CURRENT PROJECTS
BEMAST
The Biological and Environmental Monitoring and Archival of Sea Turtle Tissues (BEMAST) is a long term, collaborative study that collects biological samples from sea turtles in the Pacific Ocean to monitor their health and pollution exposure.
Derelict Fishing Gear
CMDR removes, characterizes, and sources Derelict Fishing Gear (DFG), or “ghost nets” from the marine environment to understand their composition and source back where they are coming from. We also study the impacts of DFG to coral reefs.
Recycling Marine Debris
CMDR aims to accelerate marine debris removal by turning the pollution into a valuable resource for local necessary infrastructure products. We will achieve this through a comprehensive process that includes detecting, removing, storing, transporting, sorting, reporting, and repurposing plastic pollution.
Training in Plastics Circularity (TIPC)
CMDR is dedicated to educating students and the community on circular economy practices through our short course series and minor program at HPU.
Method Development
CMDR develops methods to quantify nano- to microplastics as well as plastic additives in various environmental matrices with focus on accuracy and precision.
Polymer Weathering
CMDR investigates the chemical, physical, and biological changes during weathering of plastic pollution.
Plastic Ingestion
CMDR quantifies and categorizes ingested plastic from sea birds, sea turtles, and fish.
Repurpose Plastic Pollution
CMDR works with partners to recycle plastic pollution removed from the ocean into infrastructure and tests leaching of microplastics and plastic additives from these newly engineered products.