Derek Ho (aka Dr, Microplastics) is an environmental researcher at the University of Pennsylvania specializing in microplastics, emerging contaminants, and environmental sensing technologies. His work focuses on developing accessible, scalable approaches for detecting and characterizing microplastics in complex environmental systems, integrating fluorescence imaging, materials science, and data-driven analysis.

 

He is the developer of the Fluorescence Imaging Microplastic Analysis Platform (FIMAP), a low-cost imaging approach designed to improve the detection and identification of microplastics across diverse sample types and environmental conditions. His research explores how weathering, polymer chemistry, and environmental exposure influence the optical and physicochemical behavior of plastics, with applications ranging from water and sediment analysis to biological samples.

 

Beyond the laboratory, Derek is deeply committed to science communication and public engagement. He collaborates with educators, students, and environmental organizations to translate complex environmental data into accessible tools and narratives that support informed decision-making. His outreach efforts include curriculum development, public talks, and participation in initiatives such as the Philadelphia Emerging Contaminants Initiative (PECI) and the Water Environment Federation’s Emerging Contaminants Community. He has also worked at the intersection of environmental science and education, contributing to hands-on learning tools and mentoring student researchers across disciplines. His broader goal is to bridge the gap between scientific discovery, policy, and public understanding—helping make the invisible impacts of microplastics visible and actionable.

 

When not in the lab, he can often be found developing visual approaches to science communication, exploring environmental systems through photography, or working on initiatives that connect research to real-world impact.

 

As featured on CBS and ABC news

 

Our Mission

 

To mobilize communities, Philadelphia and beyond, to protect their environment through citizen science, education, and action-oriented cleanups focused on mitigating plastic pollution.

 

Our Vision

 

Empowering passionate environmental stewards to lead communities towards a healthy, thriving future, free from the burden of plastic waste. 

 

 

Our Philosophy

 

The power to tackle the plastic pollution problem lies not only in science and policy—but in all of us. At Plastic-Free Pals, we strive to engage students and adults alike in understanding the scale of plastic pollution and the ultimate fate of plastics in the environment through fun, interactive activities. By participating in our holistic citizen science initiatives, you will be empowered to take action and become a true steward of the environment.

 

 

 

The Microplastic Nerdles

The Microplastic Nerdles from the Academy of Natural Sciences: a team of environmental scientists, physicians, and graduate students who developed the Nile Red staining protocol for microplastic detection in sediment samples.

 

Pictured from left to right: Tracey Curran, Helene Drago, Juliette Jamieson, Robert Locke, Aviva Lerman, and Derek Ho.

The Microplastic Nerdles from the University of Pennsylvania: This team conducted research on microplastic subsampling, inter-device color calibration, thermal analysis, and environmental monitoring of microplastics.

 

Pictured from left to right: Eddie Wang, Derek Ho, Michelle Lin, and Selina Zou.

Michelle Lin is an undergraduate student at the University of Pennsylvania studying Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering with a concentration in Energy and the Environment. Her research interests include water remediation, microplastic quantification and recovery, and carbon capture technologies. In Fall 2025, she joined the lab to assist with processing microplastic samples from local water sources and contributing to the development of an online database. She also supported data processing for the Philly Emerging Contaminants Initiative. Outside of research, Michelle enjoys baking, pottery, and exploring cafes.

Selina is an undergraduate student at the University of Pennsylvania studying Computer Science. Her research interests focus on applications of data science and machine learning in environmental systems. Within the microplastics project, she works on developing representative subsampling methods and automating image processing workflows for microplastic analysis.

About Plastic-Free Pals

At Plastic-Free Pals, we are committed to empowering the next generation of environmental stewards by making the complex science and policy of microplastic research accessible, understandable, and actionable.

Have a Great Plastic-free day!