Sam Marsden is a PhD student in the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (’26) working in Prof. Stuart Rowan’s lab. His focus is on the synthesis and characterization of new materials that behave similarly to commercial plastics while being able to be chemically broken down for ease of recycling. He is very passionate about bridging the gap between scientists and policymakers, and encouraging more scientists to take on more of an active role. On a personal level, he is interested in plastics waste management and designing a circular economy for materials.
“Overall, attending COP29 has been an incredible experience; on one hand it has been great to observe the diplomatic and bureaucratic barriers that hinder timely and major decisions from being made. On the other hand, I was able to form connections that directly pertain to my area of focus and learn about important efforts being made on a smaller scale to help change the future one baby step at a time.”