Research in focus: Leili Abkar
Learn more about the work of our researchers at UBC
19 April, 2022
Name:
Leili Abkar
My preferred pronouns:
She/her
Title:
Postdoctoral Fellow
Department/Unit:
Chemical and Biological Engineering
Location:
Vancouver
Year I started working at UBC:
2020
Provide an overview of your research in 75 words or less
My research focuses on inactivating airborne pathogens, specifically SARS-CoV-2 viral surrogates, using ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted via airborne route, and the risk is higher in indoor environments. A variety of control measures have been proposed; however, the need for an effective control measure independent of human behavioural choices has been highlighted. Thus, UV has drawn attraction. While proven effective, reported discrepancies in required doses necessitate a reliable protocol, which is how my research comes to play.
What first motivated you (or motivates you) to conduct your research?
The current pandemic, public fear and confusion, and society's need to access safe and reliable air disinfection technologies have been my primary motivations for this project.
What do you hope will change as a result of this research?
As a result of this project, we hope to provide a thorough guidance to determine and evaluate the efficacy and reliability of UV air disinfection technologies. This consequently helps regulators, policymakers, manufacturers, and their customers with reliable and safe UV air disinfection technologies.
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