KENNESAW, Ga. | Jul 1, 2019

Scholarship program rewards 11 STEM students

Kennesaw State University’s College of Science and Mathematics has selected 11 Birla Carbon Scholars to each receive a $4,000 stipend to pursue their individual research interests during a unique 10-week summer program established by Birla Carbon, the world’s largest manufacturer and supplier of carbon black.

In marking the sixth year of the scholars program, Birla Carbon increased the number of scholars to 11 from 10 and increased its pledge to $275,000 to support the undergraduate research program in the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) for a five-year annual gift of $55,000.

Each applicant was chosen based on the recommendation of a CSM faculty member, submission of an undergraduate research project abstract and a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Recipients will work with their sponsoring faculty members on their proposed research projects.

Research projects this summer run the gamut from green chemistry to muon tomography and from the identification of cardiac regulatory genes to forensic analysis of lead-free ammunition residue.

“The opportunity to work side-by-side with some of our most talented faculty members performing original research is one of the partnership’s great strengths,” said Donald McGarey, interim dean of the College of Science and Mathematics. “We are thankful to Birla Carbon for their continuing support.”

Recipients will discuss their research project at the 2019 Birla Carbon Symposium on Aug. 29. The top student will receive an additional $2,000 to use toward travel expenses to present the project at a national scientific conference.

Since 2014, funding provided by the chemical manufacturer has allowed 50 Birla Carbon Scholars to participate in summer research opportunities.

This year’s scholars and their faculty mentors include:

Birla Carbon Scholar       Faculty Mentor

Max Andrews.................... Anton Bryantsev

Braden Clinebell............... Daniela Tapu

Robert Cronin.................... Chris Dockery

Tia Gordon........................ Kimberly Cortes

Rebekah Henneborn.......... Scott Nowak

Emma Henry..................... Jonathan McMurry

Tessa Jordan...................... Martin Hudson

Naza Okafor...................... Michael Stollenz

Destiny Paige.................... Rajnish Singh

Emma Pearson................... David Joffe

Hunter Spivey................... Thomas Leeper

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About Birla Carbon

Birla Carbon is the world’s leading sustainable manufacturer and supplier of carbon black additives, which are used to make everything from tires to plastics, from paints to electronics. A flagship business of the $41 billion Aditya Birla Group, the multinational conglomerate based in Taloja, India. Birla Carbon’s Technology Laboratories are located in Marietta, Ga., and Taloja.

– Robert S. Godlewski

Photos by Jason Getz

 

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.