Plastics research pioneer Mason to deliver Kasling lecture

What spurred the journey taken by Dr. Sherri (Sam) Mason, a Chemistry professor at Fredonia who has emerged as a pioneer research scientist through her groundbreaking work on plastics pollution, will be shared in “Transformations: A Scientific Journey,” in the Robert M. Kasling Memorial Lecture she will present on Tuesday, Sept. 18, at 1 p.m., at Rosch Recital Hall.

Also to be recognized during the event will be Dr. Lei Huang of the School of Business as the recipient of the William T. and and Charlotte N. Hagan Young Scholar/Artist Award.

Dr. Mason has attracted world-wide attention for directing the first-ever survey of plastics pollution within the Great Lakes. Results of that 2012-2014 study and subsequent research projects have been reported extensively in major newspapers, including The New York Times and Chicago Tribune, as well as on National Public Radio and other national and international news outlets.

“The talk will start with what initially inspired me to become an environmental chemist, what turned me from just a research scientist into a very public advocate and my evolution from atmospheric chemist into plastic pollution,” said Mason, who chairs Fredonia’s Department of Geology and Environmental Sciences.

Oddly enough, Mason can trace her initial interest in becoming a chemist to a particular episode of a popular television sitcom. Concern for how an anti-bacterial ingredient used in many consumer products could impact an immediate family member then transformed Mason into a vocal public advocate.

While Mason will also give a brief overview of the significant number of studies in fresh-water plastics pollution she has led, that won’t be the focus of the lecture. “What I really want this talk to be about how one evolves over the course of life and career, hence the title,” she explained.

“I know as a young adult I thought for a period of time I couldn't really become a chemist because I wasn't MacGyver,” Mason said, referring to the 1980s television character who used science and secret agent experience to solve problems.

“I want to reach out to students who think they can't do something with a story of inspiration, of how we become what we want to be through passion and perseverance,” Mason concluded. “The talk is really about how did I get to where I am now.”

The Kasling lecture is free and open to the public.