UMSS20 Student Profile: Megan Arsenault

Megan Arsenault, Chemistry
Determination of Lactic Acid to Improve Quality of Biodegradable Polymers
Mentored by Brian Frederick

Megan Arsenault is working with lactic acid – a bioplastic produced from renewable resources (such as corn). These bioplastics do not require the usage of coal, crude oil and other fossil fuels. She hopes to determine the orientation of lactic acid to improve the quality of a polylactic acid (biodegradable plastic). She wants to control the structure in order to improve thermal resistance and strength.

“I have had the incredible opportunity to jump onto a ‘green’ project right in my department. I am extremely passionate about ‘green’ chemistry and how to improve the quality of our environment. I think my project will be beneficial to the enhancement of environmentally friendly plastics and would be a step in the right direction for our environment,” says Arsenault.