Welcome Lea Hildebrandt Ruiz
Lea Hildebrandt Ruiz
Assistant Professor
McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering
Lea Hildebrandt Ruiz joined the department from Carnegie Mellon University, where she received her doctorate in chemical engineering and engineering and public policy. Hildebrandt Ruiz received her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the California Institute of Technology.
The ultimate goal of her research in air quality and atmospheric chemistry is to make better-informed recommendations for environmental policies aimed at improving air quality and human health. An important focus of her work is the formation, growth and chemical transformation of atmospheric nanoparticles (“aerosols”), and their effects on atmospheric chemistry.
What attracted you to The University of Texas at Austin?
Major factors that attracted me include the collegiality among faculty, the quality of teaching and research at UT Austin, and the quality of the students.
What are your impressions of Austin so far?
I like living in Austin (even though it is too hot in the summer).
What are your favorite hobbies outside of work?
I like to be outside – hiking, biking, running….