Julia  Wyatt

Julia Wyatt

Scholar Title

MIT MechE | Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scholar

Research Title

Modeling and Prediction of Ocean Plastic Pollution

Cohort

2020–2021

Department

MECHE

Research Areas
  • Environment
Supervisor

Pierre Lermusiaux

Abstract

Plastic production continues to increase every year and every ocean on the planet has been severely contaminated with microplastics. The goal of my project is to adapt existing ocean circulation modeling techniques to more accurately model plastic transport and accumulation. I plan to explore a variety of ways to do this, from accounting for variation in plastic chemistry and degradation characteristics, to using deep learning to make better use of the sparse existing data on plastic transport and reduce the need for advance knowledge of system dynamics. More accurate modeling and trajectory prediction of plastic pollution should eventually inform policy changes in areas with major industrial river deltas, which are major contributors to ocean pollution.

Quote

Through SuperUROP, I hope to gain and practice serious research skills and apply my passion for the environment to a project with real impact. I am excited to expand my knowledge of computational fluids and ocean dynamics, and hopefully make meaningful contributions to my group.

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