Zakithi Khumalo is a senior majoring in Geology with a minor in Chemistry. Her research explores the distribution of microplastics in freshwater ecosystems across northern New York, examining how surrounding land use influences microplastic concentrations in lakes and rivers. She is particularly interested in understanding how these pollutants move through aquatic environments and enter freshwater food webs through organisms such as clams. Beyond her research, Zakithi has served as a Community Assistant, Vice President of Senate Affairs in Thelomathesian Society, and a Digital Scholarship Fellow. She has also worked as a Naturalist Intern with Nature Up North, where she combined environmental science with public outreach through guided programs, blogging, and podcasting. After graduation, Zakithi plans to pursue graduate studies in geochemistry or environmental geology, with a long-term goal of contributing to sustainable resource management and freshwater conservation.
