Connecting Human, Environmental and Great Lakes Health in the Age of Plastic Pollution
The inaugural Plastics and Health Bioregional Forum will convene researchers, healthcare professionals, students, and community leaders to examine the connections between plastic pollution, ecological health, and human well-being. Through presentations, a panel discussion, local artwork, and networking opportunities, the forum will highlight current plastics research, human health concerns, policy responses, and practical solutions.
November 6th, 2026
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Designed to foster collaboration across disciplines, the event will create space for participants to exchange knowledge, build partnerships, and identify opportunities for action. Join us for a day of learning, dialogue, and connection with experts from across the Lake Erie and Lake Ontario region.
Please note that in-person registration is limited due to venue capacity, and early registration is encouraged. A free webinar option will also be available for those unable to attend in person.
The forum is being held at the MidTown Collaboration Center. Address (front door): 1974 E 66th Street, Cleveland, OH
Free parking is available in the lot behind the Center. Access this lot via E 65th Street.
Click here for the registration page. You'll find registration links for both in-person and virtual participation.
The planning committee is welcoming abstracts for projects focusing on plastic pollution, ecological health, and human well-being. The forum will be held on November 6th at the MidTown Collaboration Center (1974 East 66th St, Cleveland, OH). The poster session will take place at 12:30pm.
Please click here to access the form to submit a poster abstract. Preference will be given to current students at regional colleges and universities.
This forum is made possible by planning and support from the following entities:
- Cuyahoga County Board of Health
- Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District
- CWRU Climate and Health Education Collaborative
- CWRU Master of Public Health Program
- Eco-Products
- Mary Ann Swetland Center for Environmental Health
- MetroHealth Hospital System
- National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program
- Northeast Ohio Community Resilience Centre
- Ohio Sea Grant
This program is offered with support from CWRU Siegal Lifelong Learning.
Agenda
| Time | Activity | Topics and Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM | Welcome and Breakfast | Registration, refreshments |
| 9:00 AM - 9:15 AM | Introduction | Welcome: Darcy Freedman |
| 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM | 1st Session: INTRO to POLYMER SCIENCE and GREAT LAKES PLASTIC POLLUTION | Moderator: Peter Whitehouse Speakers: Gary Wnek, Sam Mason Key topics:
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| 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM | 2nd Session: ECOSYSTEM SCIENCE & HEALTH | Moderator: Haley Dalian Speakers: Beth Biggins, Christy Tyler, Robert Brand, Luciana Rivera Molina Key topics:
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| 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | 3rd Session: PUBLIC HEALTH | Moderator: Tim Weber Speakers: David Kennedy, Shannon Conrey, Tim Weber Key topics:
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| 12:30 PM - 1:45 PM | Onsite Lunch + Poster Session | Lunch provided Poster session introduction: Robert Brand Key topics:
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| 1:45 PM – 2:30 PM | 4th Session: POLICY & ACTION | Moderator: Jill Bartolotta Speakers: John Mills, Eddie Olshansky Key topics:
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| 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM | 5th Session: PANEL DISCUSSION | Moderator: Carin Miller Panelists: Max Pennington, Grace Nemer, Yvonka Hall, Jennifer Bucheit, Toby Alves Key topics:
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| 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Closing Session | Facilitators: Mark Warman, Haley Dalian, Yvonka Hall Key topics:
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