Our Team

PlasticWatch

Reducing plastic waste in Maryland to protect the environment

Contact Us

If you have any questions, please contact us at plasticwatch@umces.edu.

Our team of scientists are located at:

Chesapeake Biological Laboratory
PO Box 38
146 Williams St,
Solomons, MD 20688

Dr. Helen Bailey, PlasticWatch Project Leader

Photo by Cheryl Nemazie

Info: Dr. Helen Bailey is a Research Associate Professor at the UMCES Chesapeake Biological Laboratory and conducts research on the spatial and movement ecology of marine mammals, sea turtles and fish. She is also interested in the impact of pollution on the environment and marine species. She applies her research to conservation and citizen science through multiple projects, including PlasticWatch and DolphinWatch.

Nicole Barbour, Graduate Research Assistant

Nicole Barbour is a PhD student at UMCES Chesapeake Biological Laboratory and studies the migration ecology and conservation of sea turtles. She applies this work to citizen science and science education initiatives.

Dr. Michael Gonsior, Associate Professor

Dr. Michael Gonsior is an UMCES Associate Professor and performs research on aquatic biogeochemistry. He was a featured scientist in the award-winning documentary, “A Plastic Ocean”.

Dr. Carys Mitchelmore, Professor

Dr. Carys Mitchelmore is a Professor at the UMCES Chesapeake Biological Laboratory and performs research on biochemistry and the impact of pollutants on aquatic organisms.

Sarah Brzezinkski, UMCES Outreach Coordinator

Sarah is the Outreach Coordinator at UMCES Chesapeake Biological Laboratory and specializes in science communications and public relations, with a goal of inspiring environmental stewardship.