MacArthur Fellow Tackles “The Plastic Problem”
Jenna Jambeck was named a 2022 MacArthur Fellow for her research in plastic pollution. Her work is critical for the health of our planet.
Dr. Jambeck, Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor in Environmental Engineering, is internationally recognized for her work in plastic waste and marine debris. Her research provided the first estimate of the amount of plastic waste entering the ocean each year: a staggering 8 million metric tons. That’s more than a dump truck of plastics every minute.
“The University of Georgia is incredibly proud of Dr. Jambeck for this exceptional achievement. Her groundbreaking research exemplifies UGA’s land-grant mission to share knowledge generated through innovative scholarship and to leverage this knowledge to advance communities and the broader world. Our entire university congratulates Jenna on this significant honor.”
Jere W. Morehead, 22nd President of the University of Georgia
Security Against Natural Disasters
Infrastructure is more than skyscrapers and highways. UGA’s Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS) combines the best of modern engineering with natural solutions to address disruptions from climate change and biological threats like flooding.
UGA researchers, including Dr. Jambeck, collaborate across disciplines to create new solutions that help communities and businesses. Experts in engineering, ecology, public policy, and more are working together to create a more equitable and resilient future.
Sustainable Product Design
Co-founded by Dr. Jambeck, the New Materials Institute at UGA is developing sustainable product design and waste management practices to promote a healthier planet.
The Bioseniatic℠ Laboratory at the New Materials Institute studies material degradation in simulated environments. From developing a biodegradable plastic straw to microbeads that degrade without leaving behind harmful plastic waste, we are leveraging innovation on a global scale.
UGA is Creating a More Sustainable World
Marc Van Iersel
Professor in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and co-founder of Candidus, a greenhouse lighting company.
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Marshall Shepherd
Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor, SEC Professor of the Year, and member of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
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Sergiy Minko
Georgia Power Professor of Fiber and Polymer Science and fellow of the Royal Chemistry Society.
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