Grace Davis, a sophomore chemistry major hailing from Elkton, South Dakota, is making waves in the scientific community with her groundbreaking research on polystyrene degradation. Davis recently completed a prestigious summer research internship at the University of Cambridge in 2024, where she contributed to a project focused on using gold nanoparticles to break down this notoriously persistent plastic.

Polystyrene, commonly found in packaging and disposable products, can take up to 500 years to decompose in the environment, posing a significant threat to ecosystems. Davis’s work under the mentorship of Dr. Bart de Nijs offers a promising solution to this pressing environmental challenge. The project explores the photocatalytic degradation of polystyrene, a process that utilizes light and a catalyst (in this case, gold nanoparticles) to accelerate the breakdown of the plastic.

Davis’s passion for science and environmental stewardship was ignited during her participation in the Davis-Bahcall Scholar Program at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in 2023. This impactful program provided her with invaluable hands-on experience in cutting-edge research labs, allowing her to interact with leading scientists and gain firsthand exposure to modern STEM research. The confidence she gained from this experience proved pivotal in her decision to pursue further studies at the California Institute of Technology and ultimately led her to the research opportunity at Cambridge.

Growing up on her family’s farm in South Dakota instilled in Davis a deep appreciation for the natural world and the importance of environmental conservation. This upbringing motivated her to leverage the power of science to address critical environmental issues. Her research at Cambridge has shown promising initial results, and she continues to collaborate with the research team to further develop and refine the project.

Davis’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring scientists, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. She encourages them to “Don’t put any limits on what you want to do. Don’t be afraid to apply for these opportunities, and don’t doubt yourself. You can do anything.” Her own success story underscores the power of seizing opportunities and believing in one’s potential.

The Davis-Bahcall Scholar Program, hosted by the Institute for Underground Science at SURF, plays a crucial role in nurturing young scientific talent like Davis.2 The program provides students with unique access to state-of-the-art research facilities and mentorship from experienced professionals. The program is generously supported by major sponsors including First PREMIER Bank, Black Hills State University, the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium, and the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority.