Environmental Health Sciences PhD Student Studies Air Quality in Saudi Arabia

ALBANY, N.Y. (Oct. 9, 2024) Environmental Health Sciences PhD student Yousef Alsufayan came to the University at Albany College of Integrated Health Sciences from Saudi Arabia, determined to learn in-depth about health effects of the environment and the development and implementation of policies that protect health. 

“Living in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, a heavily industrialized region, I witnessed firsthand how environmental factors adversely affected the health of vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly in my own family. The prevalence of severe asthma and pulmonary diseases was alarming,” Alsufayan says. “This personal experience ignited a passion in me to delve deeper into understanding these health issues. I became determined to explore how policymakers could shape effective strategies to protect individual health, with a particular focus on safeguarding children from severe respiratory conditions.” 

Alsufayan chose UAlbany’s Department of Environmental Health Sciences due to its strong reputation in the field, along with the opportunity to work with Associate Professor Haider Khwaja, research scientist at the New York State Department of Health’s Wadsworth Center. Khwaja studies fine particulate matter, environmental chemistry related to air and water quality, cloud water chemistry, and acid rain. He has published more than 75 papers in peer-reviewed international journals, including Environmental Pollution, Atmospheric Environment, and Environmental Science and Technology. 

“Dr. Khwaja’s extensive research on PM2.5—fine particulate matter—and its health impacts from various emission sources aligns perfectly with my interests. Moreover, his work involving data from Saudi Arabia offered a unique opportunity to contribute to research directly relevant to my home country,” Alsufayan says. 

Under Khwaja, Alsufayan is analyzing the composition of PM2.5 particles in Makkah, Saudi Arabia to identify major emission sources and assess their impact on air quality and public health. Air quality monitoring data was taken at various locations throughout Makkah for over a year to better understand the changes in air quality throughout the seasons. 

“The goal is to understand how urban development and the large number of pilgrims contribute to air pollution,” Alsufayan explains. “By identifying the primary sources and compositions of PM2.5, we aim to propose effective management strategies and policy recommendations to improve air quality and protect the health of residents and visitors.” 

In particular, Alsufayan is interested in the development and implementation of policies that protect individual health and the environment while allowing businesses and public health initiatives to coexist responsibly. 

“I believe that through strategic policymaking, it's possible to promote sustainable industrial practices that minimize health risks without hindering economic growth. This intersection of public health and environmental policy is crucial for creating a healthier future for all,” he says. 

After completing his academic program at UAlbany, Alsufayan plans to return to Saudi Arabia to teach at King Faisal University. 

“In the long term, I aspire to pursue entrepreneurial ventures focused on sustainable development and environmental consulting, aiming to bridge the gap between industry practices and public health needs,” he says.