As the only university in New York on the shores of Lake Ontario, SUNY Oswego has a special connection with the Great Lake. So a faculty-student interdisciplinary presentation on microplastics research at the Quest symposium is right at home.

Professor Shokouh Haddadi of SUNY Oswego’s Chemistry Department has been researching the effects of microplastics and how to better measure them in Lake Ontario, particularly the area along SUNY Oswego’s shoreline. Emanoella Ceni, a senior chemistry major, and Sanskriti Nanda, a sophomore biology major, have joined on this project as student research assistants and for the Quest presentation. 

Quest, the university’s day celebrating scholarly and creative activities, unfolds on Wednesday, April 22. All classes between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. are cancelled that day to promote campus participation as presenters and attendees.

Haddadi emphasized the importance of this project and how it has brought two branches of science together toward a shared goal. 

“Microplastics are everywhere, but we still don’t fully understand how much is out there, especially in freshwater systems like Lake Ontario,” Haddadi said.

“What’s important about this project is that we’re not just measuring microplastics — we’re trying to improve how we measure them,” Haddadi explained. “That’s really key if we want results that are trustworthy and comparable across studies. It also gave us a great opportunity to bring biology and chemistry together, making the project more meaningful and giving students a broader experience.”

Haddadi leads the project, playing a key role in research and analytics as well as organization. 

“I lead the analytical side: writing grants, securing resources and guiding the scientific approach, but this project is truly a team effort,” Haddadi said. “I work closely with students to ensure our methods are accurate and reliable, and they’ve been deeply involved in every stage, from literature review to fish dissection, digestion and microscopic analysis.” 

Passion for research

Ceni described how Haddadi’s drive inspired her to come on board the project: “It’s her passion and inspiration of wanting to learn more about this because she’s so intrigued by how microplastics are affecting us that made me equally as interested.”

Nanda also described seeing a similar passion: “She wants to work with us as peers in this project. She wants to guide us and actually wants the best for us.” 

Haddadi described seeing that same drive in the students. 

“I’ve been really impressed by the students’ effort, curiosity and enthusiasm,” Haddadi said. “They’ve taken real ownership of the project, which has been incredibly rewarding to see.” 

Ceni said coursework and this research have been complementary in her development as a scientist.

“I’m currently taking a class called ‘Instrumental Analysis,’ and that has been imperative in my understanding of the instrumentation that we’re using for characterization and identification” of the microplastics, Ceni said.

Haddadi emphasized the importance of presenting the project at Quest, and how important the event is to the university.

“Quest is such a great opportunity for students to share their work and realize the impact of what they’re doing,” Haddadi said. “It’s exciting to see them connect their research to real-world challenge.”

Nanda expressed her excitement about presenting at the event for the first time. 

“I am truly excited because I feel like Quest is a great concept, because everyone can come forward and present what they do,” Nanda said. “I feel like this is a great way to put out our ideas and take other professors’ recommendations.”

As a senior, Ceni sees the project and presentation as an important milestone. 

“This is my last project before I graduate, and this opportunity of doing all this preparation for Quest has led me to opportunities of doing other things,” Ceni said. “I can’t wait to come back and be able to see the growth that Sanskriti has done with the project.” 

The group also will collaborate with Cornell University on the project in the future, using some of that university’s equipment.

For more information on Quest and an updated schedule, visit oswego.edu/quest.

-- Written by Nina Ottesen of the Class of 2026