Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)

Research institution that investigates physical and chemical processes, with a focus on aerosols, particles and clouds

Courses

Civil and Enivronmental Engineering (Course 1)
Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences (Course 12)
Materials Science and Engineering (Course 3)

Location

Leipzig

Host Type

Research

TROPOS, a lab located in Leipzig’s Science Park, focuses its research on atmospheric studies, namely the meteorology and chemistry of the troposphere.  It highlights research relating to the relationship between human health and climate, as well as how human activities impact climate, especially in terms of pollution.  In addition, the institute creates and applies numerical models that reach from process models to regional simulations of the formation, transformation, and effects of tropospheric multiphase systems.  TROPOS boasts top research collaborations within the historic university community that Leipzig offers.

Student Story|Elizabeth Rider, EAPS '17

Elizabeth Rider, EAPS '17

Elizabeth Rider after her return from Leizpig

At TROPOS, I spent most of my time in the lab preparing samples and performing a two-dimensional chromatography analysis. Working with my supervisor, we analyzed the results using R and Excel. While my supervisor had a much stronger chemistry background, I was able to provide insight toward the meteorological forces at play, calculating back-trajectories for various samples to detect possible sources of pollutants.

From my time at ETH-Zurich and in Leipzig, I felt that people generally put a lot more faith in science and data than they do in the US. Science and science education are very well respected and a concern for the environment is more of the rule than the exception.

Though I have had previous opportunities to travel, nothing really compared to spending an entire summer in another country. I was able to learn so much about myself personally and how that will influence my professional goals. I gained a new appreciation for a new city and culture. I am much more confident now in my ability to adapt to new situations and environments.

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