A UMass Dartmouth professor will be spotlighted at this month’s New Bedford Science Cafe. Micheline Labrie, Research Assistant Professor and science lead of the Biodegradability Lab at the School for Marine Science & Technology at UMass Dartmouth will talk about testing new materials for ocean-safe biodegradable plastics.

The talk will be held at The Last Round Bar & Grille, at 908 Purchase St. in New Bedford.

In 2022, UMass-D opened a state-of-the-art R&D facility to advance the science and standards related to the biodegradability of plastics. The primary aim of the Biodegradability Laboratory is to test and develop degradable materials for various industries, such as textiles, packaging, and other sectors that contribute to marine plastic pollution. Michie will describe the challenges, as well as the Lab's close collaboration with the company PrimaLoft to determine key elements of biodegradability.

Michie completed her Ph.D. in marine science & technology at SMAST in 2021.

The event is free and open to the public.