SPE Welcomes Evan Morton to the Foundation Team

The SPE Foundation is pleased to welcome Evan Morton as part of the Foundation team as Programs and Sustainability Coordinator. Mr. Morton joined the PlastiVan® Team earlier this year as the youngest member of the team and the first black male educator in the program’s history. Within his first six months, he reached over 500 students across Detroit. He also brought the second international partnership to the program by educating students in Dakar, Senegal. Mr. Morton has very ambitious goals for the PlastiVan Program and plans to expand sustainability topics for students.

"I am elated to be working for the SPE Foundation and the PlastiVan program," said Mr. Morton. "To be able to support the mission of education, while showing the science behind plastics and polymers with engaging activities is exactly what I aim to achieve. I would like to show that the industry is not exclusive – it’s inclusive, by reaching as many students as possible. I am honored to be beside industry representatives, researchers, and educators alike. I am very passionate about bringing my interests, knowledge, experience, and research skills to the PlastiVan Program. For me, the most important part of this program is seeing the smile on students' faces when we talk about the plastics industry. It brings joy to my heart. I hope that being in this position will bring light to the students that aim to be the change-makers of tomorrow!"

A recent Michigan State University (MSU) graduate, Evan Morton has over 15 years of research experience. Prior to his position with the SPE Foundation, Mr. Morton was an undergraduate researcher and research ambassador at MSU. He received recognition with his first-place win at the Research Spring Symposium for his project focusing on plastic and paper bag quality and the related perceptions of consumers. He was also part of the Summer Opportunity Research Program at MSU where he published research journals about sustainable lumber with Dr. Berghorn of the school of Domicology. While in middle and high school, he was part of Ecotek Science at Work Lab focusing on research projects in biofuels, bioplastics, and material science, which led to a summer research internship with NTH Consultants
 
Mr. Morton also focused his efforts on community, working as a sub-city Council member focusing on green infrastructure with members for a climate action plan. He worked for Clean Water Action, speaking with over 1,000 Michigan residents about voter’s rights, water rights, and created a lead safety guideline for Michigan residents. While working for the Student Housing Cooperative of East Lansing, Mr. Morton established the first sustainability internship focusing on improving house quality, restructuring the office with re-purposed carpet, and created rewards for houses working for sustainable solutions. He also led Earth Day events and diversity training for residents of the community. 

He currently resides in East Lansing, Michigan.