Department: Physics and Engineering, Xavier University of Louisiana
Biography
Dr. Morewell Gaseller is an experimental physicist whose work focuses on atmospheric aerosols, air quality and environmental monitoring in the Gulf South. He joined Xavier University with a mission to expand both research and community engagement in atmospheric science, using NASA-supported instrumentation and datasets to address environmental and climate challenges affecting the region.
Dr. Gaseller earned his Ph.D. in Physics from Michigan State University. Prior to that, he received an M.Sc. in Applied Physics, and Honors degree in Physics and a B.Sc. in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Zimbabwe.
Research Interests
Dr. Gasseller’s research integrates ground-based and satellite-based Earth observing systems— such as AERONET, PANDORA, the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission, and low-cost PM₂.₅ sensors—to investigate:
Aerosol optical properties and seasonal variability
Saharan dust transport into the Gulf South
Relationships between aerosol optical depth (AOD) and surface PM2.5
Aerosol size distribution and chemical composition
Application of NASA’s Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) data to study aerosol–precipitation interactions
Air quality monitoring in communities around Xavier
He collaborates with the University of Toledo, Tulane University, and local community-based organizations to expand air-quality monitoring networks and develop community-centered climate resilience programs in communities around Xavier (see link: https://instesre.org/ECoSTEM/index.html ).
Teaching & Mentoring
Dr. Gaseller teaches General Physics, Inquiry-based Physics, Earth Science, Advanced Earth Science, and advanced labs for Physics majors. He mentors undergraduate students in atmospheric science research and does outreach programs with STEMNOLA high school fellows on environmental monitoring.
