KENNESAW, Ga. | Aug 23, 2024

Kennesaw State University student Emily Manqueros’ study of the efficacy of bioglass on bringing medical treatments into human bodies won the top prize at the Birla Carbon Scholars Symposium on Thursday.

Now in its 11th year, the symposium marks the completion of an intensive summer research program that allows students to apply their studies toward sponsored projects under the guidance of Kennesaw State faculty scholars.

“Today is a celebration of many things,” said Heather Koopman, dean of the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM). “First, we recognize our students, who worked hard on their research projects over the summer. Second, we celebrate the continued partnership between Birla Carbon and Kennesaw State University. Without their continued support, the Birla Carbon Scholars Program would not be what it is today.”

The winning project involves using cerium oxide nanoparticles that have the potential to treat Alzheimer’s, cancer and other ailments. Manqueros is the first physics major to win first place in the history of the program, and has worked with physics professor Kisa Ranasinghe since her freshman year. Manqueros presented a different glass project at an international conference in May and is working on publishing the results of the study done under Birla Carbon as a co-author on a paper. This latest success will allow her to present again in the future.

“There’s always more to do, and it really has an impact on people,” Manqueros said. “We have a few more things that we would like to do in the future, like increasing the percentage of cerium oxide to better observe the impact it has on the glass, but I just hope that I can continue this research and maybe finish it by the time I graduate.”

In the spring, CSM selected 12 students to each receive a $4,500 stipend to pursue research during a summer program established by Birla Carbon, a worldwide chemical manufacturer. 

The 12 scholars were chosen based on the recommendations of faculty members, submission of an undergraduate research project abstract, and a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Recipients worked with their sponsoring faculty members on their proposed research projects in five departments within CSM.

This year’s scholars, their majors and faculty mentors included:

• Andrew Behrend, physics, and David Joffe, associate professor of physics
• Adamina Bilbrey, environmental science, and Mario Bretfeld, assistant professor of biology
• Jonathan DeMont, physics, and Marco Guzzi, associate professor of theoretical particle physics
• Julia Franz, biochemistry, and Mohammad A. Halim, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry
• Evan Johnson, biology, and Whitney Preisser, assistant professor of ecology and organismal biology
• Ra’Nya Malone, biochemistry, and Carl Saint-Louis, assistant professor of biochemistry
• Emily Manqueros, physics, and Kisa Ranasinghe, assistant chair of the physics department and professor of physics
• Megan McCabe, biology, and Dongyu Jia, associate professor of molecular and cellular biology
• Jayla Melvin, biology, and Masafumi Yoshinaga, associate professor of molecular and cellular biology
• Siam Sarower, physics, and Mahmoud Asmar, assistant professor of physics
• Tatiana Sidorova, biology, and Andrew Haddow, assistant professor of microbiology
• Michael Williams, physics, and Chetan Dhital, associate professor of physics

Since 2014, funds provided by Birla Carbon have enabled 105 Birla Carbon Scholars to participate in research. This year marks the 11th cohort of scholars, and Birla Carbon representatives said the company looks forward to the continued partnership as well as the Symposium, a yearly event to showcase young scientists.

“The partnership has created a win-win-win for the students, Kennesaw State University and Birla Carbon,” said Terence Norman, the director of human resources for Birla Carbon Americas. “The true purpose of our partnership has unfolded before our own eyes. It is not only impactful, but it is also meaningful and fulfilling. We eagerly await seeing its next wave of success.”

Along with the $4,500 stipend each scholar received, Manqueros received an additional $2,000 in travel funds to present her research at a national or regional conference. 

About Birla Carbon

Birla Carbon is the world’s largest producer 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 $45 billion Aditya Birla Group, the multinational conglomerate based in Taloja, India, Birla Carbon’s Technology Laboratories are located in Marietta and Taloja, India.

 – Story by Dave Shelles

Photos by Judith Pishnery

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.