South Hosts College Students Studying Microplastic Pollution
Posted on May 21, 2025
A group of college students from around the country will spend 10 weeks on the University of South Alabama campus this summer as part of an undergraduate research project funded by the National Science Foundation. They’ll work alongside professors and graduate students from various disciplines to strengthen their research skills and address microplastics pollution in the Gulf Coast region.
“Research is not only a skill but also an experience that shapes the way we think and act,” said Dr. Shenghua Wu, associate professor civil, coastal and environmental engineering and the project’s principal investigator. “These opportunities are rare, as they require not only strong interest, but also a systematic and rigorous approach to testing hypotheses through trial and error.”
Wu says he received more than 200 applications before he and a review board selected finalists from Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and Maryland to participate. “We evaluated applicants based on their application materials and letters of recommendation,” Wu said. “The selected participants were chosen for their strong qualifications, relevant interests, commitments and high potential.”
South computer engineering major Madeline Potter, one of the participants, is interested in artificial intelligence.
“I will be developing the sensors needed that use artificial intelligence to help determine if there are microplastics in the air and water,” she said.
Students will work closely with their mentors and graduate students on characterizing microplastics in water, developing new methods for microplastic absorption and removal, advancing sensor technologies for monitoring microplastics and exploring ways to reuse microplastics for other purposes.
“I’ll get the chance to see how my field of computer engineering can benefit other fields, and how other fields benefit engineering,” Potter said. “Being able to work with others on this project will help me directly see this impact.”
In addition to research, they will also participate in activities such as visiting local industries and communities, touring plastic recycling plants, as well as experiencing the local culture in Mobile. This summer is the first in a three-year project.
“At South, we encourage and inspire our students to be creative and make a difference and research can make that possible,” Wu said.
Dr. Jinhui Wang, professor of electrical and computer engineering, is the co-principal investigator. Other faculty who will serve as mentors are Dr. Kaushik Venkiteshwaran, assistant professor civil, coastal and environmental engineering; Dr. Melike Dizbay-Onat, assistant professor mechanical engineering; Dr. Alison Robertson, associate professor marine and environmental sciences; and Dr. Jeremiah Henning, assistant professor biology.
