Graduate Student of the Month

Brown’s research examines the historical use of wood joinery to study its potential for mass timber buildings. It focuses on common carpentry joints and where they can positively impact a building structure based on an analysis of their capacity and failure modes. Brown is from Emmett, Kansas, and his hobbies include volleyball, creative writing and theater. His favorite food is Qdoba, and his top bucket list item is to take a western National Parks road trip.

Babaei’s research focuses on developing a sustainable and enzyme-free process for producing D-tagatose, a low-calorie sweetener, through galactose isomerization under ambient conditions via improved catalysts. By integrating acid neutralization and novel catalysts, his work achieves high conversion efficiency and reduced environmental impact, offering a scalable and eco-friendly alternative for sustainable sugar manufacturing. Babaei is from Iran, and his hobbies include working out and playing chess. His favorite food is kebab, and his top bucket list item is to publish impactful research that transforms the approach of sustainable chemical processes.

Mondal’s research integrates first principles and data-driven approaches to the synthesis of perovskite materials. She investigates defect chemistry, ion diffusion and surface energetics for the synthesis reactions. Mondal is from Bangladesh, and her top hobby is badminton. Her favorite food is rice and fish curry, and her top bucket list item is to visit east Asian countries.

Jha’s research focuses on transportation safety through statistical, econometric and AI-based modeling, specifically, analyzing large-scale roadway, traffic and weather data from Kansas to better understand crash patterns, identify high-risk segments and support data-driven strategies for safer and more resilient transportation systems. Jha is from Nepal, and his hobbies include playing soccer, cricket and traveling. His favorite food is Thakali set, and his top bucket list item is to take a cross-country road trip in Europe with his friends.

Tucker’s research focuses on natural language processing and sustainable AI, specifically, exploring methods of effectively tracking academic literature and research literature as new information becomes available over time. Tucker is from Manhattan, Kansas, and his hobbies include learning, making connections, baking and cooking, and archery. His favorite foods are anything sweet, and his top bucket list item is to visit Japan.

Peterson’s research focuses on sensors, robotics and precision agriculture, specifically, investigating radar sensors for close remote sensing in agricultural applications. Peterson is from Manhattan, Kansas, and his top hobby is home automation. His favorite food is Mexican, and his top bucket list item is to run a marathon.

Hussein’s research focuses on using ultrafast laser pulses for transparent materials welding and ceramic composite powder processing. Transparent materials like glass are welded by femtosecond and picosecond laser using innovative process parameters and conditions. Ceramic powders are mixed with absorbents to enhance laser absorption and reduce the manufacturing defects. Hussein is from Iraq, and his hobbies include soccer and ping pong. His favorite foods are kebab and pizza, and his top bucket list item is to go mountaineering.

Walke’s research is split into two main areas, ceramic matrix composites and CubeSat design. She is developing manufacturing methods and assessing material quality of ceramic matrix composites for aerospace applications and high-temperature environments. She’s also developing two satellite missions that promote interdisciplinary and cross-college collaboration to benefit the university and the state of Kansas. Walke is from West Des Moines, Iowa, and her hobbies include golfing, hiking, cooking and being outdoors. Her favorite food is pasta, and her top bucket list item is to visit every national park.