Nanoplastics are an emerging contaminant and the result of plastics breaking down in the environment. In most cases these particles can be more than 70 times smaller than the thickness of a human hair. Their small size means that nanoplastics can easily entire the bloodstream where they can travel to every part of the body. The prevalence of plastic waste mixed with incomplete risk assessment data highlights the importance of further research like what’s being conducted by our guest this week Kelso Arther.
Kelso is a third-year PhD student in the Stacey Harper lab, part of the department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology here at OSU. Their research focuses on understanding how nanoplastics interact with pesticides in agricultural systems. They ask questions like how the presence of these nanoplastics effects pesticide efficacy, spread, and degradation. They’re also looking at how the mixing of nanoplastics with pesticides changes the toxicological profile of both components. Raised in Kentucky, Kelso is the grandchild of hard working coal miners so fighting to keep workers safe from occupational exposure to toxins is in Kelso’s lifeblood. We’ll get a glimpse at how growing up around a proud but dangerous pillar of America’s workforce inspired Kelso to strive and keep workers safe.
Tune into KBVR 88.7 FM at 7 pm PST on May 18th to hear Kelso break down the complexities of the “nano world”, help us understand nanoscopic soil environments, and highlight how animal models help us answer important questions about molecule’s toxicity. We’ll also get to hear about their journey from undergrad to industry and what drove them to come to graduate school.
