The Microplastics Research and Education Center
Our lab is based in Alaska and focuses on understanding microplastics in northern freshwater and coastal ecosystems. We conduct field sampling and laboratory analysis to examine the presence, transport, and impacts of microplastics in environmentally and culturally important waters. By studying how these materials move through aquatic systems, we consider their implications not only for ecosystem function, but also for the communities and subsistence resources connected to these environments. Through rigorous scientific methods and regional research, we aim to generate data that strengthens understanding of microplastics in Arctic and subarctic systems.