28 February, 2024
Lila's journey, as the first Ph.D. student in her family from a small city in eastern Saudi Arabia, represents a blend of resilience and groundbreaking scientific inquiry. Her own experience with sickle cell anemia ignited a fascination with science, ultimately steering her toward addressing the critical issue of microplastic pollution.
Situated near the coast amidst mangroves, Lila has firsthand experience of the environmental toll of microplastics. Her research is groundbreaking: utilizing specialized microbes from the Red Sea and mangrove ecosystems, she is exploring innovative methods to break down PET microplastics. These harmful pollutants, commonly found in everyday items like toothpaste, makeup, and creams, pose a complex challenge, especially the microplastics in makeup, which are particularly resistant to degradation.
Lila is pioneering a method that could revolutionize our approach to microplastic pollution. By isolating and employing specific microbes, she aims to enhance the natural biodegradation process of these plastics. This research is not only crucial for protecting marine ecosystems but also for safeguarding human health, as traditional water purification methods like reverse osmosis are ineffective against nano plastics.