Keiara Halcom

Background

About Keiara Halcom

During my final year at Pacific University, I had the pleasure of executing an air quality study under the direction of Dr. Julie Layshock. From June of 2022 through March of 2023 I collected particulate matter samples to evaluate concentrations of copper, lead, nickel, and zinc in the Forest Grove air. The goal of this study was to assess background levels of these metals as well as seasonal PM10 trends. This work was inspired by a desire to better understand the environmental factors that could be influencing the health of our community. Beyond the lab, I have worked extensively in customer service roles for small, privately owned companies. Beginning with my own family’s food truck in high school, I am very familiar with the grit and sacrifices required of small businesses. I am particularly eager to pursue roles that would allow me to continue to support Oregonians in a way that blends my passion of chemistry and sustainability.