The Scholar: Annika Stackmann

The Project: The Antidote to Our Plastic Addiction 

The Essential Question: “I researched and experimented with alternatives to conventional plastics, specifically focusing on biodegradable plastics. My essential question was: “Are biodegradable plastics effective?” To answer this, I conducted an experiment using PLA, a commonly used biodegradable plastic, and exposed it to UV light and water over a period of 10 days. I repeated the experiment twice to observe how the material degraded when exposed to these conditions, simulating what might happen if it entered a water body. Ultimately, this project aimed to contribute to finding viable solutions to plastic pollution.”

Surprising Discovery: “I was surprised by the complexities of both plastics and biodegradable plastics, especially when it comes to disposal and recycling. The process is much more tedious than I knew. I also learned about policies in different countries, even though they weren’t the main focus of my project. I was shocked to discover how often plastic waste is burned to prevent buildup, causing significant health risks. When throwing things away, I used to think it didn’t matter, but now I see how much of an impact our choices truly have.“

Biggest Challenge: “The biggest challenge I faced was finding the focus of my project. I started with two big ideas and had to really narrow them down, then narrow them even further to make sure they would fit into a single trimester. It was tough wanting to experiment within such a short time frame.“

Tip for future scholars: “My tip for future scholars is to choose a topic you like early on and define your essential question quickly. Whether you’re researching, experimenting, or both, having a clear focus will keep you productive and prevent wasting time figuring out what to read or what direction to take. Also, track your citations from the beginning and structure your work early to stay organized and make the most of your time.“