Rising senior Nolan Martin, a senior honors student and biology major from Wexford, Pa., spent his summer investigating how the products created when enzymes break down a common type of plastic may affect the health and development of zebrafish. He was one of 10 students selected for Westminster College’s 10th annual Summer Research Fellowship. Martin conducted his research “Impact of Enzymatic PET Breakdown Products on Zebrafish Health,” under the guidance of Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Marosh Furimsky. 
 
Martin’s motivation for the project grew from his curiosity about the relationship between people and the environment and how plastic products affect our lives. His research investigates the safety of products created through a method of remediating a specific type of microplastics called polyethylene terephthalate (PET). He studied how two enzymes, PETase and MHETase, break down PET plastics into smaller chemicals and how those chemicals interact with their environment, including whether they are harmful to developing embryos and larvae. A lack of research in the field, combined with his previous lab work with zebrafish,  contributed to his interest in the topic.

“Plastic products are a nearly unavoidable part of life and they have consequences for both the environment we live in and those living in these environments. Similarly, our attempts to fix and remediate these problems may have unintended impacts that I thought would be interesting to explore,” said Martin. “While my research is still ongoing and does not have results yet, my background research has revealed many surprising facts about microplastics. Specifically, I learned that microplastics can be carried by the wind and travel through the atmosphere, which was a shock to learn.”

For Martin, the most challenging part of the process was acquiring and organizing data from a large body of background literature. He found that step less rewarding than working in the lab but acknowledged that both are equally important parts of the process.  

“Dr. Furimsky is amazing to work with. He gives us the freedom to choose how to conduct our research but is also always present to guide us or answer any questions we have. He is also great at talking about life and experiences outside of Westminster College,” said Martin. 

Martin appreciated the focus and flexibility that came with conducting research outside the academic year. The summer schedule allowed him to devote his full attention to the project while getting to know Furimsky and furthering his understanding of a topic he is passionate about. 

Martin is a member of Habitat for Humanity and the Beta Beta Beta Biological Society. He also plays the cello in the College Symphonic Orchestra and is a peer tutor on campus. Upon graduation, he plans to attend Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine to pursue a career in medicine.  

Sponsored by the Drinko Center for Undergraduate Research, Summer Research Fellowships at Westminster College allow students to conduct hands-on research and creative projects under the guidance of our experienced faculty mentors. 

To learn more about Westminster's biology major, please visit www.westminster.edu/biology. 

More Stories