Kennesaw State University Office of Research

06/12/2026

Welcome to 15-second Friday where we share fun, quick behind-the-scenes updates from the Office of Research at Kennesaw State University! Get to know our people, our campus, our work, and more.🦉⏰

This week, meet Bailey DeVoe, Pre-Award Coordinator! Let us know who you want to meet next in the comments!

06/11/2026

Welcome to the Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) Brain Augmented Technology (BAT) Research Lab led by Dr. Cyril Okhio! 🧠⚙️

Dr. Okhio and his team are taking a closer look at the brain activity associated with focus when faced with different stimuli and immersive environments. This research can help us better understand the complexities of our attention, especially in the context of immersive learning tools.

The VIP program is a valuable opportunity for students to get involved in a long-term research project while earning academic credit. VIP projects address real-world issues from a multidisciplinary approach, exposing students to a wide range of perspectives on their chosen topic of study.

Watch the full video here: https://bit.ly/43uhevG

06/09/2026

Meet Kennesaw State University physics student Emily Manqueros, who is pursuing undergraduate research to positively impact the health of others. Working with Dr. Kisa Ranasinghe, a Professor and the Associate Chair of Physics, Manqueros helped create bioactive glass that can transport nanoparticles capable of treating various ailments. Bioactive glass and nanoparticles are being studied to better people’s health, something Manqueros wants others to understand.

“I actually enjoy what I do. Oftentimes when you're doing work as a physicist, people don't see the meaning in what you do because they wonder why we need to study this,” she explained. “This research is impacting anyone who has some sort of disease or wants to improve their health or their body. I like that I have a direct impact on people's lives through the research that I do here at KSU.”

Click here to read more: https://bit.ly/4et46Nw

06/05/2026

Welcome to 15-second Friday where we share fun, quick behind-the-scenes updates from the Office of Research at Kennesaw State University! Get to know our people, our campus, our work, and more.🦉⏰

This week, meet Lesley Jenkins, Post-Award Lead Coordinator! Let us know who you want to meet next in the comments!

Check out Lesley's book here!: https://bit.ly/4dNMGuQ

06/03/2026

This , we’re revisiting the world of prosthetics and orthotics in episode 5 of the Research Matters podcast! 🦿👟

Listen to a conversation between Dr. Mark Geil, a researcher here at KSU's Wellstar College of Health and Human Services, and Adam Kiel, a student in KSU's Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics program who received his first prosthetic leg at 11 months old. What can research learn from the lived experiences of those wearing the tools?

Click here to listen to the full podcast: https://bit.ly/43denHu

06/02/2026

Meet Kennesaw State University student Sulaiman Shaikh, a double major in physics and computer science with a minor in mathematics. Shaikh is conducting research under the mentorship of Mahmoud Asmar, assistant professor of physics. Together, they are looking into the quantum world of theoretical condensed matter physics, with the goal of making better-performing electronics. Elements like graphene, which is a thin layer of carbon, are found to be effective conductors for electricity, making it a potential option to improve electronic speed and functionality of flexible screens.

“Nokia and Samsung are exploring and developing foldable screens that use graphene layers,” Shaikh noted. “Since bending the same area repeatedly can cause charge buildup, my research provides a possible explanation, showing how certain deformations can cause electrons to pool in one area.”

Click here to read the full story: https://bit.ly/4u9nHHa

05/29/2026

Welcome to 15-second Friday where we share fun, quick behind-the-scenes updates from the Office of Research at Kennesaw State University! Get to know our people, our campus, our work, and more.🦉⏰

This week, meet Amber Ellithorpe, Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Research! Let us know who you want to meet next in the comments!

05/28/2026

05/27/2026

This , we’re learning about an eco-friendly upgrade to sunscreen! ☀️🧴

Working in the lab of assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry Mohammad Halim, Lexie Thrasher brought her passions for chemistry and cosmetics together through research. This KSU undergraduate scholar was awarded first prize at the Symposium of Student Scholars for her work on a peptide-based sunscreen that aims to have less environmental impact than traditional sunscreen.

"I’m happy where I am because I discovered that I want to do research, now and in the future," Thrasher said. "I love the process of finding things out, even when things don’t go right. I love it all.”

Click here to read more: https://bit.ly/4uu8kdo

05/26/2026

Meet Preethi Titu, an associate professor of science education from Kennesaw State University who - through collaboration with four other universities (University of West Florida, Drake University, Texas A&M University and Southern Methodist University) - is exploring VR and AI technology to support STEM education. By researching the impact immersive technology has on learning, Titu is helping teachers build the technology skills to support students through relevant, real-world simulations that are engaging and effective.

“This research addresses the critical need in STEM education to equip future teachers with skills to engage students in meaningful scientific discussion,” Titu said. “Engaging in research helps students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, which are essential for effective teaching.”

Click here to read more: https://bit.ly/4f4SNfl