Imari Walker-Franklin

Dr. Imari Walker-Franklin is a research chemist at RTI International that contributes research to determining human and environmental exposure to potentially harmful substances. One project includes working to understand the release and effect of microplastics and microplastic associated chemicals within human tissues and simulated human fluids. In 2021, Imari completed her PhD at Duke University investigating the release, transformation and effects of polymer associated chemicals within aquatic environments. Imari Walker-Franklin and Jenna Jambeck are the co-authors of the book Plastics (2023), which is a part of the MIT Essential Knowledge Series. Dedicated to science communication and outreach, Dr. Walker-Franklin created a plastic pollution focused YouTube channel, participated in podcasts, provided scientific expertise to journal articles, and participated in public speaking science events for general audiences. Dr. Walker-Franklin serves as a member of the National Academies Roundtable on Plastic Pollution and was awarded the National Academies: Eric and Wendy Schmidt Award for Excellence in Science Communications. Dr. Walker-Franklin’s research interests include plastic pollution, emerging contaminants, and analytical chemistry.