Tej is a PhD student in Mulholland’s Marine Nitrogen and Carbon Biogeochemistry Group at Old Dominion University. Her research focuses on (a) quantifying microplastics in tidal floodwaters around Norfolk, (b) quantifying microplastics released during sediment resuspension processes in the Lafayette River, Norfolk (c) how microplastics can impact phytoplankton metabolism. Prior to this, she worked as Assistant Professor in Biotechnology Department at St. Josephy’s University, Bangalore, India. She received her first PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from Norfolk State University in Virginia, USA, and has master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Biotechnology from India. Outside of her work, she enjoys experimenting with new recipes, exploring farmer markets, and watching sunsets.