Anji Cooper

Anji Cooper is a Master's student and graduate research assistant in the Palinkas lab. Anji graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Delaware, College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with a Concentration in Marine Science, Spanish Minor, and Certificate in Eco-Entrepreneurship. During her time as an undergraduate she explored various routes of environmental science, from an internship with DAWN: Dashboard for Agricultural Water Use and Nutrient Management to a research assistantship in the University of Delaware's Biotechnology Institute to Maryland Sea Grant's Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). With DAWN, she worked to create a global virtual classroom linking the University of Maryland and University of Kathmandu about the Food, Energy, Water (FEW) Nexus as it pertains to agricultural water, which successfully launched in the fall of 2022. As a research assistant, she worked in the lab of Dr. Mi-Ling Li, assisting in research investigating the spatial distribution and bioaccumulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the Delaware Bay as well as assessing the transport, transformation, and fate of PFAS in coastal wetlands. During her experience as a REU fellow, she lived at Horn Point Laboratory and worked with Dr. Palinkas on a research project identifying spatiotemporal variability of sedimentation in living shorelines. These combined experiences cemented Anji's interest in marine science and research. She was intrigued by and enjoyed her time and research as an REU, and is returning to continue her work with Dr. Palinkas on sedimentation in living shorelines.