Meet the Air Team: Dr. Annareli Morales
Published on October 31, 2024
Air quality is a hot topic in Weld County. Meet Dr. Annareli Morales, Air Quality Policy Analyst at the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment. Dr. Morales’ focus is air quality education, advocacy and community health.
Dr. Morales’ journey to this role was not straightforward, but rather a testament to her passion for science and her desire to make a meaningful impact.
“This isn’t something I pictured myself doing as a child, I didn’t even know this could be a career!” she reflects.
Her academic path, which included a bachelor's degree in Atmospheric Science and Geology, a master's in Atmospheric Science, and a PhD in Atmospheric and Space Sciences, was driven by an early fascination with how different components of the environment intersect.
“I was learning about what’s going on in the sky and what’s going on the ground, but how do I link these together? People. The dust that comes from the earth and goes into the air—we’re breathing it. My curiosity about this connection started it all,” she said.
Dr. Morales joined the Weld County team over a year and a half ago, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to public health. Her role involves a comprehensive review of data, legislation, and regulations related to air quality. She gathers input from a diverse range of sources, both within and outside local government, and provides expert recommendations to our Board of County Commissioners and leadership across several departments. Her expertise makes her a vital resource for boards, staff, towns, cities, and the public.
One of the driving forces behind Dr. Morales' dedication is her personal experience with air quality issues. During the devastating Boulder fires in 2020 and 2021, she faced firsthand the challenges of managing air quality for her family and pets.
“We had to have our vital documents and a to-go bag ready in case we had to evacuate,” she recalled. “I had to weigh the risks of keeping the windows open or closed given we had no air conditioning, but the smoke could get worse at night. ”
This experience was a turning point for her, deepening her understanding of the impact air quality can have on daily life.
Dr. Morales recognizes the importance of education and awareness of how what’s in the air can impact our health.
“Air quality is something you don’t really think about until it affects you, like if you have asthma, or unless you can see it, like during wildfires” she noted.
Her work is centered around educating the public on air quality issues and advocating for data-driven, practical, and effective regulations and policies. While those policies can change, her effort to provide key and accurate information about air quality drives her as a public health employee.
“This isn’t about me; it’s about the wellness of the general public. Sometimes officials don’t listen, but it’s up to me to keep trying because I represent the voice of residents when it comes to regulations and legislation at the state capitol,” she said.
Her commitment to public health is evident in her daily choices, such as using public transportation and minimizing driving, which reflects her dedication to reducing her own contribution to emissions that can cause unhealthy air quality.
One of the primary concerns for Dr. Morales is ozone pollution. Unlike wildfire smoke, which is visible and odorous, ozone is a pollutant that cannot be seen or smelled, making it a more insidious threat. Dr. Morales emphasizes the importance of understanding the different pollutants and their sources. Data from air quality monitors across the county indicate that pollutants are higher near areas of higher population density, for example Missile Site Park monitors consistently show higher ozone concentrations than the monitors in Hereford and Orchard.
Ultimately, Dr. Morales views air quality as a shared responsibility.
“When people ask, ‘is the air quality good?’ My response is often, ‘well it depends.’ What pollutant are we talking about? How much and for how long are you exposed to it? Air that doesn’t impact me may impact you, it depends on what your body reacts to or not. I want to be a resource to the community so they can educate themselves on air quality and what it means for them personally,” she explained.
Through her work, Dr. Morales exemplifies the intersection of science and public service, striving to ensure air quality in Weld County is a topic that is discussed and understood. Her journey, driven by curiosity and a commitment to public health, showcases the critical role of dedicated professionals in tackling complex environmental challenges.