The annual expo showcases undergraduate research from across the university and highlights work demonstrating originality, rigor, and real-world impact. 

In addition to this, several faculty and graduate student mentors helped guide undergraduate research projects to recognition at the exposition. 

 

High Distinction Awards

 

Matthew T. Lenzmeier earned High Distinction for his project, “Wearable Piezoelectric Bone-Conduction Systems for Spatial Directionality and Awareness.” The research focused on developing wearable systems that enhance spatial awareness through bone-conduction technology. The project was mentored by Hall Family Rising Star Associate Professor Ramses Martinez and IE PhD student/Graduate Research Assistant Jose Alfredo Ocegueda Barraza.

 

Margaret H. Prokopy received High Distinction for her project, “Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey-Based Analysis to Identify Influence Factors on Rwanda Post-Partum Family Planning.” Her work applied data-driven analysis to global health challenges, identifying key factors influencing family planning outcomes. The project was mentored Professor of Biomedical Engineering; Joint Appointment with Edwardson School of Industrial Engineering, Nan Kong.

 

Adam Jair Selby was awarded High Distinction for his project, “Real-Time Health Monitoring: A Wireless System for Triboelectric Sensor Data Acquisition and Analysis.” The project involved the development of a wireless system for real-time physiological monitoring using triboelectric sensors. Selby’s work was mentored by Edwardson School of Industrial Engineering Professor Wenzhuo Wu and Industrial Engineering PhD student Pedro Henrique de Souza Barbosa.

 

Distinction Awards

 

Atandrila Chowdhury earned Distinction for the project “Analyzing Pilot Stress and Fatigue.” The research examined factors contributing to pilot workload and fatigue in aviation environments. The project was mentored by Sudip Vhaduri, Debra Henneberry, Mark Wilson, and Julius C. Keller.

 

Rhea Dutta, along with her team of researchers, received Distinction for her work on “Evaluating Community Involvement Efficacy in the Adoption of Airport Noise Mitigation Programs.” The project assessed the role of community engagement in the successful implementation of noise mitigation strategies at airports. Dutta collaborated with Joao Pedro Biondo Peres and Oleksandr Sergey Crowell and was mentored by Caroline Kathure Marete.

 

Tung Gia Pham earned Distinction for the project “Advancing Semiconductor Workforce Training with Real-Time VR Digital Twins.” The research explored the use of virtual reality digital twins to enhance workforce training in the semiconductor industry. The project was also mentored by Ramses Martinez.

 

Lourd Saba AbuHadid and her team earned distinction for “Physical Modeling Placental Transfer of Small Molecule Drugs.” The project explored how maternal albumin concentration affects the way small molecules bind and cross the placenta, helping to address gaps in knowledge about medication safety during pregnancy.. The project team also included Aakash Sanjay, Sanika Sudhir Bane, and Clayton Drook, and was mentored by Arezoo Ardekani and Ryan B. Wagner.

 

 

 

The strong representation of IE students at the expo reflects the department’s commitment to experiential learning and layered mentorship involving both faculty and graduate students. Participation in the Undergraduate Research Expo provides students with valuable experience in conducting and communicating research with real-world relevance.