Eddie Kostelnik ’21 grew up catching frogs and fish in a pond behind his house in Crown Point, Indiana. That childhood fascination with nature and its creatures never left him. Today, he’s working to protect those same freshwater ecosystems as an environmental scientist with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, tackling one of the most pressing and newly emerging contaminants in the Great Lakes: microplastics.
Eddie’s journey from Valpo student to environmental researcher reflects a path shaped by early research experiences, dedicated mentorship, and a deepening commitment to understanding the natural world. This strong foundation led him to where he is now: part of a collaborative team whose efforts in establishing baseline data that could inform environmental policy across the entire Great Lakes region. Together, they work to answer a fundamental question: how much microplastic contamination exists in Michigan’s freshwater systems, and where is it coming from?
Microplastics are defined as plastic pieces smaller than five millimeters – about the width of a drinking straw. Some are intentionally created like the tiny plastic spheres called nurdles used to manufacture larger plastic products. Others, however, are a byproduct of the breakdown of everyday items, like plastic bags, bottles, and other waste. “They’re widespread throughout the environment,” Eddie says. “But the impacts of the microplastics on the environment, on humans and organismal health, are just not that well known. At this point, more research is needed.”
The work that goes into getting that research is complex. Eddie and his team face constant challenges with sampling methods, such as trying to collect representative samples large enough to accurately reflect what’s happening in a massive body of water. Contamination is another hurdle. Microplastics can come from the air, from clothing made of polyester microfibers, or from the very equipment used to collect samples. What they’ve found so far confirms what many researchers suspected: microplastics appear in most of the samples they analyze. This research will continue over the next three years, with Eddie and his team continuing to build this baseline understanding across Michigan.
Eddie’s path to this line of work began in Professor Julie Peller’s, Ph.D., chemistry lab at Valpo. There, he learned the ethical foundations that guide responsible science. The scientific method became his framework for asking meaningful questions, designing experiments, analyzing data accurately, and reporting findings responsibly.
Working with Professor Peller shaped Eddie’s understanding of microplastics as a critical issue. When he started recreating along Great Lakes beaches and saw microplastics mixed in with the sand, falling through his fingers with every handful, the importance of the issue became visceral. But Professor Peller’s influence went beyond the science itself. “I think her approach to science and the way that we communicated with the public has really helped me in my current position where communicating with the public is extremely crucial and very important,” Eddie reflects. “One of the more important parts of my job is trying to communicate to the public these scientific ideas.”
One pivotal moment came when he attended an American Chemical Society conference as a student in San Diego. Seeing the interest from other researchers solidified the importance of the issue. The conference reinforced what he’d learned at Valpo about effective science communication. Beyond the lab, biology courses like plant biology, ecology, and field biology deepened Eddie’s connection to freshwater ecosystems. He’s an avid birdwatcher now, and understanding the importance of the Great Lakes to migratory birds has pushed his commitment to protecting these ecosystems even higher.
What keeps Eddie motivated is simple: he cares deeply about the people, the organisms who share this planet with us, and the environments we all call home. Eddie finds this perspective by getting outside, visiting local marshes or wetlands, standing on the shores of the Great Lakes. Working on an emerging contaminant case means working with incomplete information, but that’s exactly why the work matters. Being part of a team gathering critical information that could lead to meaningful action feels grounding – and like a beacon of hope for the future.
For current Valpo students interested in environmental research, Eddie offers this advice: environmental research is not linear. Problems arise constantly. The work rarely goes as planned, and resilience is essential. He also emphasizes the importance of ethical, responsible science and breaking out of academic bubbles. Sharing research and communicating with the public is one of the most important things scientists can do.
Eddie sees his work as part of something larger. The baseline data his team is collecting will help Michigan and potentially other states better understand microplastic distribution and sources. He hopes the work will inspire other researchers to pursue similar studies, creating a network of eyes and ears on the problem across the Great Lakes region. From catching frogs as a kid to sampling microplastics across Michigan, Eddie Kostelnik’s journey reflects the power of curiosity, mentorship, and commitment to the natural world. His work is a testament to how undergraduate research experiences can launch careers dedicated to solving some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
Ready to learn from and research alongside educators who are experts in their field? At Valparaiso University, students do just that – starting from day one. Explore chemistry and biology at Valpo at valpo.edu/college-of-arts-and-sciences.
