Misha's research consists of developing and testing a denuder for use in the Speciation Air Sampling System (SASS) as part of the Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNET). Since denuder sampling is usually expensive and time consuming, CASTNET currently uses a multiple-filter canister for sampling all target species; this limits CASTNET's ability to quantify important gaseous species such as ammonia. Through addition of compact, robust, easily extractable denuders, this research is aimed toward the addition of ammonia, nitric acid, and sulfur dioxide measurement to CASTNET's repertoire. These data would enhance our understanding of species partitioning and dry deposition.

Misha joined the Collett group in January 2007 after completing undergraduate work at the Colorado College, where she worked on a number of ecological and environmental chemistry projects; these include a botanical survey of local mountain parks for the Colorado Spring city council under Dr. Tass Kelso, a trail-use vegetation impact study, and a water and air quality survey over a number of Colorado Springs area watersheds under Dr. Howard Drossman. She also participated in a fire-ecology rodent population study under Dr. Andrea Litt of the University of Arizona.

In her free time, Misha enjoys rock climbing and cross-training for climbing, reading, drawing, and watching movies. She's really proud of her dog, who recently climbed some good-sized rocks herself.

Schurman, M., Collett, J.L., Jr., Hering, S.V., Day, D.E., Malm, W.C., and Lee, B. (2008). Developing and Testing Prototype Compact Denuders for Ambient Air Sampling Applications. AAAR 27th Annual Conference, October 20 - 24, 2008, Orlando FL. Submitted.

Kelso, T. and Schurman, M. (2003). The Puzzling Purples: Viola Selkirkii, Viola Adunca, and the Viola Sororia Complex in Colorado. Aquilegia 27(4):3-4.