Indoor air quality has a direct impact on health, influencing everything from respiratory health to disease transmission. WCEC Co-Director of Engineering Theresa Pistochini is leading efforts to develop smarter HVAC systems that improve air quality in schools. Poor ventilation has been linked to increased absenteeism, and Pistochini’s team is designing automated systems that regulate air exchange and filtration in response to pollution levels — helping to create cleaner indoor environments for students and educators.
This work is part of a broader effort throughout the UC Davis engineering and public health research communities to understand and address indoor air hazards. Experts are investigating how pollutants infiltrate buildings, how airborne pathogens spread, and how ventilation can reduce health risks. These findings are shaping new strategies to create healthier indoor spaces, particularly in schools and workplaces.
