HI THERE! I’M SAGAR RATHOD
Come Explore
Thanks for visiting! Explore this site to learn more about my research and my broader research interests post-graduation. If you have questions or would like to discuss an opportunity to work together, feel free to get in touch, at
ABOUT
I am a PhD student at the Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA, working on atmospheric emissions of particulate metals and their interactions with Earth's radiation and ocean biogeochemistry. I am an environmental engineer by training with experience in water and wastewater treatment, and my graduate education and research has focussed on particulate matter emissions and air-quality from local to global scales.
WHAT I AM CURRENTLY WORKING ON
Currently I am looking at the atmospheric release of particulate metals from anthropogenic activities such as coal combustion and smelting, putting them in a Earth system model (CESM-CAM5) and estimating their impacts on Earth's radiation budget (radiative forcing) as well as on ocean biology after their deposition. I am also looking at metal emissions from mining and smelting activities toward present-day and future renewable energy device manufacturing and comparing their impacts with a fossil-fueled scenario. Solar panels and wind turbines require rare-earth metals that are mining-intensive and hence generate a lot of air pollution in the process: I am quantifying that.
WHAT I AM LOOKING TO WORK ON AFTER GRADUATION
To connect dots. I am interested in development engineering in low- and middle-income countries with a focus on food, water, and air (security and quality). An example project that would interest me is: 'Water security in Libya in 2050: the role of current policies, climate change, and external factors'. A project of this scale would require inputs from engineers, climate scientists, political scientists, sociologists, and the local communities. I am NOT the most interested in only running climate models or only doing engineering calculations (such as the scale of a dam required in ensuring proper hydraulics) since they often form only a small fraction of the total inputs required in decision-making. I am interested in bridging knowledge gaps, especially the technical ones.
I'll more than appreciate any inputs, suggestions, connections, and discussions on these topics!
(since university emails expire after graduation!)
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."