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Organization Partners · University Ambassadors

Built on Partnership.

We partner with academic institutions, corporations, and international organizations to advance microplastic research and policy.

Partner Organizations

Institutions that endorse our work.

International Working Group

Knowledge Impact Network: Plastic in Humans Circle

The Plastic in Humans Circle is an international working group within the Knowledge Impact Network focused on understanding and addressing the health impacts of plastics and microplastics. The circle brings together researchers, innovators, and policy leaders to share insights, accelerate awareness, and support the development of scalable solutions for plastic removal and prevention.

NVMAA is recognized and partnered with this circle, contributing youth-led research and participating in high-level expert discussions. Through this collaboration, we have presented alongside global professors, CEOs, and scientific leaders, helping amplify the urgency of microplastic issues and supporting efforts toward healthier environmental and human outcomes.

Next-Gen Solution Builders Recognition

We are incredibly proud and honored to have been recognized as Next-Gen Solution Builders by the Knowledge Impact Network in July 2025. Being highlighted for our youth-led leadership in microplastic advocacy was a meaningful milestone for NVMAA and a powerful affirmation of the work we are doing. During the KIN Lightning Round on plastics, we had the opportunity to share our mission with global experts and introduce NVMAA as a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to community education, scientific research, and environmental action. This recognition reinforced our belief in the impact young people can have on global challenges, and it strengthened our commitment to inspiring others, building community efforts, and driving forward innovative solutions to microplastic pollution.

Featured Article

High Schoolers Take On Microplastics

Labeed Zaib
Labeed Zaib
Alex Hejmo
Alex Hejmo
Max Alfert
Max Alfert

They are rising high school seniors from Northern Virginia, right outside Washington, D.C., and they're taking on microplastics.

Alex Hejmo, Max Alfert, and Labeed Zaib told the participants of the recent KIN Lightning Round meeting on plastics they have formed the Northern Virginia Microplastics Advocacy Association (NVMAA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and high school club for community education and awareness.

"The main point of the organization is to share how vital it is to take action and build community efforts to tackle the massive issue of microplastic pollution," Labeed said. "We hope to inspire others and emphasize how deeply invested the youth is in such a passionate/driven community."

Academic Mentorship

Georgetown University

Georgetown University is a leading global institution known for its programs in public policy, international relations, technology management, and global development. Its faculty and research centers play an active role in shaping conversations around governance, emerging technologies, and worldwide environmental challenges.

NVMAA is supported and endorsed by Dr. Sarah McCue, a Georgetown University faculty member whose mentorship strengthens our work at the intersection of global governance, communication strategy, and policy-relevant microplastic research. Her guidance has elevated our academic rigor and expanded our international engagement, contributing to NVMAA's involvement in United Nations and World Bank–aligned initiatives and connecting our student-led research to high-level environmental and policy communities.

Dr. Sarah McCue

Dr. Sarah McCue

Dr. Sarah McCue is an adjunct professor at Georgetown University's Technology and AI Management Programs and a seasoned leader in global technology, development, and governance. She has served the United Nations in senior advisory roles, including leading multiple UN agencies and the World Bank on technology, trade, and economic development. She also served as President of WorldQuant University and currently advises organizations on developing underserved regions and social impact initiatives.

Dr. McCue chairs the Plastic in Human Health Expert Group on the Global Advisory Council of the Knowledge Impact Network and is the founder of multiple programs that empower youth, women, and communities through technology and mentorship. Her work has earned recognition including NASA's Robert H. Goddard Honor Award for Quality and Process Improvement and the NASA Group Achievement Award.

Dr. McCue's guidance has strengthened NVMAA's academic foundation and global engagement. She has supported the Lab to Law research initiative, helping connect our work on microplastic science and governance to broader policy contexts.

Community Partner

Reston Association

NVMAA partners with Reston Association to strengthen local environmental stewardship and community engagement around microplastic pollution. Through this collaboration, we support outreach, educational initiatives, and evidence-based discussions that connect global microplastic research to the needs of Reston's residents, natural areas, and watershed systems.

University Ambassadors

Carrying the mission across campuses.

University Ambassadors represent NVMAA on their campuses by connecting academic research, student engagement, and technical expertise to our mission. They help translate university-level insights into practical microplastic solutions, support outreach and collaboration with faculty and student groups, and contribute specialized knowledge that strengthens our projects and advocacy work.

Colin Surabian

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Colin Surabian

Colin is an MIT student who brings a creative engineering perspective to NVMAA by tying mechanical and systems thinking to microplastics solutions. In addition to his role as an ambassador, Colin is a talented musician and has performed as a double bass player with the NATO Symphony Orchestra, showcasing his ability to bridge technical disciplines with artistic and international collaboration. His work at MIT emphasizes how mechanical engineering principles can inform the development of new tools, sensors, and mitigation strategies for microplastic pollution in the environment.

University of Michigan

David Alfert

David represents the University of Michigan by integrating computer engineering with microplastic monitoring and policy analysis. His work centers on sensor systems, embedded hardware, and computational modeling that can track microplastic pollution at scale. David contributes to NVMAA by exploring how data-driven tools, AI, and digital infrastructure can strengthen environmental decision making and make microplastic research more accessible to policymakers and the public.

David Alfert
Savaira Naz Zaib

University of Virginia

Savaira Naz Zaib

Savaira Naz Zaib represents the University of Virginia by integrating medicine with environmental health and public policy. Her work centers on understanding how microplastics and environmental pollutants affect human health, disease prevention, and clinical outcomes. Savaira contributes to NVMAA by bridging medical research with environmental science to inform evidence-based policy, improve public health awareness, and translate scientific findings into actionable healthcare and regulatory solutions. Savaira is known for her contribution to the published research journal The Effect of BHB on Neuronal Activity in the Mouse Brain.

Want to partner with us?

Let's work together.

We're always open to new collaborations — research, sponsorship, mentorship, or community partnerships.

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