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

Email: Meredith.Seeley@vims.edu

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!

Email: cewardinski@vims.edu

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!

Email: wdgreen@vims.edu

Kaleea Korunka is William & Mary graduate with a double major in Chemistry and Environmental Issues. 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 pollution at VIMS, earning her Masters of Arts. Outside the lab she enjoys sewing and painting her 1990 Miata.

Email: kekorunka@vims.edu  

Emily is a PhD student in the Multispecies Research Group, working in the Plastic Pollution Lab to study how microplastics accumulate in sandbar sharks and other elasmobranchs in the Chesapeake Bay. She earned her master’s degree in Environmental Diplomacy at DePaul University in 2024. Outside of research, she loves to read, spend time with her dog and cats, and anything to do with the ocean. 

Email: eeechevarria@vims.edu

Tej is a PhD student in Mulholland’s Marine Nitrogen and Carbon Biogeochemistry Group at Old Dominion University. She collaborates with Seeley’s lab to study microplastics in the lower Chesapeake Bay. Her research focuses on (a) quantifying microplastics in tidal floodwaters around Norfolk, (b) quantifying microplastics released during sediment resuspension processes in the Lafayette River, Norfolk and (c) how microplastics can impact phytoplankton metabolism. Prior to this, she worked as Assistant Professor in Biotechnology Department at St. Josephy's University, Bangalore, India. Outside of her work, she enjoys experimenting with new recipes, exploring farmer markets, and watching sunsets.

Flora is an Environmental Science major at William and Mary. She has been passionate about microplastic pollution since she was eleven and enjoys learning more about it. She also loves working with fish, and previously raised catfish at one of Virginia's Aquaculture Research Units. Outside the lab Flora likes to explore forests, get muddy, and knit and crochet.