Watch Enyu (Alaina) Zhang Transform Kelp into a Sustainable Solution

Tell us about yourself, your connection to Rhode Island, and your work.

From the moment I arrived in Rhode Island, I felt a bond with a community deeply connected to water, nature, and shared values. My research applies microalgae and macroalgae to address climate change. I’ve developed a bioplastic from sea lettuce, and partnered with Roger Williams University, the University of Rhode Island, and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to launch a kelp farm in Narragansett Bay. Under Dr. Di Lorenzo at Brown University, I drafted a manuscript now under review in Frontiers in Marine Science.

What’s your motivation for doing this work?

Growing up near Chao Lake in Anhui, China, where cyanobacteria blooms were common, I developed an early awareness of environmental issues. The overgrowth of green algae devastated fisheries and negatively affected the local community, including my family. I recognized the familiar smell of decaying algae near Narragansett Bay, and conducted a research project that transformed waste seaweed into biodegradable plastic. This prompted me to ask, why not turn the seaweed into a natural, sustainable solution to the excessive nutrients in the water? I then developed a model to characterize how sugar kelp farms can serve as a sustainable solution to environmental issues. 

In what ways do you hope to leave an impact
on the Ocean State in the coming year?

I hope to collaborate with local aquaculture farmers, using climate models to support them in mitigating climate impacts. My research is rooted in community needs, and I aim to use this model to address environmental challenges. I also want to create educational opportunities, such as grants and mentorships, for K-12 students. My ultimate goal is to become an environmental lawyer.

What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to achieve these goals?

Establishing strong partnerships with local farmers and community stakeholders will be challenging, especially when it comes to translating climate model data into actionable insights, and I’ll need to navigate funding constraints to create accessible educational opportunities for others.

What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2025?

I see increasing commitment to environmental issues across the region. People are receptive to scientific insights, especially when connected to tangible outcomes. Working alongside local farmers, for instance, has shown me the value of combining community knowledge with scientific tools like climate models. I believe that this type of collaboration will only grow, and I’m excited to be a part of it.