University of Nevada, Reno
Environmental Sciences Graduate Program
 

 

 John Sagebiel  
Environmental Health and Safety
Ph.D., University of California, Davis, 1992
jsagebiel@unr.edu
 

Research Interests

The major theme of my research has been to investigate sources of pollutants in the atmosphere and understand their impacts on total pollutant load and photochemical oxidant production One of my goals is to provide the analytical methods, chemical analyses and understanding of the problems and issues surrounding these sources. In this pursuit, I have developed a significant interest in alternative fuels and their emissions and the avoided emissions from replacing fossil fuels. I am also working on the understanding of the abilities of canines to detect various sources and the application of this in environmental research. Lastly, I have experience in solar power and green building as I have built my own home following these principles.

I joined the Environmental Health and Safety Department of the University of Nevada in March 2006 as the Environmental Affairs Manager. I hold a doctorate in Environmental Chemistry and a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Toxicology, both from UC Davis, and I am a LEED Accredited Professional certificate from the US Green Building Council. Prior to assuming my current position, I spent 14 years at the Desert Research Institute doing research primarily on air pollution including source characterization for gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles, wood combustion and other sources. I also developed measurement techniques for photochemical ozone studies and real-time instrumentation for health impact studies. More recent work focused on alternative fuels, alternative energy and sustainability issues. I live with my wife in a sustainable zero-net-energy home in Reno that I monitor and study. My role at EH&S is to assist in reducing the University’s ecological impact, and in helping to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Selected Publications

  • Lev-On, M. LeTavec, C; Uihlein, J.; Alleman, T.L.; Lawson, D.R.; Vertin, K.; Thompson, G.J.; Gautam, M.; Wayne, S.; Zielinksa, B.; Sagebiel, J.; Chatterjee, S.; Hallstrom, K. (2002) “Chemical Speciation of Exhaust Emissions from Truck and Buses Fueled on Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel and CNG”. SAE Paper 2002-01-0432.

  • McDonald J.D., B. Zielinska, E.M. Fujita, J.C. Sagebiel, J.C. Chow, and J.G. Watson. (2003) Emissions from Charbroiling and Grilling of Chicken and Beef. J. Air & Waste Manage. Assoc. 53:185-194

  • Juang, J.; S. Mabury; J. Sagebiel (2000) Hot Chili Peppers: Isolation, Cleanup and Measurement of Capsaicin.” J. Chem. Educ. 12:1630-1631.

  • Teague, S.V., Sagebiel, J.C., Purcell, R.G., Rogers, C.F., Lowenthal, D. and Zielinska, B. (2002) A PM2.5 Inlet Impactor Designed for a High Flow Application. Aerosol Sci. Technol. 36:1029-1032

  • Sagebiel, J.C. and J.N. Seiber (1993). Studies on the Occurrence and Distribution of Wood Smoke Marker Compounds in Foggy Atmospheres. Environ. Toxicol. and Chem., 12, 813-822.

  • Gertler, A.W., J.C. Sagebiel, W.A. Dippel and C.M. O’Connor (1999). The Impact of California Phase 2 RFG on Real-World Vehicle Emissions. JAWMA, 49, 1339-1346.

  • Sagebiel, J.C., B. Zielinska, P.A. Walsh, J. Chow, S.H. Cadle, P.A. Mulawa, K.T. Knapp, R.B. Zweidinger and R. Snow (1997). PM10 Exhaust Samples Collected During IM-240 Dynamometer Tests of In-Service Vehicles in Nevada. Environ. Sci. Tech., 31(1), 75-83.

  • Sagebiel, J.C., B. Zielinska, P.A. Walsh, J. Chow, S.H. Cadle, P.A. Mulawa, K.T. Knapp, R.B. Zweidinger and R. Snow (1997). PM10 Exhaust Samples Collected During IM-240 Dynamometer Tests of In-Service Vehicles in Nevada. Environ. Sci. Tech., 31(1), 75-83.

  • McDonald, J.D., Zielinska, B., E.M. Fujita, J.C. Sagebiel, J.C. Chow, and J.G. Watson (2000). Fine Particle and Gaseous Emission Rates from Residential Wood Combustion. Environ. Sci. Technol. 34:2080-2091.

  • Rogers, C.F.; Sagebiel, J.C.; Zielinska, B.; Arnott, W.P.; Fujita, E.M.; McDonald, J.D.; Griffin, J.B.; Kelly, K.E.; Overacker, D.; Wagner, D.; Lighty, J.S.; Sarofim; A. and Palmer, G. 2003. “Characterization of Submicron Exhaust Particles from Engines Operating Without Load on Diesel and JP-8 Fuels. Aerosol Sci. Technol., 37:355-368.

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