From Idaho to MIT, on a quest to cut methane emissions

MIT PhD candidate Audrey Parker researches methane mitigation strategies targeting two major emission sources: dairy farms and coal mines. Her work centers on zeolite-based catalysts doped with copper that accelerate the natural conversion of methane into carbon dioxide. A key insight from her 2025 paper is that the climate benefit of thermal catalytic systems depends heavily on methane concentration levels — too little methane with too much energy input can make the technology net-harmful. Parker also engages in science policy advocacy through MIT Congressional Visit Days and is leading a workshop on financing voluntary carbon markets.