She is known for her work on the impact of atmospheric aerosol particles on air quality and climate.
In 1988, she earned her Ph.D. from the University of Washington and transitioned into an associate professor position there.
Starting in 1993 she also has a position at the Pacific Marine Environmental Lab of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency.
[1] In 2020, Quinn was appointed the editor-in-chief of the section on 'Aerosols' for the journal Atmosphere.
[9][10] Her research includes investigations into the impact of airborne pollutants in the Arctic,[11][12] the contribution of sea spray aerosol to cloud condensation nuclei,[13] and the chemistry of sea spray aerosols.