M. McCarthy

Papers

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About

M. McCarthy is a leading environmental researcher whose work focuses on the intersection of satellite remote sensing, air quality, and public health. Their key research areas include aerosol retrieval techniques, wildfire smoke exposure assessment, and the application of high-resolution satellite data to environmental monitoring. McCarthy’s major contribution lies in advancing the use of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data for estimating particulate matter concentrations during wildfire events. Their highly cited 2013 paper, "High‐resolution MODIS aerosol retrieval during wildfire events in California for use in exposure assessment," demonstrated how Collection 5 algorithms can retrieve aerosol optical depth (AOD) at 10×10 km scales, enabling more accurate predictions of surface-level PM2.5 exposure. This work has been instrumental in bridging the gap between satellite observations and human health risk assessments, particularly during catastrophic wildfire seasons. With 18 citations, this foundational study has influenced subsequent research on air pollution epidemiology and emergency response planning. McCarthy’s innovative approach to combining remote sensing with exposure science continues to shape how researchers and policymakers monitor and mitigate the health impacts of wildfire smoke in California and beyond.