
Avery Dougherty
I’m a Staff Research Associate in the Deheyn Lab, where I’ve been since 2022, and a La Jolla native who has dreamed of working at Scripps Institution of Oceanography since childhood. I graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2022 with a degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.
My research focuses on microplastic and microfiber pollution — I collect and analyze samples from air, water, snow, marine life like whales and oarfish, and even human tissues. Through this work, I’m building a growing database that tracks and quantifies microplastic pollution across environments and species, helping us better understand patterns of contamination and exposure. I aim to help develop practical, science-based solutions and encourage everyday changes that reduce plastic impact. Outside of the lab, I enjoy skiing, yoga, and cooking.