Win Cowgar

Dr. Win Cowger (AKA Dr. Trash) is an accomplished environmental scientist specializing in plastic pollution, sustainable resource management, and conservation strategies. Win holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from the University of California, Riverside, a B.S. in Environmental Science from Iowa State University , and an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts from Hawkeye Community College.

Currently, Dr. Win Cowger serves as the Research Director at the Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research, where they lead cutting-edge investigations, publish peer-reviewed studies, secure research grants, and mentor emerging scientists. They are also a Visiting Scholar at the University of California, Riverside, contributing to student mentorship and laboratory innovations.

Dr. Cowger has a robust professional history that includes roles such as Contract Data Scientist for 5 Gyres, Founding Member of Plant Prudent, Senior GIS Analyst at Prudenterra, and Crew Leader for the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa. Their experience encompasses GIS research, conservation leadership, field data collection, and development of process-based models addressing fluvial transport dynamics and mismanaged waste.

As an active community contributor, Dr. Cowger advises several nonprofit organizations, including Recycle My Battery, National Cleanup Day, and 5 Gyres. They are a board member of the Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research and have provided expertise to global initiatives like Let’s Do It World and the Longest Swim.

A passionate advocate for environmental education and outreach, Dr. Cowger has served in leadership and advisory capacities at universities, professional organizations, and global conservation projects, furthering the mission of sustainable development and environmental stewardship.