CASNR Change Maker Spotlight: Cole Simmons

Cole Simmons
Meet CASNR Change Maker scholarship recipient, Cole Simmons, a freshman biochemistry major from Kansas City, Missouri. He is working to develop an enzyme that would dissolve plastics in a cost-efficient manner.
January 19, 2021

Major: Biochemistry

Year in School: Freshman

Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri

Please describe your big idea in a few sentences.

My idea was to develop an enzyme that would dissolve plastics in a cost-efficient manner. These enzymes would then be used on landfills that contained lots of plastic. I grew up in Kansas City where there were plenty of landfills. I hoped to create an enzyme so that I could make my hometown cleaner.

What impact do you want to have on the world?

I hope I have a beneficial impact on the world – no matter how small it is. I strive to be someone who makes people’s everyday lives better even if It is just a handful.

How has the Change Maker scholarship and CASNR community helped you discover your passion and grow your skills?

The Change Maker scholarship connected me with mentors that are helping me pursue my dream solution. They also connected me with peers that are also driven to make the world a better place. With those people I realized that I was not alone in my great journey through college.

How has your mentor/mentors shaped your experience thus far?

My mentors have been excellent guides to pursing my dreams. They showed me how I could start pursuing my dream as a Chang Maker. They even offered me a position to work at one of their own labs.

What advice would you have for someone who is not sure if they should apply/if their idea is big enough?

No problem is too small. If their solution would truly help even a small group of people in need, then it is important. Even through the CASNR Change Maker program is brand new, it is amazing how much it has helped me grow. Even as a first year student, this program is extremely helpful and I would recommend it to anyone in CASNR.

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Biochemistry