Imari Walker-Franklin
Imari Walker-Franklin is a Research Chemist with RTI’s Discovery Science Division. As an environmental engineer, she contributes to the development of suspect screening, non-targeted chemical analysis and other research interests of the Analytical Sciences group, including understanding the effects of PFAS chemicals. Dr. Walker-Franklin is a subject matter expert with practical experience with operating and maintaining liquid chromography with tandem/high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry systems (LC-MS/MS and LC-HRAMS).
Previously, Dr. Walker-Franklin finished her environmental engineering Ph.D. at Duke University, where she investigated the fate, occurrence and transformation of polymer-associated chemicals within aquatic environments. In particular, her dissertation work focused on studying endocrine-disrupting chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA). Dr. Walker-Franklin has shared these research findings on plastic pollution at national press conferences, panels, and lectures. Additionally, she has conducted an outreach research project characterizing chemical contaminants in North Carolina’s well water and septic tank systems. She received her engineer-in-training certification from the State of North Carolina Board of Examiners for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. Dr. Walker-Franklin’s research interests include environmental analytical chemistry, environmental justice, and non-target analysis workflow development.
Wednesday December 10
Joint Government Relations Sustainability & Product Stewardship Council Special Session
Microplastics: Emerging Risks and Strategies for Household Products
Microplastics are rapidly emerging as a critical environmental and human health concern, creating regulatory and reputational challenges for the consumer products industry. As companies pursue circular economy initiatives and sustainable packaging goals, the use and generation of microplastics – intentional or not – is increasingly in the spotlight. Public awareness, media coverage, and scientific research on microplastics are growing, suggesting that this issue may follow the trajectory of prior high-profile product safety concerns, such as BPA and PFAS.
This session will provide a comprehensive, multi-perspective view of microplastics risks and strategies for addressing them. Panelists will discuss:
- The current state of science regarding the sources, fate, and potential human health and environmental impacts of microplastics
- Legal and regulatory developments, including emerging restrictions, past and anticipated legislation, litigation trends, and risk management across products, packaging, and supply chains
- Insights on policy implications and stakeholder expectations
- Technical challenges of testing and measuring microplastics, including lessons learned from developing protocols and emerging best practices
This session is designed for professionals seeking a holistic view of microplastics, combining scientific, legal, policy, and technical perspectives to inform risk management and proactive sustainability strategies.
Speakers:
Lori Leskin, Partner, Arnold&Porter
Stephanie Schlea, Vice President of Environment, Health, Safety, and Sustainability, U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association
Imari Walker-Franklin, Research Chemist, RTI International