Jessica Donohue

I have been a research assistant at SEA for nearly three years studying marine plastic debris from sailing research vessels and in the laboratory. In the laboratory I examine tiny microplastics to gather as much forensic information from each individual piece as possible, including the polymer type, microscopic surface features and size dimensions. This research can help us understand how these polymers behave and degrade in the marine environment, with the ultimate goals to assess their ecological impacts and to find innovative solutions to this pollution problem. I have presented my research at a number of scientific conferences and public outreach events, and this work will allow me to continue developing expertise in the field. I hold a B.S. in environmental geology from Binghamton University, a M.S. from the University of Rhode Island in environmental science/hydrogeology, and also have a background in science education and public outreach.

December 2016