The National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Chemistry awarded a $652,777 Project Grant under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences program (CFDA 47.049) to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Through this 4-year grant, Professor Erik J. Alexanian is developing chemical reagents to enable the selective diversification of polyolefin plastics, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, through C-H bond functionalization. This approach aims to "upcycle" post-consumer plastic waste into new polymers with enhanced economic and environmental value. The research involves developing novel N-functionalized amides and radical trapping reagents to introduce diverse chemical functionalities onto polyolefin mixtures. Additionally, the project will support educational outreach efforts through the university's Chemical Education Outreach Group and Morehead Planetarium and Science Center to engage K-12 students and the public on sustainable polymer lifecycles.