Please contact Dr. Works (keworks@fsu.eu) for additional help: Submission navigation links for Research Symposium Program Portal WF ‹ Previous submission Next submission › Submission information Submission Number: 247 Submission ID: 9095 Submission UUID: 1888cf93-1b7b-4187-bf32-f4dc0c3c0b7c Submission URI: /student-research/symposium/research-symposium-program-portal Submission Update: /student-research/symposium/research-symposium-program-portal?token=gUj00OWWzivKYjL4epTpdrpe8PzL-eaHSbYoanzF-No Created: Mon, 02/02/2026 - 12:02 PM Completed: Mon, 02/02/2026 - 12:16 PM Changed: Mon, 02/02/2026 - 12:16 PM Remote IP address: 146.201.10.6 Submitted by: Anonymous Language: English Is draft: No Webform: Research Symposium Program Portal WF Submitted to: Student Research Symposium Program Portal Primary Student Contact First Name Primary Student Contact Last Name Pronouns Primary Student Contact FSU Student Email Photo of all individuals presenting this work 7e5830ae-ab8c-41ab-aa47-aeb4db3b2a35.jpg114.36 KB Remove Upload requirementsOne file only.2 MB limit. Major(s) of all individuals presenting this work Bio of all individuals presenting this work Hi, I'm Skylar Markee, and my research is on microplastics and how they are affecting the ocean and how they are affecting us and our health. Once I have completed my engineering degree, I hope to pursue a job at the national or state parks to help preserve more of our natural lands and create a way for us to safely explore our wonders without causing any environmental harm. Poster Title Abstract Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges of the 21st century, threatening both marine ecosystems and human health. This study investigates the pervasive dangers of microplastics in oceanic environments and evaluates pathways toward mitigation. Drawing on interdisciplinary evidence from marine biology, toxicology, and environmental policy, the research highlights how microplastics infiltrate food chains beginning with plankton, disrupt reproductive cycles in species such as petrels and sea turtles, and contribute to mortality among endangered dolphins. Parallel findings in human health reveal microplastics present in shellfish, placentas, and breastmilk, raising concerns about long-term toxicological impacts on organ systems and developmental processes. Beyond documenting ecological and biomedical risks, this work emphasizes the urgency of systemic change. Case studies of global initiatives—including the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act and brand audits identifying major corporate polluters—illustrate the need for coordinated legislative and corporate accountability. Finally, the study explores viable alternatives such as bamboo, seaweed polymers, and bagasse, demonstrating the feasibility of transitioning toward sustainable materials. By integrating scientific evidence with policy and community action, this research underscores that reducing plastic consumption is both a collective responsibility and a critical step toward safeguarding planetary and human health. Research Mentor Name Research Mentor's College (or High School) Research Mentor's Department (or Subject) Research Mentor's Email Additional Research Mentor(s) Co-presenter(s) Keywords Poster Session/Number Work Complete Exploratory (the research question has been identified and design of approach is outlined) Presentation Modality Face to Face Poster session Synchronous Online Presentation Asynchronous Online Presentation Poster PDF Upload Upload requirementsOne file only.100 MB limit. Poster Thumbnail Please take a screenshot of your poster to be a thumbnail on your Symposium Program Profile. Upload Upload requirementsOne file only.2 MB limit. I will be printing my poster CAPTCHA What code is in the image? Enter the characters shown in the image. This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. Save Leave this field blank
