Carroll College has secured a $128,423 subaward from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support research led by Kellie O’Rourke, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology. The three-year project will investigate how chemicals found in plastics may impact reproductive health. The grant, which runs from September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2028, is part of a larger NIH-funded initiative totaling $521,992 and involves collaboration with Dr. Estela Jauregui at Midwestern University.
Dr. O’Rourke brought her portion of the grant to Carroll College after joining from Saint Catherine University. All research activities will take place at Carroll and involve undergraduate students in work typically reserved for graduate-level programs.
Carroll College emphasizes hands-on research as a central part of its undergraduate experience. Students frequently participate in externally funded projects alongside faculty members, gaining skills in experimental design, data analysis, scientific writing, and presenting their findings.
“This opportunity exemplifies the strength of Carroll’s approach to undergraduate education,” said Dr. O’Rourke. “Students are participating in high-level biomedical research with real-world impact. While this work is often limited to graduate programs elsewhere, Carroll undergraduates are deeply engaged throughout the research process.”
The NIH funding will allow undergraduate research assistants to conduct laboratory experiments, analyze data, co-author scientific papers, and present results at national conferences—opportunities that are uncommon for undergraduates.
Phthalates—chemicals used to make plastics flexible—are present in many everyday products such as food packaging and cosmetics. Research has linked these chemicals to fertility issues in humans and animals.
Dr. O’Rourke’s study focuses on Sertoli cells in the testes and how phthalates may disrupt their function and lead to infertility. Previous findings showed that LRH1 expression in Sertoli cells is necessary for fertility in mice. “Dr. Jauregui and I are hypothesizing that these chemicals could be altering LRH1 expression and that could be the mechanism for infertility,” explained Dr. O’Rourke.
The team will examine how exposure to an active metabolite of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate affects LRH1 function within Sertoli cells by assessing changes in cell division or death, gene expression alterations, and whether activating LRH1 can protect against cellular damage.
To answer these questions, students and faculty will grow cells in the lab, expose them to the chemical compound under study, and measure changes related to gene activity and cell health.
Each spring at Carroll College culminates with a Student Research Festival where students from various disciplines present their work publicly through posters and talks.
“This NIH award reflects the strength of Carroll College’s commitment to undergraduate research and faculty scholarship,” said Dr. Jennifer Glowienka, co-president of Carroll College. “Dr. O’Rourke’s work demonstrates how meaningful research experiences and close faculty mentorship are central to the Carroll experience.”
Dr. O’Rourke herself is a first-generation college graduate who began her scientific training as an undergraduate researcher at Carroll under Dr. Glowienka’s guidance.
“My experience with undergraduate research at Carroll was transformative. It shaped my development as both a student and a researcher,” she reflected. “I am excited to give my students that same experience.”
Over three years, Dr. O’Rourke’s team plans to publish results in peer-reviewed journals and share findings at conferences; their work may help clarify how environmental chemicals affect fertility and inform future safety guidelines.
The project also aims to prepare students for careers across medicine, public health, research fields by providing practical experience beneficial for graduate school or professional advancement.
More information about the biology program can be found at www.carroll.edu/biology.
