About
Co-founders, student researchers, advocates — working to inform the world for a cleaner future.
The Founders
Meet the students behind NVMAA. The biographies below share what inspires us, what we hope to achieve, and the perspectives each of us brings to this work. As our nonprofit grows, we are committed to building new roles and partnerships that strengthen our mission and extend the reach of the Northern Virginia Microplastics Advocacy Association.
Co-Founder
Director of Environmental Research & Innovation
I am a high school senior from Reston, Virginia, focused on environmental health, environmental engineering, and the use of technology to address emerging ecological challenges. My work includes AI modeling for invasive-species analysis, sensor engineering for stream and soil monitoring, and microplastic governance research presented to international professors, CEOs, and innovators. As a co-founder and co-director of NVMAA, I help lead youth-driven environmental initiatives and collaborate with Georgetown University's Dr. Sarah McCue on research informing IMF and World Bank–aligned plastic policy efforts. My projects span biodegradable material experiments, microbial fuel cell studies, and engineering-based environmental solutions, all aimed at creating accessible, research-driven tools that strengthen ecosystems and support evidence-based decision making.
Co-Founder
Director of Corporate Environmental Partnerships
I am a senior at South Lakes High School (Class of 2026) and an avid supporter of microplastic conservation. I earned second place at the Fairfax County Regional Science Fair for Environmental Engineering by researching local Northern Virginia water sources. I am passionate about expanding my knowledge and raising awareness about the impact of microplastics on our environment.
Co-Founder
Director of Environmental Health & Policy
I am a senior at South Lakes High School (Class of 2026) with a strong interest in microplastic-pollutant advocacy. I aim to understand the effects of microplastics on both environmental and human health. My passion stems from a commitment to safeguarding natural ecosystems for future generations and promoting responsible waste management. Earlier this year, I presented a project at the Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair exploring how microbial fuel cells (MFCs) can optimize bacteria under specific conditions. A possible future consideration could be scaling this approach for microplastic degradation. This research deepened my understanding of scientific strategies for addressing plastic pollution and strengthened my commitment to pursuing innovative, research-driven solutions. Through continued involvement, I aim to address the root causes of plastic contamination and its lasting impact.
Our Members
Beyond our founding team, NVMAA is powered by members appointed for their expertise and dedication. The biographies below introduce them and the fresh perspectives they bring across finance, economics, and community outreach to advance our mission and broaden our impact.
Member
Director of Sustainable Finance
I am a junior at South Lakes High School (Class of 2027) with a strong interest in finance and its power to drive a cleaner future. I am passionate about how funding, investment, and sound financial strategy can support real solutions to microplastic pollution and protect both human health and ecosystems. Through NVMAA, I aim to contribute my background in business and finance to advancing sustainable, results-driven efforts. I am also skilled in website and graphic design, which I put to use building and refining NVMAA's online presence and outreach materials. Earlier this year, I earned first place at Regionals and fourth place at Virginia States in FBLA's International Business Role Play, and will compete at Nationals this June. Outside the classroom, my passion for entrepreneurship led me to build and operate a sneaker and clothing resale business across multiple platforms and consignment stores.
Member
Director of Environmental Economics
As a junior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, I have a deep curiosity for science and technology, but what draws me most is economics. For the John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize in economics, I wrote an 11-page paper on how personalized pricing affects global economies, which sharpened my ability to analyze how firms, consumers, and policymakers respond to incentives. At NVMAA, I apply that same economic lens to microplastic pollution, examining corporate incentives, consumer behavior, externalities, and the cost-effectiveness of sustainable solutions. To me, the hardest part of confronting this issue is not only the science itself, but turning complex research into something people can understand and act on. Fluent in both English and Chinese, I am also motivated to help our work reach across different communities.
Reach out — we're growing the team and looking for collaborators in research, advocacy, and community engagement.
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