M organ Collins, a first-year chemistry student, is the first from Georgia College & State University to receive an American Chemical Society Project SEED Scholarship.

This year, this competitive research funding opportunity was awarded to 45 students nationwide with Collins the only recipient from Georgia. The Eatonton, Georgia, native was awarded the scholarship’s maximum amount of $5,000, which covers his tuition—leaving him to conduct research.

The Project SEED Scholarship assists Project SEED Program participants like Collins in their transition from high school to college. Project SEED also funded two years of Collins’ summer research with the Georgia College Young Scientist Academy beginning in 2022. 

According to their website, the American Chemical Society’s Project SEED mission is to “provide sustained STEM research, learning, and growth opportunities for high school students with diverse identities and socioeconomic backgrounds…”

With the funds, Collins started creating a heavy metal indicator alongside Dr. Catrena Lisse, director of the Science Education Center and professor of chemistry.
 

The indicator should change colors to find which metals are present in water or soil. In college, Collins’ goal is to make an indicator that is reusable and efficient at identifying metals.
 
He wants to speed up the process for identifying what is contaminating water or soil, finding that contaminant and reversing its effects while preventing it from happening again.

“I’m really interested in water and soil quality because I want to be an environmental chemist,” Collins said. “That’s my career path and being able to use a heavy metal indicator for water samples will boost my goals and help me along the way.”

Out of Georgia’s three selective institutions, Collins chose Georgia College precisely for this opportunity to conduct undergraduate research.
 
“I’ve always loved nature—hiking, fishing, camping—I’m an Eagle scout, so this is my passion,” he said. “Being introduced to chemistry was mind blowing because I understand it, it’s fun and hands-on.”

“That’s what drives me: my love and passion for environmental science, for nature and for chemistry,” Collins said.