EPISODE 32

We are back! In this new episode of the Evidence to Impact podcast, host Michael Donovan speaks with Dr. Jill Felker, along with student researchers Shantelle Duarte and Vinh Lu, about their work studying microplastics in the Delaware River Watershed and the community impact of their research. The conversation explores how an unexpected discovery of microplastics in environmental samples led to a broader research collaboration through Penn State’s Presidential Public Impact Research Awards (PPIRA) program. The team discusses what they have learned about microplastics in freshwater environments, including the presence of hundreds of microplastics in samples from Blue Marsh Lake and the discovery of antibiotic-resistant bacteria associated with the plastics. They also discuss the importance of studying a popular recreational and drinking-water resource and communicating scientific findings with communities. 

The episode also highlights the hands-on learning and leadership experiences that Shantelle and Vinh gained through the project, as well as the team’s partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and the Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center. Dr. Felker, Shantelle and Vinh reflect on how the PPIRA program supported their research, community engagement and professional development, while Dr. Felker shares how the research is continuing through new collaborations and expansion into the Carlisle area and the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The episode also looks ahead to the continued growth of PPIRA and its next cohort of faculty-student impact teams working with communities across Pennsylvania. 

Resources & Links Mentioned: 

Project Spotlight: https://research.psu.edu/impact-story/driving-forward-positive-change-in-pennsylvania-communities-through-scholarship/

Presidential Public Impact Research Awards (PPIRA):  https://evidence2impact.psu.edu/presidential-strategic-initiative-on-public-impact-research/  

DCNR: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr  

Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center:  https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/nolde-forest-environmental-education-center  

Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM): https://www.dickinson.edu/allarm  

Delaware River Watershed: https://www.delriverwatershed.org/overview  

Blue Marsh Lake: https://www.nap.usace.army.mil/bluemarshlake/

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