Meredith is an assistant professor at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and the Batten School of Coastal & Marine Science at William & Mary. Prior to this, she was a NAS Postdoctoral Research Associate at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, as well as affiliate at Hawaii Pacific University at the Center for Marine Debris Research. Meredith enjoys working with a variety of people to understand more about how to trace and mitigate pollutants in aquatic systems. 

As a research specialist, I assist with various projects and analytical services in the lab. My own PhD research will focus on the environmental impacts caused by derelict fishing traps, in collaboration with the Center for Coastal Resources Management/the National TRAP Program. Prior to coming to VIMS, I was a master’s student and lab technician at the Center for Marine Debris Research in Waimanalo, Hawai’i. Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending time outside, running with friends, and swimming!

Hello! My research aims to understand potential impacts of anthropogenic pollutants on water quality in coastal environments. I am particularly interested in quantifying microplastic and tire wear particle composition and distribution in seagrass meadows, which can inform risk assessment for trophic web intrusion, bioavailability, and ecosystem health. Outside of lab/field work, I like to read, knit, host game nights, and hang out with my cat!

B.A. Biological Foundations of Behavior: Neuroscience, Franklin & Marshall College, 2019

Email: rdudrick@vims.edu

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/robyn-dudrick 

I’m a Master’s Bypass student in the Plastic Pollution lab, where I study the chemical, biological, and physical fate of microplastics and their associated chemicals. My research focuses on two main areas: (1) the leaching and distribution of plastic associated chemicals in microplastic-contaminated systems, and (2) the production, distribution and biological impacts of tire and road wear particles in the Chesapeake Bay. Through this work, I hope to tell the story of how microplastics affect ecosystems- from the movement and accumulation of the particles themselves to the impacts their chemical additives can have on biological communities. Outside of research, I enjoy spending time with my little family, playing board games, reading, and going for runs when I can find the motivation!

Kaleea Korunka is a Chemistry and Environmental Issues double major at William & Mary. She earned honors for her thesis "Microplastic Fiber Contamination in Lake Matoaka: Method Development and Baseline Assessment" and is continuing to pursue her passion for microplastic pollution. Outside the lab she enjoys sewing and painting her 1990 Miata.