Meden Isaac-Lam, professor of Chemistry in the College of Engineering and Sciences at Purdue University Northwest (PNW), is creating awareness and researching solutions, both at PNW and abroad, on the negative effects of microplastics on the environment.
Isaac-Lam, through the Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund (CDAF), joined researchers in Vietnam during summer 2024 to share and develop insights for community members to raise awareness on the impacts of plastic pollution on the ecosystem, the economy, human health and more. Her research takeaways will also enhance PNW students’ own awareness of plastic biodegradation through their coursework.
“This project made me more aware and conscious about the impact and danger of microplastics in our environment, in biodiversity and in human health,” says Isaac-Lam. “Microplastics are present in plants, marine animals, and surprisingly can accumulate in the human brain. We should be careful about what we throw out into the environment — if not, everyone will suffer the consequences.”
The CDAF is a program hosted by the U.S. Department of State and offered to alumni of the Fulbright U.S. Scholar program. Isaac-Lam previously promoted and exchanged interdisciplinary chemistry research in 2023 at three different host institutions in the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam.
Isaac-Lam led 30 university students, six faculty members as mentors and seven staff members at Tan Tao University in Long An, Vietnam for this research project. The objectives of the project, “Scientific English Immersion with Hands-on Experimentation on Microbial Plastic Degradation in Vietnam,” were two-fold and aligned with the CDAF’s main objectives – to build community through language and technology and promote environmental protection.
Isaac-Lam accomplished these goals through two actions. First, by sharing peer-reviewed science publications with participants and having them write manuscript reviews to enrich their English and science understanding. Second, the group used computer simulations, hands-on experiments and workshops to understand and raise awareness on microbial plastic degradation.
Back at PNW, Isaac-Lam plans to incorporate insights from her research on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in plastic biodegradation into her courses at PNW. The project, which combined several scientific fields, including AI, provided an interdisciplinary perspective that she plans to share with her students.
“Science and technology are useful tools to reduce the use and find alternatives for plastic,” says Isaac-Lam. “Our project linked together and utilized science, technology, AI, education and business to help solve environmental plastic pollution.” This project provided Isaac-Lam an opportunity to exchange ideas and knowledge with a network of scientists with expertise in biotechnology and the potential for future collaborations.
Isaac-Lam teaches general, organic and biochemistry and conducts research in drug therapeutics for cancer, calorie restriction, magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy, plastic degradation, environmental protection and STEM education.
