Dr. Sally Rocks
“Microplastics” Chemistry, Utah Valley UniversityBiographical Info
Sally Rocks graduated from Bucknell University with a BS degree in Chemistry in 2004. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Rochester in 2009. At Rochester, she studied the mechanisms of non-heme iron enzymes involved in the bioremediation of chlorinated pollutants. This research brought together two different fields- biochemistry and inorganic chemistry. Working at the interface of different disciplines is something Sally enjoys. After receiving her Ph.D., she worked as a post-doctoral fellow at Princeton University, exploring the role of bacteria in mercury methylation. This work combined biochemistry and geochemistry. Sally then moved to Utah and worked in Research and Development for FLSmidth A/S, global equipment and process supplier to the mining and cement industries. After seven years in the industry, Sally transitioned to academia and is currently an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Utah Valley University. At UVU, Sally conducts research in the areas of bio-inorganic chemistry and environmental chemistry.
Dr, Rocks led a Science Right Now! workshop as a component of Mission STEMCAP: Overconsumption and as a standalone presentation. She presented her research on the prevalence of microplastics in Utah Valley’s air, water, and soil. Students then used orange glasses and blue lights to search for dyed plastic in bins of rice and beans.