For the last decade, Sam has worked in the marine debris field as a researcher, educator and advocate for sustainable solutions to plastic pollution. Sam received a B.Sc. with honors and M.Sc. in marine science from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She received her doctorate from the University of Toronto. The focus of her undergraduate and graduate researchwas the sources and fate of microplastics and associated chemical contaminants in marine andfreshwater environments. Prior to joining the EarthEcho International team, Sam served as alecturer in UNCW's Department of Environmental Sciences and lead marine debris instructor forUNCW MarineQuest. Sam currently resides in Wilmington, North Carolina, with her pug, Bean.In her free time, she serves as Vice Chair of her local Surfrider chapter.