Growing up in Delhi, India, Ph.D. Atmospheric Sciences student FNU Anshika was constantly surrounded by conversations regarding the energy transition, air pollution and climate change. Her home city, one of the most polluted in the world, shaped her early awareness of environmental issues. She completed her master’s in environmental sciences at J.C. Bose University of Science and Technology where she worked with the local and central government to address the climate change evolution.
Anshika’s passion for plastic emission research started with The Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Spanning from the west coast of North America to Japan, the patch continues to grow as ocean currents concentrate plastic waste in the region.
Anshika explained that her interest in The Great Pacific Garbage Patch grew because she had never encountered it in her coursework. She knew she wanted to explore a related topic, and after discussing her research interests with her professor, they identified plastic emissions as a crucial issue.
While efforts to recycle plastic are well-intentioned, plastic is not biodegradable and instead breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces creating microplastics. These microplastics fill the patch along with larger pieces of debris that harm marine life.
“When people think about plastic pollution, they mostly consider solid waste,” Anshika explained. “But plastics also release harmful emissions, and we don’t fully understand the consequences yet.”
A key focus of her research is phthalates—plastic additives used to enhance durability and flexibility. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), one of the most common plastics, contains phthalates that can be found in everyday products such as furniture, flooring, and clothing. However, these chemicals are not chemically bound to the plastic, meaning they can leach into the air, water, and even human bodies.
“So, although you might feel good that you are recycling plastic, the problem is still not going away,” Anshika said. “The biggest hindrance to recycling is phthalates.”
Anshika’s research works towards testing plastic replacements to ensure they are environmentally friendly. While biodegradable plastics exist, they are not yet widely accessible, particularly in low-income countries where cost-effective solutions are essential.
As a 2024-2025 UH-Chevron Energy fellow, Anshika credits Chevron for providing a multitude of opportunities to advance her academic career. Despite initial skepticism about applying for the Chevron Fellowship, they were able to help further her research which allowed her to explore different areas of Houston and observe how the distribution of plastic and plastic emissions is taking place.
“Actually when I first heard of Chevron, I always thought that they’re an oil and gas company, they will not care enough to think about the environment and climate change. But when I read about what kind of work they are actually doing with sustainability, I feel like they are taking the steps in the right direction.”
While tackling plastic emissions seems like a never-ending problem, environmental engineers worldwide are working to find replacements that are easily accessible and cost-effective.
As she continues pursuing her Ph.D., Anshika remains committed to uncovering the hidden impacts of plastic and contributing to the global effort to develop viable alternatives. With the support of the Chevron Fellowship, she is one step closer to making a lasting impact in the field of environmental engineering.
“My research will further their understanding of how we can actually deal with plastic in a way that is more sustainable, not just environmentally sustainable, but economically sustainable,” Anshika said.