Chemistry major grows his skills in college for life and career

CSE undergrad finds joy in research and running

Jackson Trom cares about what happens to plastic debris in water.

As an undergraduate researcher in the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering, Trom explored how iron oxide nanoparticles interacted with different types of microplastics, like polystyrene. He used industry-standard equipment to separate, identify, and measure compounds in liquid samples from groundwater, rivers, and lakes.

“I want to use chemistry like this to learn more about our world and, hopefully, remediate the environment, and help make the world a cleaner place,” said Trom, a chemistry major from Maple Grove, Minnesota.

Away from classes, he enjoys running.

 “One of the most important things I’ve learned in college is knowing when to be a student and when not to be a student,” explained Trom, a recipient of the Professor John E. Ellis Scholarship and Dr. Paul F. & Patricia Guehler Chemistry Scholarship. “For example, I joined the Running Club at the University of Minnesota and ran two 8K races—something I did not envision I would be able to do coming into college.” 

In the Q&A that follows this video, Trom shares more insights about his future and time on the Twin Cities campus. 

Why did you decide to major in chemistry?
In high school, I was very lukewarm about chemistry. I took AP Chemistry and got a three, or passing grade, on the exam. So, I wasn’t expecting much when I was going into general chemistry as a college student. What made my first class special though, was my professor and future research advisor, Lee Penn. They made chemistry interesting and fun with in-class demonstrations and applications to the environment. They were the reason I committed to being a chemistry major, and the reason I got involved with research.

Tell us about your interest in plastics research and sustainability or the environment.
Sometimes when I run by the river and see garbage on the banks of the Mississippi, I worry about the wildlife that live in it. Clean water isn’t just important to us, humans. It’s important for every living being that needs it. This is what drives the research that I conduct here at the University of Minnesota. 

Why did you choose the University of Minnesota?
I chose the University of Minnesota because of the availability of research for undergraduates and proximity to home, and I was applying during the COVID-19 pandemic, so I wasn’t looking to go far.

How have your experiences in the College of Science and Engineering prepared you for your future? 
As a student and researcher, I’ve had access to so many important chemical instruments. For example, during Honors organic lab, I got to use a GC-MS [a technique for analyzing chemical mixtures], IR spectroscopy [a technique that uses infrared light to identify compounds], and MPLC [or medium-pressure liquid chromatography, a technique to separate and analyze compound mixtures] fairly regularly. In my advanced and regular analytical lab, I got to use an HPLC or High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, which is critical in both research and industry. 

As a researcher, I have also been able to design my own experiments.

As a teaching assistant, I’ve learned how to manage a lab space—and, more importantly, I got the opportunity to teach other students about chemistry and get them excited about any kind of chemical reactions they saw. 

How have scholarships helped you?
Scholarships have helped me along this path because they have provided financial relief that allowed me to focus more on my academics and my research. They allowed me to live on campus closer to students so I could feel a better sense of community. They allowed me the opportunity to even consider going to graduate school. 

Scholarships have helped me so much throughout my college journey. I’m forever grateful for benefactors supporting students like me, whether that be through scholarships or other gifts.

What are your plans after May Commencement?
I will be moving to North Carolina this summer. I got accepted to UNC Chapel Hill to start my journey as a Ph.D. candidate in inorganic chemistry. I'm definitely going to miss Minnesota, so I'm going to make the most of the time I have left in this state!

Story by Pauline Oo; video interview by Kristin Kelker

If you’d like to support students at the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering, see our CSE giving funds page.