Graduate School Newsblog

Author: Mary Stevens

Portage Health Foundation Graduate Assistantship Fall 2018 Recipient – Xueling Li

Published
By

Xueling Li
Mathematical Sciences

I am currently a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Mathematical Sciences. My research focuses on developing statistical methods and computational tools to identify genetic variants that influence the susceptibility to complex diseases. I also work with professor Dana Johnson of the School of Business and Economics to better understand service quality and patient satisfaction, and identify opportunities for improved service delivery in rural healthcare using data provided by Aspirus Keweenaw about patients in the local area.

I feel extremely honored and very grateful for the support provided by the Portage Health Foundation, which allows me to pursue such cutting-edge research here at Michigan Tech.

 

Continue Reading →

Doctoral Finishing Fellowship Fall 2018 Recipient – Huaguang Wang

Published
By

Huaguang Wang
Materials Science and Engineering

Huaguang WangMr. Huaguang Wang received his BS and MS degrees in Metallurgical Engineering from Central South University in China. Currently, he is pursuing her Ph.D. degree at MTU from Fall 2015 under the supervision of Dr. Bowen Li. His Ph.D. research focuses on nano-composite materials synthesis, mineral processing, and microwave technology. After the completion of his Ph.D., if an opportunity arises from his hometown university, he would be interested to take on a faculty position to perform research and teach. Secondary to that is to find R&D positions in the United States.
Continue Reading →

Portage Health Foundation Graduate Assistantship Fall 2018 Recipient – David Rosen

Published
By

David Rosen
Biomedical Engineering

David Rosen I started my graduate study in the spring of 2015, which was the semester after finishing my undergraduate study at Michigan Tech.  Early on in my undergraduate study, I became fascinated with the general topic of biomechanics and the technologies associated with it. This fascination is what drew me to pursue graduate level research in Dr. Jingfeng Jiang’s lab. There I focus on a medical ultrasound technology called elastography, an imaging technique used to assess soft tissue elasticity in vivo.  I am particularly interested in understanding how the complicated mechanics of soft tissue manifest in elastography measurements and what that can tell us about how best to use elastography to characterize various disease states in soft tissue.

The opportunity to pursue this line of research for my graduate study has been a privilege. I am immensely grateful for the support that the Portage Health Foundation has provided me in this pursuit.

Continue Reading →

Portage Health Foundation Graduate Assistantship Fall 2018 Recipient – Anindya Majumdar

Published
By

Anindya Majumdar
Biomedical Engineering

Anindya MajumdarI am a PhD candidate in Biomedical Engg. at MTU.  Water and biological tissues act as excellent sources of optical scatterers, and thus give rise to fascinating optical phenomena. My research focuses on ways to make use of these phenomena (specifically, speckles and phase singularities) for novel ways of imaging and analyzing motion in biophysical systems. Outside of work, my time is spent exploring the beauty of the U.P. and the surrounding areas, as well as trying out the excellent variety of student organizations at Michigan Tech.

I appreciate the assistance provided by the Portage Health Foundation during my journey at Michigan Tech, and thank them wholeheartedly.
Continue Reading →

Portage Health Foundation Graduate Assistantship Fall 2018 Recipient – Kevin Phillips

Published
By

Kevin Phillips
Integrative Physiology
Kevin Phillips (1)

I have been living in the Upper Peninsula for 5 years and began my Ph.D. at Michigan Tech in 2015. I am currently a Ph.D. candidate in the Integrative Physiology program. I have always loved the outdoors and exercise. Therefore, my research is focused on understanding how environmental demands and thermal interventions (hot/cold water immersion) influence performance and the perception of fatigue during physical exercise. We use a variety of techniques to quantify muscle and brain activation during these fatiguing tasks. This research may provide us with important implications for improving athletic performance and managing the perception of pain in clinical populations. I would like to thank the Portage Health Foundation, Michigan Tech, and my mentors. Their support has provided me with an incredible opportunity to accomplish my goals.

Continue Reading →

Doctoral Finishing Fellowship Fall 2018 Recipient – Xin Yan

Published
By

Xin Yan
Chemistry

Xin YanI came to Michigan Tech in August 2012 and work in chemistry lab with my advisor, Dr. Lanrong Bi for 6 years. Before my graduate studies, I earned my bachelor’s degree in chemistry at the University of Science and Technology of China.

My current research focuses on designing of novel fluorescent probes which are used to label targeted lysosome and mitochondria. These probes can be used for facilitating early cancer diagnosis, cancer prevention and cancer therapy. Besides research projects, I also worked as a teaching assistant in several chemistry laboratories. These teaching experiences also benefits me a lot.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Graduate School for providing me with this financial support. This fellowship allows me to focus on my dissertation and complete my PhD degree on time. I am also grateful to my advisor and the chemistry department. I feel proud to be a student in Michigan Tech.

Continue Reading →

Doctoral Finishing Fellowship Fall 2018 Recipient – Zhimin Song

Published
By

Zhimin Song
Environmental Engineering

Zhimin SongI came to Michigan Tech in Fall 2013 and got my Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering in 2017 with a GPA of 3.9. I started my Ph.D. under the direction of Dr. Paul Doskey in 2015, which focusing on the “diagenesis of organic matter in peat and porewater of a poor fen”. This program studies the seasonal variation of organic matters in the peatland. Peatlands, as unbalanced wetland ecosystems, contain approximately 30% of the global soil carbon. This large amount of carbon is so sensitive to variations in the climate system that it can serve as the indicator for climate changes. Understanding how the organic matter decomposition at different seasons is of great importance.

My study was conducted at an extensive poor fen peatland in Nestoria, Michigan, USA (46.34º N, 88.16º W). Our field sampling was conducted monthly at three different experimental plots and three different depth under the ground. We were able to track the organic matter decomposition through the year and see the effect of plant functional groups and sampling depths on the organic matter decomposition inside the peatland. These research experiences are invaluable to me as an international student from China.

I would like to thank my adviser Dr. Paul Doskey, my committee member Dr. Erik Lilleskov, and Dr. Evan Kane for their guidance and contributions to these projects. These works cannot be done without their unconditional support. I would also like to thank the Graduate School for granting this finishing fellowship. It really helped a lot reducing my financial burden and allows me to focus on writing my dissertation.

Continue Reading →

Doctoral Finishing Fellowship Fall 2018 Recipient – Neel Uday Desai

Published
By

Neel Uday Desai
Atmospheric Sciences

NeelDesaiI came to Michigan Tech in Fall 2013 to start my Phd in Atmospheric Sciences after finishing my masters from University of Michigan in Aerospace Engineering and my bachelors from University of Mumbai in Mechanical Engineering.

When I came here, I wanted to learn more about the Earth’s atmosphere and how precipitation forms in clouds. My research focuses on the effect of turbulence on cloud droplet growth. I was able to perform experiments and obtain measurements to study that effect here in the Michigan Tech Pi Chamber which I couldn’t have done anywhere else. My research also allowed me to collaborate with other institutions such as the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research in Leipzig, Germany where I spent two months.
I’m thankful to my adviser Dr. Raymond Shaw for guiding me and the Physics department for supporting me in my research for all these years. This finishing fellowship allows me time to write my dissertation, defend my thesis and graduate with a doctoral degree. I would also like to thank the University and the Graduate School for the opportunity to grow as a graduate student in a professional yet homely atmosphere.
Continue Reading →

Doctoral Finishing Fellowship Fall 2018 Recipient – Roba Bdeir

Published
By

Roba Bdeir
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Roba BdeirI was fortunate enough to work with Dr. Oliver Gailing in Forestry as he introduced me to Forest Genetics. I have been under his supervision since 2012 and it has been quite a journey. I did my Masters along side working on my PhD research focusing on discovery the genetic basis controlling the development of wood and bark tissues in forest trees, aspen, characteristics important for breeding and the fitness of aspen trees. I went on filed sites collecting samples from over 3000 trees and ran a genome wide search to find the underlying regions responsible for growing a healthier, better disease resistant and faster growing trees.

I am grateful to the Graduate School for granting me the Finishing Fellowship for Fall 2018. I would also like to thank my advisors Dr. Oliver Gailing and Dr. Victor Busov for their academic advice and their constant support and encouragement. I am proud to be a part of Michigan Tech and can say I have made amazing and fond memories these past six years.

Continue Reading →