From Rain to DUST: My first Impressions as a MSCA Doctoral Candidate
Blog post from Eleni Kolintziki
Since March 2024, I have been a part of the Doctoral Network on Atmospheric Dust (DUST-DN) as a Marie Skłodowska-Curie PhD fellow. Before this, I spent three years in Ireland, where I earned my Master’s in Environmental Sciences at Trinity College Dublin. My academic and professional background is diverse, covering both industry and research. After considering my career path, pursuing a PhD felt like the next step since it matched my passion for research and scientific inquiry. Originally from Greece, I transitioned easily to life in Cyprus, enjoying the familiar Mediterranean culture and lifestyle.
My PhD project, DC16, focuses on testing Aerotape, an innovative instrument for real-time particle analysis. Aerotape uses an onboard camera to capture two types of images (every ten minutes or 6 pictures per hour) of particles collected on adhesive tape, providing data on their count, size, shape, and colour. This experimental approach gives high-resolution, real-time insights into particulate matter.
Figure 1: Three Aerotape units running in parallel with reference instruments
Figure 2: Aerotape’s internal layout
Upon my arrival in Cyprus, two instruments were already running in parallel, giving me nearly five months of data to process. While challenging, this was a great way to begin my PhD. It helped me quickly learn the mechanics, components, and image-processing workflow of the instrument. Thanks to the large amount of data, we organized two three-month measurement campaigns—one in winter and one in spring—comparing Aerotape to reference instruments. Before these campaigns, we verified the instrument’s precision by analyzing the consistency between the two parallel units.
Figure 3: Examples of images taken by Aerotape
Due to the success of the two campaigns, we decided it would be very beneficial for me to participate in the DUST2025 international conference in Bari, Italy, where I presented a poster summarizing my first findings. This was my first time attending an international conference in person, and the experience was incredibly enriching. I had the chance to attend presentations on dust-related research from scientists worldwide, who use a variety of instruments and measurement techniques. The poster session also allowed me to network with many experts in my field, share valuable insights, and receive helpful recommendations for my project.
Figure 4: Participation in DUST2025 Conference
Being part of a doctoral network is very exciting for me. It offers a chance to connect with peers, collaborate on research, and keep learning while participating in more conferences, summer and winter schools, and workshops.
I am particularly eager to engage in further campaigns in different cities during my secondments. The first of these will take place at Khalifa University from November to December this year, where one of the Aerotapes will be installed on the university’s rooftop. The site features a brand-new atmospheric monitoring station equipped with a wide range of instruments, including OPCs and greenhouse gas (GHG) measurement instruments. It’s a great opportunity to test our instruments’ performance in new environmental and climatic conditions.