She is known for her work on the impact of atmospheric aerosol particles on air quality and climate.
Quinn's early research was on ammonia where she made the first simultaneous measurements of ammonia in both the atmosphere and the ocean.She then linked the cycling of sulfur and nitrogen compounds over the Pacific Ocean and examined an enhancement in cloud condensation nuclei from the oxidation of the sulfur-containing compound dimethylsulfide, research which has implications for the role of sulfur compounds on climate.She has measured aerosol chemical compounds over the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean,and in a time series dating back to 1997 at Utqiaġvik, Alaska.Her research includes investigations into the impact of airborne pollutants in the Arctic, the contribution of sea spray aerosol to cloud condensation nuclei, and the chemistry of sea spray aerosols.