The National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) is pleased to announce Dr. Sarah Benish as its new Principal Investigator and Coordinator, based at the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene at the University of Wisconsin–Madison starting November 17, 2025.
Dr. Benish brings extensive expertise in atmospheric chemistry, air quality modeling, and environmental policy. She earned her Ph.D. in Atmospheric and Oceanic Science from the University of Maryland, where her research combined atmospheric measurements and modeling to improve understanding of pollutant transport and deposition. Her connection to NADP began early in her career as the MD99 site operator for the combined NADP and CASTNET site in Beltsville, Maryland, providing her with firsthand insight into the operational and quality assurance aspects of national monitoring networks.
Dr. Benish joins NADP from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where she has led a multidisciplinary team developing Clean Air Act regulations for the power sector, translating complex atmospheric data into actionable policy. This experience bridging science and policy will be valuable as NADP continues to connect efficient monitoring to environmental research and effective decision making.
As NADP Coordinator, Dr. Benish will oversee the program’s national monitoring networks, support collaborative research across partner institutions, and guide strategic initiatives that enhance NADP’s role in understanding and managing atmospheric deposition and its impacts on ecosystems and public health.
Dr. Benish succeeds Dr. David Gay, who will retire at the end of the year after 22 years of dedicated service to NADP. Dr. Gay’s leadership has been instrumental in expanding NADP’s scientific reach, strengthening its national monitoring networks, and fostering collaborations that have advanced the understanding of atmospheric deposition across North America. The NADP community extends its deepest gratitude for his many contributions and lasting impact on the program’s success.