Name: Microplastics and Us: Can you believe there is a plastic needle stuck in your brain?
Start: 2026-01-16T12:00:00-05:00
Location: The Peoples Church of East Lansing

Join us for an upcoming Town & Gown Session: “Microplastics and Us: Can you believe there is a plastic needle stuck in your brain?” presented by Dr. Yoorae Noh from noon – 1 pm on Friday, January 16, 2026, in the Robertson Room, at The Peoples Church in East Lansing. Bring a lunch and enjoy the presentation and discussion as part of the Town & Gown Series.
As reported in numerous media outlets, there is growing evidence that microplastics are entering the human body through food, water, and air. Before we begin to worry about microplastics, we need to first understand what microplastics and plastics are. This lecture will explore the common plastics in our everyday life and trace their transformation into microscopic particles. We will also cover the latest scientific research on the impact of microplastics on neurological function and overall health.
Dr. Yoorae Noh is an assistant professor in the School of Packaging at Michigan State University. Her field of study is related to sustainable plastic manufacture, recovery, and environmental surveillance. Prior to joining MSU, Dr. Noh obtained a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Purdue University. Primary research in Dr. Noh's lab is examining the plastic waste streamline and its environmental impact, along with evaluating new sustainable plastic packaging and processing technologies. Her research team is moving toward developing practical solutions to meet the growing global plastics demand without increasing environmental burden.
This collaborative effort is made possible through the partnership of MSU AgeAlive, MSU Social Science Scholars Program, Generations Connect, Friends of the East Lansing Seniors Program, East Lansing Prime Time Seniors Program, The Great Decisions Program of the Foreign Policy Association, and The Peoples Church of East Lansing.
Registration is available at agealive.org/town-gown/. If you have trouble registering, please email [email protected] and we will add you to the registration list.