Georgetown University Hired Abigail Dommer
The chemistry professor joined Georgetown in Fall 2026 to lead the new Computational Aerobiology Lab.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Life Sciences
Live Poll
Should scientific research prioritize immediate public health policy over long-term environmental climate studies?
Georgetown University hired chemist Abigail Dommer in Fall 2026. She now leads the newly established Computational Aerobiology Lab in Washington.
Why it matters
The research conducted at the lab aims to deepen scientific understanding of airborne disease transmission and cloud formation. These simulations are intended to provide evidence for the development of future public health policies.
The lab utilizes computational modeling to simulate atomic-level interactions within droplets. Researchers vary atmospheric conditions in their models to observe and measure the behavioral effects on viral particles.
The players
Abigail Dommer
She is a chemistry professor who previously gained recognition for her molecular modeling of viral transmission.
Georgetown University
This private research university located in Washington serves as the site for the new lab.
Haiyan He
She serves as a biology assistant professor at Georgetown University and collaborates on aerobiology research.
Isaac Conde
He is a doctoral student and researcher working within the Computational Aerobiology Lab.
The details
Abigail Dommer designed a complete model of COVID-19 and previously researched sea spray aerosols. At the new lab, she collaborates with biology assistant professor Haiyan He and doctoral student Isaac Conde to study droplets containing organic matter.
Timeline
The New York Times featured Dommer's molecular virus model in 2021.
A second feature on her COVID-19 droplet simulation appeared in 2022.
Georgetown University officially hired Abigail Dommer in Fall 2026.
Deeper Dive
The establishment of the Computational Aerobiology Lab at Georgetown University represents a major shift toward digitized airborne transmission studies. This development formalizes the application of atomic-level droplet modeling to broader public health and atmospheric science disciplines.
The lab's findings regarding airborne droplet behavior could influence future public health standards for indoor air quality. These scientific advancements may eventually inform guidelines for ventilation and infection control in public spaces.
The takeaway
This appointment highlights the growing importance of computational simulations in predicting the behavior of airborne pathogens. Students and researchers can expect the lab to provide new insights into both public health and climate science.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest research at the Life Sciences department.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Hoya.
Live Poll
Should scientific research prioritize immediate public health policy over long-term environmental climate studies?
