Tanisha Felton, Marine Science Graduate Student
- harryguerrero2
- May 20
- 3 min read
By Clara Getty
Tanisha Felton is a Master of Science in Marine Sciences student at Savannah State University, specializing in microplastics, shrimp ecology, and human awareness of their presence and ecology.
Originally from St. Louis, MO, she’s wanted to be a marine biologist since she was eight years old. As an undergraduate student, the marine biology club showcased a documentary called A Plastic Ocean that changed how Tanisha viewed the role of plastics in daily life. The film tells the story of the impact of plastic on the environment and how it affects animals, humans, and entire ecosystems. The documentary follows scientists Craig Leeson and Tanya Streeter as they explore the effects of plastic pollution in the United States and around the world. Tanya Streeter also shares how she transformed her family’s lifestyle to reduce plastic exposure.
Tanisha, who grew up drinking out of plastic water bottles, wondered how microplastics were affecting her own health. Understanding what microplastics are doing to the human body has become a passion for her. When she arrived at Savannah State University, she began conducting research on shrimp consumption and microplastics coupled with human awareness. Initially wanting to research human urine and blood samples (but facing some obstacles in doing so by not attending a medical school), she wanted to ensure there was still a human component of her research. Tanisha researches and surveys people but also educates them with ways to reduce microplastics in their environments. “I’ve always been passionate about helping people and finding ways to help people, especially eco-friendly, affordable ways,” she says.
“I’m passionate about educating people so they know they have a choice to stop using plastics.” — Tanisha Felton
Based on the data collected so far, Tanisha believes the majority of our exposure to microplastics comes from washing clothes and a lack of filtering at wastewater treatment plants, explaining that “when we wash our clothes, it goes straight into the water treatment plant and into marine life.” However, she believes small solutions, such as water filters that filter out microplastics, can go a long way in limiting exposure.
One of the key relationships Tanisha has built while pursuing her masters is with the shrimp industry of Savannah. While initially wanting to use shrimp to conduct research on microplastics in the human body, she has become deeply involved in advocating for local shrimpers and the key issues that are facing the industry. Tanisha discovered that shrimp packaged in grocery stores and sold in restaurants can be labeled as local when, in reality, the product is imported from other countries. As a result, the local shrimp industry in Savannah is struggling, and Tanisha is trying to find ways to advocate for the shrimpers and connect them to opportunities to help their business.
As she completes her masters degree, Tanisha is focused on pursuing her PhD and advancing her research on microplastics and the human body. Inspired by her long-standing interest in marine biology, she aims to explore the role of sharks in this vital research. Although there are plenty of opportunities for this research globally, Tanisha has noticed a lack of data on microplastics in the United States and is determined to uncover what is happening in her home country. Her primary goal is to raise awareness about the dangers of microplastics and promote affordable, sustainable alternatives. Tanisha wants to create more outreach events and activities to spread public awareness, sign petitions to get laws changed, and talk to local officials about what might be good for the community.
Want to learn more about the effects of microplastics on human populations? Check out:
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