Talitha May is an adjunct assistant professor at Portland State University. She holds a PhD in English specializing in rhetoric and composition. She is also an illustrator and nature photographer. “Microplastic Ocean” calls attention to the tragedy of microplastics such as nurdles in the ocean. Marine animals ingest microplastics, which block their digestive systems — this blockage eventually starves many animals to death. Researchers have even found plastic in the digestive system of dolphins. Plastic confetti depict dolphins surrounded by endangered bull kelp. The confetti is shiny and viewers can see their reflection in person. This reflection demonstrates how humans are implicated in this tragedy. My pieces connect humans and marine life to the collective struggle of plastic waste and pollution.