood nickname?

Tony.

What did you dream of being when you were a kid?

I didn’t have any ambitions!

What was your favorite band when you were in high school?

The Stones.

How did you fall in love with science?

Since I can remember, I was interested in science-y stuff and building things.

What’s your greatest scientific triumph?

During my PhD, I figured out how to mathematically model particle dynamics in the atmosphere. Many investigators worldwide use this framework for air pollution and climate modeling.

What’s your greatest scientific tragedy?

For about 15 years, I have been trying to measure the location in the lungs of particles that deposit there. I’m going to figure this out someday. No one has been able to do this yet.

What’s your retirement career?

My brother and I built a 2-person kayak in high school and about 25 years ago I built a sailboat. Last year I designed and built kayaks for my nephews. I might build boats.


Learn more about Anthony Wexler.