Imari Walker-Franklin is a young chemist, environmental engineer, microplastics researcher, and most recently, an author. She is a smart and well-spoken activist for people and planet; a sort of watcher who understands how these tiny particles of plastic can impact so much of our lives. Frontrunners Innovate host, Mary Kurek, caught up with Dr. Walker-Franklin as she was attending the NC Marine Debris Symposium at Duke Marine Lab in Beaufort NC, having been a featured speaker earlier in the week at the event. The conversation primarily focused on the concerns of microplastics and plastics in general in our environment and the surprising data that poses more questions and deep concern. We also learned about Dr. Walker-Franklin’s new book, “Plastics,” an MIT Knowledge Series. Co-hosting the interview with Dr. Walker-Franklin is Dianna Cohen, Co-Founder and CEO of the Plastic Pollution Coalition. Special thanks for her contributions and data. Imari Walker-Franklin's site: http://imariwalker.com/ Plastic Pollution Coalition site: https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition... Frontrunners Development is a business development agency focused on social impact and creating connections between people - primarily partnerships that tap into the UN SDGs. The people we interview for our media platform, Frontrunners Innovate, are working from the diplomatic, corporate, and founder levels on innovating solutions in education, climate, economic development, international relations and peace, youth, development, clean oceans, poverty, and more. Most interviews generate new and exciting business opportunities, often before we even get off the interview. To see our most current videos and connect with us, visit https://www.frontrunnersinnovate.com/