Greetings, I am Micah Lee a rising sophomore at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, hailing from West Palm Beach, Florida. At FAMU, I am studying Civil Engineering and hoping to one day get a career in the environmental or construction field. In my free time, I like to read, write poetry, play videogames, and practice volleyball.

My name is Tyler Saxon. I am currently a sophomore at Auburn University. I am pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering with a minor in Business. I love to fly my kite, play board games and video games, and spend time with my family. I grew up in Daphne, Alabama so Mobile is close to home. As a result, the issue of microplastics is quite important to me and I can't wait to investigate it!

My name is Madeline Potter, and I am a junior at the University of South Alabama, majoring in computer engineering.  My research involves artificial intelligence and its applications, currently through developing an artificial intelligence model that detects colorectal cancer in images of mice.  Outside of research, I am active in many extracurricular activities on my campus, including being an Engineering Ambassador for my university and president of my university's IEEE-HKN chapter, the Theta Lambda chapter.  After completing my Bachelor's degree, my goals are to finish my Master's degree through the ABM program, and complete my PhD after that.

 I'm Kyle Kovalchick, an electrical engineering student at the University of South Alabama with a strong interest in embedded systems, software development, and aerospace technology. I'm Vice President of our AIAA chapter, where I help support student-led engineering projects like high-powered rocketry. Outside of class, I spend a lot of time working on embedded systems and custom electronics mostly for fun, but also to keep building my skills. I’ve worked professionally as a software engineer and enjoy taking on technical challenges that blend hardware and software. Long term, I’m aiming to work in the aerospace or embedded systems industry, ideally somewhere I can keep pushing the boundaries of what small devices can do.  

Victoria Greene is an undergraduate student at Mississippi State University, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology with a concentration in Conservation Biology. She has actively contributed to multiple undergraduate research projects, focusing on the methods of extraction and distribution of microplastics. Recently, Victoria expanded her research interests by working with cartilagenous fishes, gaining valuable hands-on experience in marine biology. Outside of her academic pursuits, she is passionate about photography and enjoys surfing, which deepen her appreciation for nature and the marine environment.

Katie Hallee is a rising senior from Wheaton College Massachusetts. She is studying environmental science with a biology concentration and minoring in public policy. At Wheaton, Katie is a member of the Outdoors Club, Women’s Lacrosse team, and Women in STEM club. Katie is particularly interested in microplastic mitigation and remediation research because of the intersections to environmental toxicology and marine conservation. She hopes to implement what she learns during the USA REU in her future career as a marine conservation scientist in Maine , where she grew up.

My name is Madison Jefferson, and I am a senior Mechanical Engineering student at Mississippi State University, originally from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. I enjoy learning new things and exploring a wide range of topics, especially those that connect engineering with real-world impact. I had the privilege of interning at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where I conducted research focused on reducing the carbon footprint of cement in concrete. This experience significantly enhanced my research capabilities and deepened my understanding of the critical role environmental justice plays in the field of mechanical engineering.

I am eager to serve as an NSF REU Fellow this summer at the University of South Alabama, where I look forward to further developing my research skills and contributing to advancements in sustainable and socially responsible engineering practices.

Raised in Hayden Alabama, Elizabeth Alexander is an undergraduate student at Troy University with a major in physics and a minor in Astrophysics. At Troy, she is president of the physics club as well as the astronomy club, and she is an active member of the Sound of the South marching band. Her goals for the future are to obtain a PhD in physics and do research in material sciences to help the environment. In her free time she enjoys reading, playing video games, and playing sports with friends.

I am an undergraduate studying Marine Science at the University of South Alabama. I am specifically interested in marine conservation, behavioral ecology, and sustainability. Some of my hobbies include working out, reading fantasy/action, and doing anything outdoors! I am excited to take part of the NSF REU program on targeting microplastics to contribute to marine and environmental research.

My name is Zachary Beneke. I am a rising junior at the University of South Alabama pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. I am an ambassador in the Honors College at South Alabama and involved in the Honors Art Club. I am an Eagle Scout with a passion for the environment and hope to implement that in my future career as a mechanical engineer. Some of my hobbies include playing basketball, video games, working out and spending time with friends and family.