Nine engineering student projects recognized at Spring Research Fair

Four undergraduate student research projects and two graduate student projects were chosen as winners and three graduate projects earned commendations during the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s annual Spring Research Fair, April 10-11 at the Nebraska Union.

The Spring Research Fair featured more than 250 undergraduate research posters, six undergraduate creative exhibits and more than 150 graduate research posters. More than 400 students participated over the course of the two-day fair.

To recognize students’ creative and scholarly achievements and accomplishments, prizes were awarded to the top undergraduate and graduate posters and exhibits.

The undergraduate competition involved 96 reviewers and the graduate competition involved more than 30 reviewers who rated student posters on the basis of their research scholarship. Undergraduate students were also rated on their presentation skills at the Research Fair.

The top graduate posters received a $400 travel grant to present their research at a regional or national conference. The top undergraduate posters received a $250 award sponsored by their college.

The winning engineering undergraduate projects are:

• Ernesto Bravo, Chemical Engineering, “Optimization of Bitumen Rejuvenation”

• Jena Wilson, Biological Systems Engineering, “Civic Engagement in an Undergraduate Course Focused on Socioscientific Issues”

• Alison Manske and Connor Gee, Biological Systems Engineering, “Nanoparticle Treatment to Improve Motor Function after Traumatic Brain Injury”

• Nathan German and Ed McNamara, Architectural Engineering, “Modeling and Analysis of Masonry Arch Behavior”

The winning engineering graduate projects are:

• Meetpal Kukal, doctoral student, biological systems engineering, “Irrigation-Limited Yield Gaps: Trends and Variability in the United States Post-1950”

• Behrooz Motealleh, doctoral student, chemical and biomolecular engineering, “Solution-blended Sulfonated Polyphenylene and Branched Poly(arylene ether sulfone): Synthesis, Electrochemical Properties, State of Water, and Fuel Cell Performance”

Three other graduate posters were cited for commendations:

• Ufuk Kilic, , electrical and computer engineering, “Irrigation-Limited Yield Gaps: Trends and Variability in the United States Post-1950”

• Tyler Kozisek, biological systems engineering, “Enhancing Nonviral Gene Delivery to Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Using Chemical and Physical Priming”

• Luz Sotelo, mechanical and materials engineering, “Characterization of Near-Race Subsurface Inclusions Detected with Ultrasonic Surface Waves in Railroad Tapered Roller Bearings”