Media, Speaking, Communication
Microplastics, PFAS, and Environmental Health — Expert Commentary & Keynote Speaker
Dr. Imari Walker-Franklin is an environmental chemist and exposomics researcher specializing in microplastics, PFAS contamination, and the human health impacts of plastic pollution. Her work integrates high-resolution mass spectrometry, microplastic characterization, and exposure science to understand how synthetic chemicals move through ecosystems and into the body.
As a recognized microplastics human health expert and plastics policy contributor, she regularly provides scientific insight for journalists, policymakers, industry leaders, and public audiences.
Research and expert commentary have been featured in:
Coverage spans:
Microplastics in air, drinking water, and food
Tire-derived microplastics and respiratory health
PFAS exposure and drinking water contamination
Plastics recycling myths and chemical additives
Environmental justice and plastic production
If you are seeking an environmental chemist for media interviews on plastic pollution health impacts or PFAS regulation, Dr. Walker-Franklin provides evidence-based insight.
Media Features & National Coverage
Television, Documentary & Public Broadcasting
Dr. Walker-Franklin has appeared on national television and documentary programming to discuss microplastics exposure and environmental health risks, including:
Featured guest on Tamron Hall Show discussing food safety and microplastics
Research highlighted in PBS North Carolina’s Science plastics documentary
Interviewed and highlighted in the Plastic People Documentary
Her ability to translate complex chemical exposure science into accessible public messaging makes her a trusted voice in environmental health communication.
As an exposomics researcher and non-target mass spectrometry specialist, Dr. Walker-Franklin participates in in-depth public discussions about emerging contaminants and plastics policy.
Selected appearances include:
Tiny Matters (American Chemical Society podcast)
Important, Not Important podcast
Aquathread (WUGA/NPR affiliate podcast)
Ocean Women podcast
Topics frequently include:
The human health effects of microplastics
Chemical additives in consumer products
Tire-derived particles and lung exposure
PFAS contamination and regulatory science
The Global Plastics Treaty and international policy
Podcasts & Long-Form Scientific Dialogue
Dr. Walker-Franklin delivers keynote lectures and invited presentations for:
Scientific conferences
Industry sustainability forums
Policy roundtables
Academic institutions
Environmental nonprofit organizations
Recent speaking engagements include major conferences focused on toxicology, plastics research, water quality, and sustainable packaging.
As a plastics policy expert and microplastics researcher, she tailors presentations for scientific, regulatory, and general audiences.
Keynote Speaker: Plastics, PFAS & Environmental Chemistry
Award Winning Author & Public Science Communication
Dr. Walker-Franklin is the author of Plastics, published by MIT Press. The book provides an accessible overview of plastic production, microplastics pollution, chemical additives, and policy challenges.
In addition to peer-reviewed research, she writes extensively on:
PFAS contamination in drinking water
Microplastics and plant growth
Chemical exposure disparities
Plastics regulation and treaty negotiations
Environmental health and materials design
Her public scholarship bridges analytical chemistry with societal relevance and has led to winning the 2024 National Academies Eric and Wendy Schmidt Award for Excellence in Science Communication.
