The Martell group develops high-throughput methods to evolve enzymes and enzyme-mimicking catalysts, with applications spanning sustainable synthesis, chemical biology, and plastic recycling. In one research area, the group uses DNA as a synthetic scaffold for abiotic reactions, taking advantage of its tunability, stimuli-responsiveness, and information-encoding properties. In another project area, the group uses chemogenetic-directed evolution platforms to enhance the activity of natural enzymes toward abiotic substrates. This research combines diverse disciplines, including biochemistry, organic chemistry, and materials.