Daniel’s interest in the protection of the environment started during his undergraduate research studying the impact of agricultural fires and industrial emissions on air quality and human health.
After completing his BA in physics engineering at the Universidad del Cauca, Colombia, he worked for the Colombian Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development. He directed the air quality measurements and the assessment of industrial and vehicular emissions inventory in the Cauca’s region. As he witnessed the impact of air pollution and climate change on many communities, he was motivated to research these environmental threats at the graduate level.
Daniel earned a doctoral degree in atmospheric physics from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). His research focused on the study of aerosol particles that affect air quality and climate. Daniel participated in different NASA sponsored field campaigns across the country analyzing optical and chemical characteristics of air pollutants. Before joining NPCA, he served as an air quality researcher at the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). At MDE, Daniel performed analytical and statistical research on criteria and non-criteria pollutants that led to an increased understanding of types and sources of pollution that deteriorate air quality and human health in the region.
Daniel enjoys visiting the national parks to admire wildlife and to appreciate the grandeur of creation. The Rocky Mountain is his favorite National Park so far. He also enjoys going through local forests to explore trails on his bike. Daniel feels privileged to be able to work on the protection of the National Parks.