We are back! In this new episode of the Evidence to Impact podcast, host Michael Donovan speaks with Dr. Jill Felker, along with student researchers Shantelle Duarte and Vinh Lu, about their work studying microplastics in the Delaware River Watershed and the community impact of their research. The conversation explores how an unexpected discovery of microplastics in environmental samples led to a broader research collaboration through Penn State’s Presidential Public Impact Research Awards (PPIRA) program. The team discusses what they have learned about microplastics in freshwater environments, including the presence of hundreds of microplastics in samples from Blue Marsh Lake and the discovery of antibiotic-resistant bacteria associated with the plastics. They also discuss the importance of studying a popular recreational and drinking-water resource and communicating scientific findings with communities.

The episode also highlights the hands-on learning and leadership experiences that Shantelle and Vinh gained through the project, as well as the team’s partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and the Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center. Dr. Felker, Shantelle and Vinh reflect on how the PPIRA program supported their research, community engagement and professional development, while Dr. Felker shares how the research is continuing through new collaborations and expansion into the Carlisle area and the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The episode also looks ahead to the continued growth of PPIRA and its next cohort of faculty-student impact teams working with communities across Pennsylvania.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

Project Spotlight: https://research.psu.edu/impact-story/driving-forward-positive-change-in-pennsylvania-communities-through-scholarship/

Presidential Public Impact Research Awards (PPIRA): https://evidence2impact.psu.edu/presidential-strategic-initiative-on-public-impact-research/

DCNR: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr

Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/nolde-forest-environmental-education-center

Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM): https://www.dickinson.edu/allarm

Delaware River Watershed: https://www.delriverwatershed.org/overview

Blue Marsh Lake: https://www.nap.usace.army.mil/bluemarshlake/

In this episode, host Michael Donovan sits down with Patrick O'Neill, a doctoral candidate in Penn State's Human Development and Family Studies program, and Dr. Hayoung Donnelly, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, to explore the interdisciplinary world of prevention science. Together, they discuss how prevention science brings together researchers, policymakers, clinicians, and communities around a shared goal: improving health and well-being through proactive, evidence-based solutions. Patrick shares his work on bridging the gap between research and policymaking, particularly in the areas of child maltreatment and substance use prevention, while Hayoung discusses her efforts to develop AI-powered tools that support suicide prevention and improve the quality of mental health care.

The conversation highlights the power of collaboration across disciplines, the importance of community engagement, and the evolving role of technology in prevention research. Patrick and Hayoung reflect on their unique academic journeys, the challenges of working across traditional academic silos, and the opportunities that emerge when researchers remain open to new perspectives and approaches. They also offer advice for the next generation of prevention scientists, emphasizing curiosity, flexibility, mentorship, and a commitment to creating meaningful real-world impact.

In this episode, host Michael Donovan, Associate Director of the Evidence to Impact Collaborative at Penn State, speaks with Bob Lamb, Director of Programs and Partnerships at Be a Part of the Conversation, and Haydn Briggs, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Group Psychotherapist, and Co-Founder of the Philadelphia Area Psychodrama Institute. Together, they explore the critical role that authentic human connection plays in recovery, healing, and family well-being.