Soma Barsen received her Master's in Public Policy from Simon Fraser University. She holds a BSc from the University of British Columbia, majoring in cell biology and genetics, with a focus on cognitive behavioural neuroscience. Soma worked as a research intern at the OECD. Soma’s primary research interests are at the intersection of science and policy; how we organize our societies, economies, and governance locally and globally to protect ecosystems and support communities. Her ongoing research focuses on policy analysis to address ocean pollution and labour practices emanating from the textile industry. Soma is currently working with Nancy Olewiler, working on a project entitled "An examination of Canadians’ behaviours, attitudes, and policy preferences about synthetic (plastic) microfibre pollution"