Samantha Ladewig

I love traveling and seeing worlds outside of my own. Along my traveled paths, I've developed a passion for learning about the world's various landscapes and cultures. What strikes me the most is seeing beautiful, pristine areas trashed with litter. With my Bachelor's of Science background in Biology and recent studies in Marine Science at CCU I plan to tackle the main question: Where is the litter coming from?

The most harmful litter in my opinion are microplastics. I believe this because they directly affect microorganisms at the start of the food chain whom all are crucial to aquatic ecosystems. Eventually, through biomagnification, microplastics and the chemicals they transport with them will work their way back to the top of the food chain.... getting back to us humans in our food!

I am well versed in proper laboratory usage and performance from my many lab courses in undergrad at Concordia University Texas and also my involvement with my CCU research group's previous work on microplastics. My field sampling skills and knowledge have been enhanced as I have volunteered many hours towards helping other graduate students at CCU obtain their field data over the past two years.

July 2015