The Martell Group develops catalysts that merge the benefits of enzymes and synthetic chemistry, with applications spanning sustainable synthesis, chemical biology, and plastic recycling. In one project area, the group uses biomolecular scaffolding to enhance the activity of abiotic catalysts under mild reaction conditions. In another project area, the group uses chemogenetic-directed evolution platforms to enhance the activity of natural enzymes toward abiotic substrates. By merging biotechnology and synthetic chemistry, the Martell group rapidly screens millions of candidate catalysts, thus accelerating the process of catalyst discovery. They combine diverse disciplines in the creation and application of these catalysts, including biological chemistry, organic chemistry, and materials.