Bill Simpson

Dr. William (Bill) Simpson serves as Professor of Chemistry at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the Geophysical Institute, where he leads groundbreaking research in Arctic radical chemistry and atmospheric processes. His work through the Simpson Research Laboratory employs advanced spectroscopic instruments and laser-based technologies to investigate how radical chemistry affects Arctic pollutants, including organics and mercury, in a rapidly changing Arctic environment. After earning his B.A. from Swarthmore College and Ph.D. from Stanford University, he has established himself as a leading expert in snow chemistry and Arctic atmospheric research, with significant contributions to understanding halogen chemistry, snow physics, and Arctic pollution. As the principal investigator of the ALPACA project, he investigates pollution processes under extreme Arctic conditions, particularly focusing on how Arctic cities like Fairbanks manage severe wintertime pollution challenges. His research has proven crucial for understanding the fate of pollutants in the Arctic environment, especially regarding fine particulate matter and its health implications, while his innovative use of laser-based and passive optical absorption technologies has advanced our understanding of trace gases and reactive radicals in Arctic environments.