UNT Dallas's Myles Chung, future scientist, has a mission: reduce plastic pollution, impact the world

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

UNT System is pleased to include additional coverage from CBS News Texas (CBS11)

 

Here is the original UNT Dallas article that inspired their story:

 

McNair and BAT-LSAMP scholar has a passion for research

As a child, Myles Chung learned about the negative effects of littering and pollution at his school on Earth Day. As a college student, he learned about the more harmful effects and how widespread they are. “I want to solve an issue,” Chung said, referring to the global epidemic of plastic pollution that has even crept into the food supply.

Photo of UNT Dallas's Myles Chung in a biology lab conducting an experiment

UNT Dallas's Myles Chung in a biology lab conducting an experiment 

He looks at Dr. Neal de Grasse Tyson as a role model who can explain complex topics in a 10-minute “crash course.” Chung shares that purpose to inform and educate. “It should be the responsibility of every scientist,” he said.

During his studies as a double major in biology and chemistry in the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences at UNT Dallas, Chung took that responsibility seriously. Recently, at the annual Student Research Symposium, Chung confidently explained the reason for an ambitious research project he participated in. Chung and two classmates investigated insects known as superworms, which eat plastic. “It’s important to understand why they break down plastics,” he said. The goal is to eventually “reproduce it in some way,” creating a chemical process or commercial product that destroys polystyrene and polyethylene, the primary sources of the world’s plastic pollution.

Photo of plastic waste packed and stacked; an estimated 20 million tons gets added to the environment annually. Photo courtesy: Nick Fawling

Plastic waste packed and stacked; an estimated 20 million tons gets added to the environment annually. Photo courtesy: Nick Fawling 

Chung took a step in that direction when he walked across the stage at UNT Dallas Commencement on May 13, 2025, to accept his dual diplomas. He became one of the first two graduates - ever - of the UNT Dallas chemistry program. Soon, he will start a new job as a chemistry lab technician at Sherwin Williams, the paint company, in Garland, Texas, near his family’s home. “It will be a good experience and help build a strong foundation,” Chung said, which could lead to a master’s degree and beyond.

He started building that foundation back in grade school. “I was always interested in the sciences. Teachers always told me I was good at STEM,” Chung said modestly. “I believed I was probably going to be a scientist when I grew up.”

Originally, Chung planned to become a dentist, like his sister, Isabelle, who is also a UNT Dallas student. He also planned to join the Army and received an ROTC scholarship that helped pay tuition and fees. But two experiences changed his life in dramatic and unpredictable ways.

Photo of UNT Dallas's Myles Chung in a science classroom discussion group

UNT Dallas's Myles Chung in a science classroom discussion group

In college, Chung realized he enjoyed lab work more than he expected. “It’s an opportunity to discover things,” he said. “It’s the frontier of research. It was life-changing.”

Two years ago, Chung’s little sister passed away at the age of 11. “It derailed things,” he said. “It caused me to consider what I value in life.” Chung gave up the ROTC scholarship, took a gap year, and shifted in a different direction. He wants to earn a PhD and become a university instructor and researcher. “As a PhD, I will service an institution and teach people,” he explained. “I want to give back the same opportunity I had.”

At UNT Dallas, Chung connected with Dr. Mehdi Eslamieh, a Department of Natural Sciences lecturer. He was excited to help Dr. Eslamieh plan the superworm project. “We bounced ideas off the wall,” Chung recalled. He is grateful that UNT Dallas offers hands-on research opportunities to undergraduate students. “It’s expanded learning. You become a better scholar,” Chung said. “You’re able to work with research mentors – different than a bigger school. You have an enriched environment,” he added. A new state-of-the-art STEM building for additional innovation will open later this year.

 

Photo of Myles Chung explaining the superworm plastics project at the 2025 UNT Dallas Student Research Symposium

 

Myles Chung explaining the superworm plastics project at the 2025 UNT Dallas Student Research Symposium 

Their research focused on the genetic basis of plastic degradation in superworms, including the relationship between the insect and its gut microbiome. Chung and his co-researchers fed plastic to some superworms, while they fed others a different diet. One of their goals was to discover enzymes in the worms’ guts that diminish plastic. In turn, those enzymes might lead to biotech innovations that could be used to treat plastic waste, lessening its destructive impact. It is estimated that 20 million tons of plastic litter end up in the environment each year, affecting land- and water -based ecosystems.

Chung compares plastic to smoking. “People know smoking is bad, but they still do it,” he said. “Plastic is detrimental to the world. There are microplastics in human tissues. But it is convenient, efficient and cost-effective.”

That’s why understanding and explaining the dangers of plastics is crucial. “We must communicate why it’s important to the public and the world,” said Chung about plastic and other scientific findings. “We must actively combat plastics. It could hundreds of years” to get the plastic pollution problem under control.

Photo of students sign the final steel beam for the topping off ceremony of the UNT Dallas STEM Building, Opening in Dec. 2025

Students sign the final steel beam for the topping off ceremony of the UNT Dallas STEM Building, Opening in Dec. 2025 

Chung is not only passionate about having a positive impact on the world, but he is also passionate about the welcoming culture at UNT Dallas. He came here as a transfer student and immediately felt a difference from his previous university. In fact, it is his most memorable experience at the campus. “Being able to interact with people just like me,” he said. “It was really nice. I fit in. I didn’t have to worry about my skin color and appearance.” Chung is multi-racial.

As he looks back at his time here, Chung says UNT Dallas had a lasting impact. “I could make friends and be part of the academic programming,” he said proudly. Chung will graduate cum laude with a 3.6 GPA. Among his honors, Chung is a Ronald E. McNair Scholar and a BAT-LSAMP Scholar. The McNair Scholarship is named after the late astronaut and physicist who died in the space shuttle Challenger in 1986. BAT-LSAMP stands for Bridges Across Texas – Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation, a program supporting students pursuing a STEM degree. 

Chung is excited about his future and the collaboration that scientists thrive on. He hopes it sends a powerful message to others. “Look at all the cool stuff we get to do in our field,” he said with a smile.

 


From UNT Dallas News – STEM