Dr. Nowak is interested in the measurement of atmospheric trace gases for understanding chemical transformations and transport in the atmosphere, and the impact of these processes on climate, air quality, health, and ecosystems. His current work focuses on airborne measurements of water vapor, carbon monoxide, methane, and carbon dioxide using different spectroscopic techniques to study air quality and climate. Dr. Nowak’s previous work includes: the development, characterization, and deployment of Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry (CIMS) instrumentation for airborne measurements of tropospheric trace gases, e.g., ammonia and nitric acid; using various Chemical Ionization techniques with time-of-flight mass spectrometry to measure highly oxidized gas phase precursors for organic aerosol and aerosol composition; and measuring greenhouse gases, methane and nitrous oxide, and aerosol precursors, ammonia and nitric acid, via direct absorption spectroscopy.