What We Do: The Every Drop Counts program is a collaboration between UC Merced Core Facilities and local colleges and universities, which gives students a research-based learning experience. We focus on characterizing microplastics in environmental samples and evaluating their effects on biological systems. However, the students are the ones who formulate the questions and think about experimental design and execution.
Who: We are currently partnering with Modesto Junior College, Columbia College, and CSU Stanislaus. Students interested in learning about biological sciences research are encouraged to participate. Contact local scientific coordinators from your institution to see if they have space in their cohort.
When: The 3rd Friday of every month, from 9:30AM-3PM (lunch included) beginning on Sept 18th, 2026 and finishing April 16th, 2027. Additionally, there will be a 3-day scientific deep-dive Jan 6th-8th, 2027
Where: All activities will take place on the UC Merced Campus.
Scientific Coordinators:
UC Merced - David Gravano (dgravano@ucmerced.edu); Marisa Bickel (marisabickel@ucmerced.edu)
Modesto Junior College - Jennifer Frisk (jjordan@csustan.edu)
CSU Stanislaus - Jamila Newton (jnewton4@csustan.edu)
Columbia College - Jamila Newton (jnewton4@csustan.edu)
2025-2026 Summary:
Our first cohort learned about the techniques and tools that UC Merced core facilities have to address scientific questions around microplastic identification and characterization. They designed experiments to collect water samples in the Merced Vernal Pools and Grassland Reserve and quantify microplastics. Additionally, they developed a fluorescent dye strategy to distinguish types of plastics and performed preliminary experiments to study the uptake up microplastics by human macrophage cells. Their work was presented at UC Merced's Research Week.
