What if the plastic we use every day never really went away? From sea salt to human cells, microplastics are silently infiltrating our planet — and us. In this talk, student researcher Ananya Iyengar shares her journey from a high school biology lab to publishing her own study on how microplastics harm aquatic life. Through science and innovation, she reveals how curiosity can spark real solutions to one of today’s most invisible environmental crises — and how even the smallest actions can make the biggest ripples. Ananya Iyengar is a senior at Granite Bay High School with a passion for healthcare, research, and community service. She has conducted original research on microplastics and their impact on marine ecosystems, while also designing an innovative filtration system to combat this issue. She is also filing a U.S. patent for a device designed to safely cut avocados and prevent kitchen injuries. Ananya volunteers at Mercy San Juan Hospital and with SEWA International, where she helps prepare meals and serve those in need. She also leads GBHSHFH, a student-run volunteer club, and works with children as a tutor at Kumon, camp counselor, and a varsity water polo player. With experiences ranging from a volunteer abroad at a major hospital in India to local community leadership, Ananya is dedicated to combining science, service, and global citizenship in her future career as a physician. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx