His field of research is atmospheric science and trace gas biogeochemistry, and his research group measures the biosphere-atmosphere exchange of environmentally important trace gases. The group works in a wide range of natural and human-dominated ecosystems, including Arctic tundra, temperate grasslands, salt-affected lands, arid and semi-arid shrublands, boreal forest, temperate forest, and tropical ecosystems. Several field sites are local, and the group has worked in several regional and state parks in the Bay Area. The research is very interdisciplinary, involving the tools of analytical and atmospheric chemistry, soil geochemistry and microbiology, plant biology and genetics, ecosystem ecology and physical geography. Dr. Rhew is a Resident Faculty member for Units 1 and 4.