Graduate School Newsblog

Finishing Fellowship Award – Summer 2026 – Janith Godakawela

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Janith Godakawela, PhD in Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics, 2026

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Graduate School and the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel for the Finishing Fellowship award. I would like to sincerely thank my advisor, Dr. Bhisham Sharma, for his continued guidance and support throughout my doctoral journey.


I earned my B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Wichita State University in 2021, where I also began my PhD before transferring to Michigan Tech in 2023 to continue my research under Dr. Sharma. My dissertation focuses on the design and optimization of additively manufactured acoustic liners for aerospace applications. Using 3D printing, I develop architected porous structures and investigate how their geometry can be tailored to achieve targeted sound absorption characteristics. My work spans computational modeling, experimental acoustic characterization, and aeroacoustic validation under conditions representative of aircraft engine environments. Through collaborations with industry and government partners, I have been able to test and refine these designs beyond idealized laboratory settings, confirming their potential for real world noise control applications.


Alongside my research, I have had the opportunity to contribute to teaching through assistantships and grading, as well as mentoring senior design teams and undergraduate researchers. I have also had the pleasure of being a founding member of the Acoustical Society of America student chapter at Michigan Tech, where I currently serve as the national representative.


As I complete my dissertation, I am grateful for the support this fellowship provides. I look forward to pursuing an academic career where I can continue contributing to mechanical and aerospace research and mentoring the next generation of engineers.

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Finishing Fellowship Award – Summer 2026 – Harikrishnan Changarnkothapeecherikkal

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Harikrishnan Changarnkothapeecherikkal, PhD in Computational Science & Engineering, 2026

I am deeply honored and grateful to receive a Doctoral Finishing Fellowship from the Graduate School. This support is a meaningful milestone in my journey at Michigan Tech, which began with my MS in Data Science and has grown into a PhD in Computational Science and Engineering focused on healthcare AI.

My dissertation research uses artificial intelligence to make osteoporosis screening more proactive, accessible, and precise. Working closely with my advisor, Dr. Guy Hembroff, and collaborators at Henry Ford Health, I helped develop OsteoFusionNet: a multimodal deep learning framework that assesses osteoporosis risk from routine knee X-rays and basic electronic health record data. The goal is to turn images patients are already getting for other reasons into an early-warning system, flagging at-risk individuals for confirmatory testing and follow-up before fractures occur.

This work goes beyond initial screening to include longitudinal bone health trend analysis and fairness evaluation across patient groups. What excites me most is creating AI that fits seamlessly into clinical workflows, practical tools that alert clinicians to hidden risks without disrupting care or replacing established diagnostics.

This project sits at the perfect intersection of technical innovation and real clinical need. I’ve loved the challenge of building mathematically rigorous systems that are also practical and grounded in healthcare realities. That balance has shaped my approach to research and deepened my commitment to this field.

I am also grateful for the opportunities Michigan Tech has given me to grow as a teacher and mentor. Serving as a lead instructor for graduate courses in clinical decision support & AI modelling and population health informatics has been one of the most rewarding parts of my graduate experience, and receiving the Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award in 2024 was a great encouragement.

I am sincerely thankful to my advisor, committee, collaborators, department, and the Graduate School for their support. This fellowship will help me focus fully on completing my dissertation and preparing for the next stage of my career in healthcare AI research and education.

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Finishing Fellowship Award – Summer 2026 – Victoria Santillan

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Victoria Santillan, PhD in Biomedical Engineering, 2026

I was taught since I was a little girl that education and knowledge are the pillars of freedom and progress. These beliefs led me to pursue a career in science and set my path in education and research. I joined Dr. Smitha Rao’s group and the Department of Biomedical Engineering in the Fall of 2022, and since then, my life has changed completely. Under Dr. Rao’s guidance, I had the privilege of engaging in meaningful research and outreach activities. My research on localized therapy for cancer treatment led me to gain insights into how impactful research can be in people’s lives and to better understand how challenging cancer as a disease is. At the same time, I had the pleasure of sharing the science we perform with the local community through fun activities. I will always cherish the memory of seeing the joy wash over a kid’s face as he looked at the wing of a butterfly in a microscope.

I want to thank the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel and the Dean for selecting me to receive this amazing award, which will support me in the final miles of my PhD journey. I also want to express my gratitude to my advisor, Dr. Rao, for her full support throughout the program and for helping me grow as a researcher and to find my path. I am deeply thankful for her guidance and help. I am extremely proud of all the work we have done together. I also want to recognize the Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Graduate Student Government for all their support.

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Finishing Fellowship Award – Summer 2026 – Logan Schexnaydre

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Logan Schexnaydre, PhD in Computer Engineering, 2026

Autonomous vehicles are becoming more common and can make transportation safer. Yet, it is uncertain how autonomy will affect a vehicle’s energy consumption. While pursuing a PhD in Computer Engineering, I worked to understand how perception systems affect this uncertainty. My research models the effect of lidar sensing and processing on the energy efficiency of automated vehicles.

I explore two ways of saving energy with lidar: automated vehicle following and road grade estimation. First, I show that a leader and follower vehicle can be aligned using lidar, reducing the follower’s aerodynamic drag and energy use. Then, I expand this work to adverse weather by characterizing the effect of snow on lead vehicle estimation. Finally, I show that the lidar can measure the grade of a road ahead of a vehicle, information which can be used for efficient traversal of hilly terrain. This work will enable engineers to design efficient perception systems and autonomous vehicles.

What I appreciate about my time at Michigan Tech is learning how to design technology for the environment and its inhabitants. Enjoying the nature of the Keweenaw with friends I have made here has shown me how important this work is.

Thank you to the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel for awarding me the Finishing Fellowship. I am also grateful to my advisor, Dr. Jeremy Bos, and my dissertation committee for their guidance and support. Without my peers on campus and in my lab, I would not be the researcher I am today. Without my family and friends, I wouldn’t be the person who I am today. Thank you to all who have helped me along the way.

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Finishing Fellowship Award – Summer 2026 – Laura Albrant

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Join Uddin, PhD in Applied Cognitive Science and Human Factors, 2026

Gratitude and honor do not express my thankfulness enough to the Graduate School and the Graduate Dean’s Advisory Panel for awarding me this Finishing Fellowship. This fellowship provides me with time, and a weight off my shoulders, to effectively finish my dissertation on schedule. I would like to thank my advisor, Dr. Leo C. Ureel II. Their support, guidance, expertise, patience, trust, and encouragement not only make them the best advisor, but also help me to thrive.

Michigan Tech has been my home since I started my undergraduate degree in Computer Science in Fall of 2018. Now, I am a PhD candidate in the Applied Cognitive Science & Human Factors program within the Psychology and Human Factors department. My research revolves around computer science education, often with a focus on first-year college students using an artificial intelligence tool. It is a lovely blend of my background in computer science and applied human factors with user experience and learning. It allows me to flex my programming and machine learning skills, my UI/UX designing skills, as well as my quantitative/qualitative research and statistical analysis skills.

My dissertation is focused on examining the process of computer science students’ user experience and learning while programming with an interactive, web-based tool called WebTA. This application is also referred to as a code critiquer, providing rich and immediate feedback to students on their code. This software allows students to get quality feedback at any time of day and aids instructors in managing large courses.

As I near completion of my PhD, I am excited to disseminate my work and continue my contributions to academia. I currently aim to become a professor in an interdisciplinary field with CS and HF applications.

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Finishing Fellowship Award – Summer 2026 – Join Uddin

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Join Uddin, PhD in Applied Physics, 2026

I am a PhD student in Applied Physics. My research focused on photovoltaic band structure modulation by van der Waals core-shell quantum structures. During my Ph.D. studies, I have worked on several research projects that will contribute to the fields of nanotechnology and renewable energy applications.


I developed a UV–Vis spectroscopy–based method to quantify quantum dots (particles <10 nm) in liquids produced via cryo-mediated exfoliation. This approach enables precise quantification across diverse applications, improving research reproducibility, reducing measurement errors, and shortening measurement time.


My research on core–shell heterostructure solar cells demonstrates that integrating novel core materials with suitable shells can achieve measurable power conversion efficiency (PCE). This core material, developed in Dr. Yap’s laboratory, shows significant potential when incorporated into carefully engineered core–shell architectures. These findings highlight a promising pathway toward more efficient, stable, and environmentally friendly materials for next-generation solar cells.


I am sincerely thankful to the Graduate School and the Graduate Dean Advisory Panel for this fellowship. I am deeply grateful to my advisor, Dr. Yap, for his invaluable guidance and unwavering support.

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Finishing Fellowship Award – Summer 2026 – Lei Yin

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Lei Yin, PhD in Civil Engineering, 2026

I would like to thank the Graduate School and the Graduate Dean’s Advisory Panel for their support through this fellowship. I am a Ph.D. candidate in Civil Engineering at Michigan Technological University. My research focuses on rubber-modified asphalt materials for sustainable pavement design, with an emphasis on improving pavement performance and resilience under cold and wet-freezing conditions.


During my Ph.D. study, I have worked on multiple projects supported by state transportation agencies and county road commissions, involving both laboratory research and field implementation. My work focuses on developing high-rubber-content asphalt materials to enhance pavement durability, sustainability, and resilience to climate-related environmental conditions.


My research has been disseminated through peer-reviewed journal publications and presentations at conferences such as the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting. It investigates the performance and aging behavior of treated crumb rubber-modified asphalt and provides practical guidance for material selection and implementation.


In addition to research, I have contributed to collaborative projects, proposal development, and field testing with agency and industry partners. I am grateful for the support of my advisor, Dr. Zhanping You, and my collaborators throughout my Ph.D. This fellowship will allow me to focus on completing my dissertation and preparing for the next stage of my career.

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Three Huskies Honored with the NSF Graduate Research Fellowships

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Michigan Tech Graduate School excited to see three of our students’ hard work recognized on a national stage, being awarded the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship (GRFP).

The GRFP is one of the most competitive honors in the country, designed to support students who have the potential to become lifelong leaders in STEM. For our winners, this means more than just a prestigious title. It provides three years of funding to dive deep into the research the winners are passionate about.

Fall 2026 Fellowship Winners

Molly Vander Werp

Josh Dafoe

Lenka Doskocil

Behind every great researcher is a team of supportive mentors. We want to extend a huge “thank you” and congratulations to Dr. Kristin Brzeski, Dr. Sarah Hoy, Dr. Bo Chen, and Dr. Rodney Chimner. Applying for the GRFP is an incredibly intense process, often requiring months of drafting, revising, and late nights. The dedication these advisors show in helping their students navigate this path is what makes Michigan Tech such a special place to pursue a graduate degree. With their mentorship these students are able turn ambitious ideas into award-winning research.

Molly, Josh, and Lenka, Congratulations! This award is a direct result of your late nights, your persistence through difficult data, and your vision for the future of science. We can’t wait to see the impact your work will have in the coming years.

Interested in applying for the NSF GRFP next cycle? The Graduate School offers workshops and peer-review sessions every year to help you put your best foot forward. Keep an eye on our Funding Opportunities page for upcoming dates!

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Finishing Fellowship Award – Summer 2026 – Alyssa Horne

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Alyssa Horne, PhD in Physics, 2026

Sponsor: Tech Fund 1942 (Dawson)

My time at Michigan Tech was fueled by a passion for breaking down barriers, both in my community and in research. I was intrigued to join Women in Physics (WiP) because of its openness to everyone and its efforts to provide students with free access to the tools they need. The two most memorable experiences during my co-presidency were organizing the Conference for Undergraduate Women and Gender Minorities in Physics (CU*iP) and the WiP Physics Fellowship. These events allowed us to create an environment that promotes camaraderie and support for everyone in the physics community.


As a physics researcher, I want to find new quantum materials that will help technology reach the atomic-scaling limit to minimize device size and power consumption. A specific example is low-dimensional half-metals, as they allow for perfect spin-dependent transport and provide access to the electron spin degree of freedom for spintronics applications. My dissertation is focused on using spin-polarized density functional theory to accurately model the electron-electron exchange interactions and predict novel low-dimensional quantum materials. This work led us to predict the first quasi-one-dimensional van der Waals half-metal, which is notable due to the van der Waals crystal’s weak interchain bonding that allows for clean exfoliation of the one-dimensional unit. This prediction provides an avenue to experimentally realize a half-metal nanowire.


I would like to thank Dr. Yongmei Jin and Dr. Ranjit Pati for their guidance and mentorship, and the physics department for its support. I would also like to thank the Elizabeth and Richard Henes Center for Quantum Phenomena for its financial support for the WiP Physics Fellowship. I would also like to thank everyone at Michigan Tech who helped make CU*iP a reality. Finally, I would like to thank the Graduate School and the Dean’s Advisory Panel for the Finishing Fellowship.

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Finishing Fellowship Award – Summer 2026 – Scott Cho

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Scott Cho, PhD in Electrical Engineering, 2026

I am immensely grateful to receive the Finishing Fellowship Award from the Graduate School and the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel. I sincerely thank my advisor, Professor Jin Choi, for his continuous support and guidance throughout my academic journey at Michigan Technological University. I also extend my appreciation to the Electrical Engineering Department and faculty for their unwavering support.


Since joining Michigan Tech in Fall 2023, I have had the privilege of working under Professor Jin Choi, whose mentorship has profoundly shaped my approach to both research and teaching. During my time here, I have been honored to receive the Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award (Spring 2025) and the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Scholarship (Spring 2026), recognizing my contributions to teaching and research.


I have served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in Digital Logic Design and Digital Signal Processing, and as the Instructor of Record for Circuits in Summer 2025. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to teaching and mentoring students. In addition, I have actively engaged in professional development through programs such as the Engineering Unleashed Faculty Development Workshop (Minnesota, USA), the Emerging Engineering Educators (EMEE) Workshop (Texas, USA, 2025), the iREDEFINE Workshop at the ECEDHA Annual Conference (Virginia, USA, 2025), the Engineering Unleashed UVT Workshop (Ohio, USA, 2025), and the NSF I-Corps Bootcamp (Michigan, USA, 2025), which have further strengthened my teaching philosophy and pedagogical practices.


My doctoral research focuses on advancing the use of antennas beyond traditional communication systems toward sensing applications. As I approach the completion of my PhD dissertation this summer, this fellowship provides critical support, allowing me to dedicate my full attention to finalizing my research and dissertation.
I am deeply thankful for this recognition by the Graduate School and for the support as I complete this important milestone in my academic journey.

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