Sebastian Brill

Biosphere atmosphere interactions in the Amazon rainforest

My research focuses on understanding how the Amazon rainforest interacts with the atmosphere. I study which particles are emitted by the biosphere, how these particles are transported through the atmosphere, and how changing atmospheric conditions can influence the forest ecosystem in return. A central aspect of this work is the role of climate change and its potential impact on biological particle emissions, atmospheric chemistry, fog formation, cloud processes, and precipitation.

A special focus of my research lies on biogenic aerosol particles, especially primary biological aerosol particles such as fungal spores and other biological material. These particles can influence atmospheric processes and are an important link between ecosystem activity and climate relevant processes. By combining field measurements, automated instrumentation, microscopy, and data analysis, I investigate how biological emissions shape the atmosphere above one of the most important ecosystems on Earth.

Instrument development and automated measurements with RoLi

During my PhD, I developed and established a new automated measurement platform for atmospheric research at the Amazon Tall Tower Observatory in Brazil. At this remote rainforest research station, with its 325 m tall tower, I deployed and operated the robotic lift system RoLi for high resolution vertical profile measurements.

With RoLi, I investigated vertical particle transport, atmospheric turbulence, and changing aerosol conditions in relation to seasons, weather patterns, and climatic conditions. I accompanied the project from the initial idea through design, technical development, testing, field deployment, operation, and scientific data analysis. Over the course of the project, RoLi completed around 6200 vertical profiles at the 325 m tower, corresponding to more than 2000 km of vertical travel.

This work gave me extensive experience in technical instrument development, automated measurement systems, field operations, project coordination, troubleshooting, and data driven process analysis. Operating a complex measurement platform under challenging rainforest conditions required practical problem solving, interdisciplinary communication, and reliable project management. These skills are directly transferable to research and development, environmental technology, biotechnology, product development, and industrial data analysis.

Advanced single particle analysis

I use scanning electron microscopy and scanning transmission X ray microscopy to analyze individual aerosol particles in detail. For part of this work, I used the MAXYMUS scanning transmission X ray microscope at the BESSY II synchrotron in Berlin. These advanced analytical techniques provide detailed information on particle morphology, chemical composition, and mixing state.

By combining single particle analysis with atmospheric field measurements, I can connect the physical and chemical properties of particles to their biological sources and atmospheric processing. This approach provides insight into how particles are formed, transformed, and transported in the atmosphere.

The experience gained from this work is highly relevant beyond atmospheric science. It connects to analytical method development, quality control, material characterization, environmental monitoring, microscopy based diagnostics, and technology driven research environments where complex data and precise measurement techniques are essential.