SymoneÌýFranks

  • PhD Student
  • ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
Symone Franks

PFAS contamination • Environmental justice • Community research

I am working with Riley Mulhern in the . ÌýMy research focuses on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), examining their distribution and how exposure intersects with race and class. I am particularly interested in how low-income communities perceive PFAS risk and in developing non-extractive, community-based research methods.Ìý

Prior to graduate school, I interned at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where I worked on wastewater permitting and environmental justice reviews. A first-generation college student from Kansas City, I am committed to producing science that supports equitable, community-led environmental solutions. I also conduct environmental advocacy and sustainability campaigns along with research that produces original content and articles on environmental justice, climate change, and policy issues.

Advisor:ÌýRiley Mulhern


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Education

  • BS (Earth and Environmental Science): University of Missouri, Kansas City, 2025