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Department of Biological Sciences

Zooming in on microplastics

Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences Austin Gray (at right) is sampling campus waterways to determine if microplastic pollution from roadways is entering freshwater estuaries. “My students have been sampling water from Stroubles Creek to evaluate the particles from the road dust that moves into the waterway via rain and related events. Experience with more holistic research projects is a pivotal educational opportunity.”

Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences Austin Gray (at right) is sampling campus waterways to determine if microplastic pollution from roadways is entering freshwater estuaries. “My students have been sampling water from Stroubles Creek to evaluate the particles from the road dust that moves into the waterway via rain and related events. Experience with more holistic research projects is a pivotal educational opportunity.”

Gray Lab Microplastic Research
Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences Austin Gray (at right) is sampling campus waterways to determine if microplastic pollution from roadways is entering freshwater estuaries. “My students have been sampling water from Stroubles Creek to evaluate the particles from the road dust that moves into the waterway via rain and related events. Experience with more holistic research projects is a pivotal educational opportunity.”

The Department of Biological Sciences is at the center of life sciences research and teaching at Virginia Tech.  Our mission is to seamlessly integrate world-class research addressing the grand challenges of the 21st century, from global change to human disease, with preparation of the next generation of scientists.