Jenny Rissler

My primary academic contributions lie in the fields of environmental science, aerosol technology, and occupational health, with a particular focus on the health effects of aerosols and the sustainable management of waste byproducts. Specifically, I have worked on the secondary use of ash from waste incineration. Much of my research is interdisciplinary, bridging gaps between emissions, exposure, and the health effects of airborne particles, as well as between fundamental research and applied science. My work is aimed at advancing the understanding of environmental health risks, promoting safer industrial practices, and supporting the transition towards a circular economy.

I have a strong interest and expertise in the physicochemical characterization of materials and emissions, particularly when motivated by their toxicological properties. More specifically I have worked with applications of synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopy. For example, I have applied X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) to study transition metals in ash from waste incineration, which is essential for both recycling efforts and environmental safety. I have also employed this technique to study air pollution particles and their transformation. I was part of initiating and developing the new sample environment for in-flight XPS studies of aerosol particles, and engineered nanoparticles.

Additionally, I have focused on the deposition of inhaled particles in the respiratory tract, drawing from my experience in research and development within the medical industry. One area of particular interest has been children’s exposure and the deposition of particles in their respiratory systems.