UAlbany Mobile Air Quality Lab Visits South Colonie Middle School

By Mike Nolan

ALBANY, N.Y. (June 3, 2026) — South Colonie students received a unique science lesson last week when the University at Albany’s air quality lab on wheels rolled into Lisha Kill Middle School.

UAlbany’s mobile laboratory, operated by the Atmospheric Sciences Research Center (ASRC), is a customized 2007 Dodge Sprinter van equipped with scientific instruments that monitor air quality from the back of the vehicle. 

As it travels through neighborhoods, the mobile lab measures tiny particles and pollutants in the air in real time, helping researchers better understand local air quality and identify areas with higher pollution levels.

The students at Lisha Kill, part of the South Colonie School District, entered the mobile lab to see the instrumentation in action. The ASRC research team, led by Jie Zhang, spoke to the students about air pollution, explained the pollutants the lab measures, and guided them through several hands-on activities.

“Our mobile lab tour gives students a chance to see how science connects directly to the communities where they live,” said UAlbany Atmospheric Sciences Research Center Director Chris Thorncorft. “By bringing our research tools into local schools, we hope to spark curiosity about atmospheric science and show students how air quality impacts everyday life.”

"STEM education opportunities like these are critical to preparing our students for the careers and challenges of tomorrow,” said Gregory Bearup, South Colonie Supervisor of STEAM Programming. “When we can bring real-world science experiences like this mobile laboratory directly to our middle schoolers, we're showing them that science is alive, relevant, and accessible.” 

In 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Congressman Paul Tonko awarded funding for a project that is using data collected by UAlbany’s mobile lab to help build an air quality monitoring network across Capital Region communities.

ASRC is now pursuing funding for a second mobile lab that can specifically detect PFAS in the air — an emerging area of public health concern.

The South Colonie visit was part of the ASRC's 2026 Mobile Lab Outreach Tour, designed to elevate science education and inspire the next generation of atmospheric scientists at locations across the Capital Region.

Photos by Brian Busher