NAS Appoints Chow to BEST

The National Academy of Sciences has appointed Desert Research Institute scientist Dr. Judith Chow, one of the world's leading air quality researchers, to a three-year term on the academy's prestigious Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology (BEST). BEST's mission is to provide independent expert assistance to the federal government and advice to the nation on science and technology affecting public policy on environmental and ecological problems.

DRI President Stephen G. Wells notes, "Chow's research projects have been among the most significant air quality studies in the U.S. and the world, and her research results have been influential in national and international decisions to implement prevention and mitigation strategies."

A member of DRI's Division of Atmospheric Sciences since 1985, Chow has directed a worldwide program of research at DRI focusing on the detection and analysis of extremely small airborne particulates that affect human respiratory health and impair scenic visibility. Chow has been the leading scientist on more than 45 large air quality studies and many smaller projects with a total contract value exceeding $30 million.

Last June, Chow received the Frank A. Chambers Award, the top honor from the Air and Waste Management Association, which is the world's largest air quality research association. In 2001, she was named Regents Researcher as the top scientist in the University and Community College System of Nevada.