Experts Available for Interview: PFAS, Microplastics and Toxic Contaminants

Imari Walker-Franklin, a research chemist within RTI’s discovery science division, is a pioneering mind in environmental exposure science. Her expertise in non-targeted chemical analysis propels research related to identifying novel emerging contaminants in the environment. She leads investigations into PFAS or “forever chemicals”, pesticides, polymer additives, microplastics and other contaminants within environmental and biological samples. Dr. Walker-Franklin holds a Ph.D. in environmental engineering and studied the release of potentially hazardous polymer-associated chemicals into water. She also contributes to environmental justice and non-targeted analysis workflows, exemplifying RTI’s commitment to innovative research. Recent works include: The impacts of plastics’ life cycle and Plastics.  

Jamie Pero Parker is a senior advisor with RTI Innovation Advisors, an innovation consultancy housed within RTI. She has 15 years of experience advising many of the world’s leading companies on circular plastics, sustainable packaging, the emerging and chemicals such as PFAS and halogenated flame retardants. Dr. Pero Parker is a sought-after speaker and writer and holds a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Jennifer Hoponick Redmon is the director of environmental health and water quality program and an accomplished environmental health scientist and chemical risk assessment specialist. She leads transformative initiatives, including eliminating contaminants like lead from drinking water in the U.S. and globally and masterfully merges science and policy for innovative solutions related to emerging environmental threats, like PFAS. Over her 20-year career, Hoponick Redmon has excelled in research, collaboration and public health improvement. Work includes the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program and a recent white paper with the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Katherine Bronstein is an interdisciplinary environmental engineer with 15 years of experience. She collaborates with and manages teams to develop circular economy-focused solutions on topics such as waste, greenhouse gases, water, wastewater and energy. She leads waste flows assessments to understand PFAS in wastewater biosolids; best practices to address metal-contaminated soil and sediment; end-of-life management assessments for solar panels, lithium-ion batteries, and plastic waste; and sector-wide assessments to identify evidence-based policy changes.

Keith Weitz, director, sustainability and resource management, brings over 30 years of experience to RTI working to assess the vulnerability of waste sector infrastructure to climate impacts, such as sea level rise in coastal regions. He is currently working to characterize the flow of PFAS-containing materials in U.S. commerce and evaluating end-of-life management for PFAS-containing materials with a focus on PFAS destruction and potential release of PFAS into the environmental from landfills and thermal treatment systems. Weitz is also providing technical expertise to domestic and international initiatives to address plastic pollution in the Mississippi River, Jamaica, Sri Lanka and Maldives. He helps clients to develop strategy, policies, best-management practices for emerging materials of concern including medical waste, electronics waste, and construction and demolition waste.