Dr. Charles Rolsky, PhD

Dr. Charles Rolsky, PhD Shaw Institute Executive Director and Senior Research Scientist | Emmy Award Winner | TEDx Speaker

Dr. Charles Rolsky is the Executive Director of the Shaw Institute in Blue Hill, Maine. Charlie received his master's and PhD from Arizona State University’s Biodesign Institute, where he researched plastic pollution in marine and terrestrial ecosystems. As a postdoctoral research scholar in the Biodesign’s Center for Sustainable Macromolecular Materials and Manufacturing, he focused on green chem

istry and sustainable materials science. Charlie and his research have been featured on ABC News and PBS, and in the pages of the New York Times, Newsweek, Washington Post, Forbes, Smithsonian Magazine and many other prestigious media outlets. Currently, he focuses on researching links between environmental contamination and human health, which includes plastic pollution, PFAS chemicals, and other contaminants of concern. Charlie is extremely passionate about citizen science and public outreach, with groups ranging from kids to lifelong learners. A teacher for over eight years, he continues his mentorship through a range of internship and educational opportunities at the Shaw Institute.

Caesar The Shih-Poo is my spirit animal. Plain and simple ❤️
08/12/2026

Caesar The Shih-Poo is my spirit animal. Plain and simple ❤️

Find yourself someone who looks at you the way I look at Dr. Charles Rolsky, PhD

Learn. Protect. Restore. Inspire. TOGETHER!
06/05/2026

Learn. Protect. Restore. Inspire. TOGETHER!

🌎 Today is World Environment Day, a reminder that protecting our planet starts with understanding it.

At Shaw Institute, we're committed to advancing science that helps safeguard both environmental and human health—from studying microplastics and pollution to educating the next generation of environmental stewards.

The rugged coast of Maine inspires our work every day, and we're proud to call it home.

Together, we can build a healthier future for people and the planet. For an up close an personal opportunity to learn about our science, the environment and how it's all connected to human health, come visit us Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm.

🌞 Extended summer hours coming soon!

06/04/2026

One of the things I'm most proud of is how our Environmental Education Center has grown into a place where people can connect with science in a meaningful, hands-on way.

Whether you're touching marine life in our touch tank, exploring our exhibits, learning about our research, or simply spending time with family, our goal is to inspire curiosity about the incredible ecosystems that surround us.

I hope you'll come visit us soon and see what we've built together. If you have the means, please consider a donation to help us keep admission free - allowing us to cover such expenses as utilities, critter food, aquarium supplies, a professional aquarist, and more: https://shawinstitute.org/donate/

THANK YOU!

06/03/2026
06/03/2026

A firsthand look at SETAC Europe 2026 in Maastricht and the push for more trustworthy, solutions-driven microplastics research.

05/21/2026
05/09/2026

How cool is this! Our Executive Director, Dr. Charles Rolsky, PhD, did a virtual interview with the 5th graders from Loranger Memorial School in Old Orchard Beach, ME. They were keen to ask questions about ocean pollution and microplastics. Thank you to their teacher, Jacquie Palmer, for setting it up!

Whether you're a kid or adult, if you have an interest in these topics, you won't want to miss the opportunity to come experience our Environmental Education Center in downtown Blue Hill. We're open today from 10am to 4pm.

04/30/2026

New global research co-authored by the Shaw Institute ranks marine mammals most vulnerable to plastic pollution and highlights urgent conservation priorities.

04/17/2026

Don’t miss out on the fun—RSVP now and join the celebration! 🎉✨

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Blue Hill, ME

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