Graduate Student of the Month
The Carl R. Ice College of Engineering recognizes one outstanding graduate student from each department during the academic year. This program was established to enhance graduate student recognition and development. Students are nominated each month by their department heads.
November 2024 recognitions
Hecker’s research focuses on structural sustainability, specifically, analyzing the feasibility of adapting office buildings into residential use with a focus on material sustainability. Hecker is from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and her hobbies include hiking, reading and crocheting. Her favorite food is mashed potatoes, and her top bucket list item is to travel to Rome and Sicily.
Igwe’s research involves applying machine-learning algorithms and decision support tools in combination with remote-sensing technologies to monitor crop health and water demand, as well as in evaluating the effects of agriculturally relevant extreme climate conditions on crops. Igwe is from Nigeria, and his hobbies include traveling and writing. His favorite foods are homemade meals, and his top bucket list item is to visit all 50 states.
Pirmohammadi’s research focuses on treatments for Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, or PFAS, using advanced oxidation processes, especially photocatalysis. These synthetic compounds are found in products like nonstick cookware and pose health risks due to bioaccumulation. Pirmohammadi is from Iran, and her hobbies include watching movies and learning new languages. Her favorite foods are steak and mashed potatoes, and kabobs, and her top bucket list items are to become a great chemical engineer and to go skydiving.
Wu’s research focuses on materials and transportation engineerin, specifically, developing a practical, cost-effective design method for optimizing the thickness of asphalt overlays placed on stabilized full-depth reclamation bases. Wu is from Shandong, China, and his hobbies include computer programming, video editing, pavement materials testing and numerical modeling. His favorite food is Chinese Kung Pao chicken, and his top bucket list item is to create a YouTube video with more than 1 million views.
Gyawali’s research focuses on accurately identifying and interpreting 
stances on complex social and political issues, with applications in areas like social media analysis and public opinion tracking. Additionally, he also works on the application of AI/ML in various domains, such as bioinformatics and transportation safety. Gyawali is from Nepal, and his hobbies include reading, traveling and playing guitar. His favorite food is chicken kebabs, and his top bucket list item is to view the Northern Lights in Iceland.
Boyer’s research focuses on electric utility distribution design, specifically, streamlining substation and distribution line repair when there is an outage without compromising safety. Boyer is from Junction City, Kansas, and his hobbies include kayaking, camping and playing bass guitar at his church. His favorite food is grilled New York strip steak, and his top bucket list item is to survive a week off-grid in the Rocky Mountains.