Research Scientist Advancing the Science of Microplastics, PFAS, and the Human Exposome
I investigate how plastics and chemical contaminants move through our environment and into our bodies — and translate that science to inform public health, innovation, and global policy.
Lead Scientist at RTI International
Author of Plastics MIT Press
Schmidt Excellence in Science Communication Awardee, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
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Bridging Chemistry, Human Health, and Global Policy
I am an analytical chemist and environmental engineer specializing in advanced mass spectrometry, exposomics, and microplastic characterization. My research integrates:
High-resolution mass spectrometry and non-targeted analysis workflows for emerging contaminants
Microplastics generation and weathering studies
PFAS contaminant detection and transformation
In vitro models to evaluate human health impacts of contaminants
From freshwater systems to human lung cells, my work examines how plastic particles, polymer-associated chemicals and other emerging environmental chemicals transform, persist, and affect biological systems.
I serve as a member of the National Academies Roundtable on Plastics and have attended the United Nations negotiations on the Global Plastics Treaty — helping translate cutting-edge science into actionable policy discussions.
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Research Pillars
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Research Pillars *
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Investigating environmentally relevant plastic particle generation, polymer associated chemical release, and biological impacts across environmental and human exposure pathways.
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Characterizing environmental chemical contamination in surface waters, air filters, biological samples, post-disaster environments, and drinking water systems to inform risk and remediation.
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Applying LC-HRAMS and GC-HRAMS workflows to uncover unknown or emerging contaminants in water, air, consumer products, and biospecimens.
Plastics
A concise, accessible exploration of the science, chemistry, and global consequences of plastic production and pollution.
Published by MIT Press
Also available in Spanish: Plásticos
This book bridges materials science, environmental chemistry, and policy — making the complexity of plastics understandable for students, policymakers, and the public.
Media & Public Communication
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I regularly communicate scientific findings through public lectures, podcasts, webinars, and science writing — translating complex chemistry into clear, evidence-based insight.
Impact SnapshotAuthor of a globally distributed plastics science book
National award recipient for science communication
Principal Investigator on microplastics and PFAS research
Mentor to emerging scientists in analytical chemistry and environmental health