Imari Walker-Franklin
Dr. Imari Walker-Franklin is a research scientist at Research Triangle Institute International. In 2021, Imari completed her PhD at Duke University investigating the release, transformation, and effects of polymer-associated chemicals within aquatic environments. In particular, her dissertation work in the Ferguson Lab Group focused on endocrine-disrupting chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA) that are of concern to human health and the environment.
Before Duke, Imari completed her Bachelor in Marine Science at the University of California, Berkeley. Alongside her work, Dr. Walker-Franklin uses her science communication-based YouTube channel to share information about plastic pollution, microplastics, and chemicals associated with these consumer products.
Dr. Walker-Franklin is a co-author of Plastics, from the MIT Press essential knowledge book series and serves on the advisory board for Beyond Plastics.
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On this aquathread: A double feature with two amazing guests. What it's like to write a 300 page report on plastics policies that makes a big splash, science communication and the next generation, “balance” during grad school, and how bagels can bring people together to move sustainability forward. -
Co-Hosts: Jenna Jambeck and Imari Walker-FranklinGuest: Dr. Kara Lavender Law, Research Professor of Oceanography at Sea Education AssociationOn this aquathread: How an oceanographer became interested in plastics and waste management; what it is like to have your science be used for global policy (like in G7 and G20 declarations); how in the world did we balance infants and scientific working groups; how being on your local solid waste commission can make a difference and why supporting women in oceanography is important. Bonus: Can you pass the SEA Plastics Quiz?Links referenced:SEA Plastics Lab
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On this aquathread: Drs. Walker-Franklin and Jambeck read excerpts from and discuss the making of their MIT Press book, Plastics, out August 22, 2023.
