Graduate Student of the Month

George’s research focuses on improving wildfire risk prediction and supporting safer prescribed burning practices in the grassland ecosystems of the Great Plains. He is developing a localized Grassland Fire Danger Index that integrates key environmental factors such as dead fuel moisture, grass curing, drought conditions, wind speed and temperature to better predict fire risk. George is from Ibadan, Nigeria, and his hobbies include cooking, watching soccer and engaging in deep intellectual conversations. His favorite food is eba with egusi soup and goat meat, served hot and well spiced, and his top bucket list items are to attend a Manchester United game live and to travel across all 50 states in the United States.

Bagheri’s research focuses on integrating machine learning with physical process understanding to develop hybrid modeling frameworks for complex engineering systems. By combining first-principles models with data-driven methods, he aims to improve prediction, monitoring and control of industrial processes, which support the development of Industry 4.0 solutions such as digital twins, among others. Bagheri is from Iran, and his hobbies include martial arts, coding and cooking. His favorite food is burnt-end brisket, and top bucket list items are to go skydiving and obtain a pilot’s license.

Deore’s research investigates fouling mechanisms in PVDF and stainless steel membranes used for treating high-strength agricultural wastewater in anaerobic membrane bioreactor systems while exploring chemical and mechanical strategies for fouling mitigation and system optimization. Deore is from Mumbai, India, and his hobbies include soccer, traveling, cooking and mixing music. His favorite food is vada pav, and his top bucket list item is to experience a Manchester Derby live at Etihad Stadium.

Zaidi’s research focuses on developing intelligent decision-making systems using artificial intelligence and reinforcement learning. He studies how machines can learn complex behaviors from previously collected data so that they can make reliable decisions in environments where direct experimentation is expensive, risky or impractical. Through this work, he aims to improve the ability of autonomous systems to plan over long time horizons and adapt to uncertain situations. Zaidi is from Pakistan, and his hobbies include traveling and spending time with family and friends. His favorite foods are beef pilao and tresleches, and his top bucket list item is to learn a new language fluently.

Pradeep’s research focuses on developing machine learning and optimization methods to detect anomalies, cyber-attacks and faults in power systems using time-series data. She is building real-time monitoring models using deep learning and probabilistic techniques to improve grid reliability and resilience. Pradeep is from India, and her hobbies include dancing and singing. Her favorite food is shawarma roll, and her top bucket list item is to her hit sleep goals.

Mishra’s research focuses on greenhouse gas sensors for real-world field deployment, specifically developing two-dimensional nanoparticle-based greenhouse gas sensors for environmental monitoring. This work includes the fabrication of the sensors and their deployment in controlled environments, such as chambers and greenhouses, as well as in real-world settings. Mishra is from Uttar Pradesh, India, and his hobbies include singing, playing guitar and experimenting with cooking. His favorite food is AJ’s Pizza, and his top bucket list item is to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Mauler’s research focuses on the comparison of the ICRP voxel and mesh computational human phantoms with an experimental benchmark using thermoluninescent dosimeters within an anthropomorphic torso phantom for a medical LINAC exposure scenario. Mauler is from Wichita, Kansas, and her main hobby right now is taking care of her 9-month-old puppy. Her favorite food is French silk pie, and her top bucket list item is to find bigfoot.