Imari Walker-Franklin is a Research Scientist with RTI’s Center for Analytical Sciences. Dr. Walker-Franklin contributes research to characterizing human and environmental exposure to potentially harmful substances such as microplastics and per- and poly- fluoro alkyl substances (PFAS).  As an analytical chemist, she analyzes samples from complex matrices such as surface waters, wastewaters, sediment, and biological serums and tissues to identify novel environmental contaminants and biological metabolites. Dr. Walker- Franklin utilizes gas and liquid chromatography systems coupled to high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry systems (GC-HRMS and LC-HRMS) to attain data analyzed via non-target analysis workflows. One example of such is the characterization of the chemicals of emerging concern going into the French Broad River in Western North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s destruction.

Previously, Dr. Walker-Franklin finished her environmental engineering Ph.D. at Duke University, where she investigated the fate, occurrence and transformation of polymer-associated chemicals within aquatic environments. Dr. Walker-Franklin has shared these research findings on plastic pollution at national press conferences, panels, and lectures.

Together with Dr. Jenna Jambeck, Dr. Walker-Franklin co-authored the book "Plastics" (2023), a part of the MIT Essential Knowledge Series. Dr. Walker-Franklin serves as a member of the National Academies Roundtable on Plastic Pollution and was awarded the 2024 National Academies: Eric and Wendy Schmidt Award for Excellence in Science Communications.

Dr. Walker-Franklin’s research interests include microplastics, emerging contaminants, and non-target analysis workflow development.