Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University psychology major Saloni Patel is studying how adverse childhood experiences leave a measurable biological mark that can affect how we think, focus, and learn. Her research examines whether inflammation triggered by early-life stress contributes to the cognitive struggles some students face in the classroom.

After her grandmother was diagnosed with dementia, Kennesaw State University psychology student Maria Fata became interested in understanding whether the kind of work people do throughout their lives could affect their brain health as they age. Surprisingly, Fata said her study found no significant link between shift work and cognitive decline.

Kennesaw State University juniors Cecilia Le and Lily Schwartz met in a biochemistry lab and a partnership flourished - as did a friendship. They presented research into the effectiveness of certain peptides in mitigating COVID-19 twice at the Symposium of Student Scholars, and have continued to make their way as undergraduate researchers.

Can the outfit a celebrity wears to court influence how the jury or public perceive them? Emily Lesmes and Alaina Jean, students in Kennesaw State University's First-Year Scholars Program, are exploring whether courtroom fashion shapes how the public perceives someone's guilt, remorse, or sincerity.

Kennesaw State research suggests that mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, and insomnia may significantly impact how well first responders can do their jobs. Mahita Polineni, a third-year psychology student, is studying how these factors affect cognitive functioning including memory, concentration, and decision-making among emergency medical responders.

Preston Brantley, a double major in mechanical engineering and nursing, is trying to reduce the time that patients spend waiting for a cancer diagnosis. A KSU Journey Honors College student, Brantley is developing an artificial intelligence tool designed to help pathologists detect cancer cells more quickly and efficiently.

When natural disasters strike, quickly assessing damage is crucial to saving lives and rebuilding communities. Under the mentorship of assistant professor Da Hu, Kennesaw State University computer science major Kiara O'Neal is using drones and artificial intelligence to improve post-disaster recovery efforts and reduce response times.

CrossFit changed Caralynn Doese's life twice - once when she sought a competitive outlet, and again as a Kennesaw State student in search of a possible academic outlet. Now she's helping conduct a study on CrossFit with Wellstar College of Health and Human Services professor Gerald Mangine through KSU's Summer Undergraduate Research Program.

Kennesaw State University senior Ariana Mitchell is exploring what's lurking inside everyday scented products. An aspiring forensics scientist, Mitchell is using a technique known as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify and measure allergen quantities in products like perfumes and plug-in room fragrances.

Computer science student Johaan Kathilankal Jis is using advanced computational modeling and drug discovery simulations to help treat Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. "There is a lot of valuable data out there, but it is scattered. We are organizing it so other researchers can use it to push Alzheimer's studies forward," he said.

Aiming to create systems where machines and their virtual counterparts communicate in real time, Carter Corbin and a team of KSU students are advancing smart manufacturing by combining robotics and digital twin technology. "It is more than just a simulation," Corbin said. "We can collect live data and prevent costly mistakes before they happen."

Students at Kennesaw State University are often led to research through personal connections, demonstrating how passion can spark action. Student researchers presented their findings at the Spring Symposium of Student Scholars, a three-day event hosted by the Office of Undergraduate Research that allows students to explain their work in a public forum.

Imani Adenuga dove into research immediately upon arrival at KSU last fall, landing in the lab of chemistry professor Daniela Tapu where she took on a project involving sustainable catalysts. It constituted a huge leap for a freshman, given that the project is grounded in organic chemistry, a critical class for chemistry majors that she hasn't taken yet.

For the past year, a group of Kennesaw State University students have been synthesizing information from a multi-year study about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on female academics who also are mothers. The students presented their findings at the Georgia Association for Women in Higher Education Conference.

Naima Fouad-Gilliam, a master's student in Kennesaw State's School of Data Science and Analytics, is exploring hidden stressors harming honeybee colonies. At the heart of her research is principal component analysis, a statistical tool that simplifies complex data by uncovering patterns and relationships.

From the moment she arrived at Kennesaw State University, Jazmin Dozier knew she wanted a science-based career. Now, she's an aspiring researcher on the rise. Dozier learned about careers in science while conducting research in epigenetics, resulting in conference presentations and publications in scientific journals.

With a strong interest in nature and science, Olivia Walker was accepted into the First-Year Scholars Program to study longleaf pine forest ecosystems. Walker also has developed some expertise in another endangered tree, the eastern hemlock, which she studied in the prestigious Harvard Forest Summer Research Program in Ecology.

The word is out about Kennesaw State University's Department of Physics, and Matthew Garwacke heard it loud and clear. The junior physics major transferred to KSU last year for the opportunity to conduct research with renowned physics researcher Marco Guzzi, and then took on a prestigious research opportunity over the summer.

Lyric Gordon found life-changing research at Kennesaw State University - twice. After launching her student research career in an organic chemistry lab, she has shifted her focus to a biochemistry lab where she works with protein blockers that can help patients with dementia-related brain maladies, a major change in the final year of graduate study.

Adamina Bilbrey leveraged her participation in the Birla Carbon Scholars program to study the conservation of an endangered plant native to Georgia. The KSU environmental science major studied a beneficial native plant called the royal catchfly in a field in Dade County, Georgia, and discovered the plant flourishes best in areas that experience both sun and shade.

KSU Journey Honors College student Ella Smith is exploring how death and the final words between parents and children impact self-esteem and closure in mourning. Smith's research is deeply personal, because she has experienced end-of-life communication with her grandmother.

Looking to grow his engineering skills and career, Joachim James took the advice of his cousins who attended Kennesaw State University and enrolled in the Master of Science in Civil Engineering program. Today, he plays a critical role in research that could change the way engineers address lighting inside tunnel systems.

The Birla Carbon Scholars Symposium marks the completion of an intensive summer research program in which students apply their studies toward sponsored projects under the guidance of Kennesaw State faculty scholars. The 12 students were chosen based on faculty recommendations, an undergraduate research project abstract, and a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Kennesaw State junior Emily Manqueros knew in high school that she wanted to do research in physics, not just study it. Manqueros said classes in astronomy and physics taught her how physical forces effect everything around her, and she wanted to immerse herself in them. So, she came to KSU for the opportunity to conduct research right away as a freshman.

Computer science major Fernando Orfila is working to create an app to keep people interested in their health and wellness goals through gamification. Physical inactivity, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes cost the United States more than $700 billion a year, according to the CDC, and Orfila believes health and wellness apps could ultimately provide solutions.

What would America without opera look or sound like? Kennesaw State music major Simon Kawasaki shudders at the thought, but his project through KSU's Summer Undergraduate Research Program considers that very possibility, one of a handful of summer projects from the College of the Arts.

When something grabs Toni Kamau's attention, she wants to find out everything about it she can - which serves her well in research. Last fall and spring semesters, Kamau worked with research mentor Chloe Xie and fellow students to examine processes of how DNA is damaged and how it repairs itself.

In just one year of college, Mercy Olaniran already has been immersed in two research projects to positively impact people's lives. The computer science major is currently working to develop a smartphone application that would provide helpful tips to caregivers of people living with dementia.

Participating in the Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP), exercise science major Kayla Anderson is searching for a method of strength training for people who are not able to participate in traditional ways. Those who would benefit include the elderly, people with injuries, and post-stroke patients.

Tommy Brown has been fascinated by the vastness of space and the mystery of faraway stars for as long as he can remember, so it's only natural he chose to pursue engineering. The sophomore mechanical engineering major is working to design a hybrid drone capable of walking and flying while exploring previously unreachable areas of the solar system.