Spring 2025 PEAK Experiences Awardees for Undergrad Research

Several COE, COS, and Khoury students mentored by COE faculty are recipients of the Spring 2025 PEAK Experiences Awards from Northeastern’s Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships. The awards will support over 150 students from across the university as they tackle a  wide range of projects, including an analysis of the use of AI in second-language writing, the development of protocols for pain management and addiction treatment, and a study of the effects of long-term spaceflight.

ASCENT AWARDS
Amending the 3D Immunocytochemistry Protocol for Neurons Derived from Neonatal Rat Brainstems Awardee: Iris Chang, S’26 Mentor: Abigail Koppes, associate professor, chemical engineering Immunocytochemistry is a technique that uses fluorescent antibodies to identify different types of proteins and cells. The current protocol for immunocytochemistry in 3D cell culture includes three lengthy incubation steps, which requires leaving diluted protein labelling antibody solutions in the cells overnight. My lab’s research with Parkinson’s involves adding the disease’s pathological proteins to the cells. The duration of the incubation steps may negatively impact the integrity of these proteins. This project aims to decrease the length of the incubation steps without compromising the signal of the antibodies.
Evaluation of Real-Time Air Quality Forecasting in July 2024 Awardee: Olivia Ciaravino, E’25 Mentor: Yang Zhang, professor and distinguished fellow, civil and environmental engineering In this project, an advanced air quality forecasting model called the Weather Research and Forecasting Model Coupled with Chemistry and Greenhouse Gasses (WRF-chem-GHG) will be evaluated to assess the model’s capability to accurately predict ozone (O3) and particulate matter (PM2.5). It is important these pollutants are monitored because they are detrimental to human health. Furthermore, air quality forecasting models are an important tool to monitor local pollution hotspots, which are often located in areas of low socioeconomic position, so that informed and equitable air quality policies can be made.
Design and Simulation of Ultrafast Superconducting Logic Gate Awardee: Faith Degawa, E’27 Mentor: Marco Colangelo, assistant professor, electrical and computer engineering This project aims to advance high-speed, energy-efficient data processing by designing on-chip integrated terahertz (THz) optoelectronic logic gates (TOELGs), which incorporate optical and electronic technologies. By leveraging quantum materials and superconducting transmission lines, these gates will operate in the THz frequency range, achieving low-power, ultrafast computing. This innovation is critical for next-generation technologies like advanced computing, optical networks, and real-time data analysis. Over 10 weeks, I will train on ultrafast lasers, run simulations, and collect experimental data to refine the design. Outcomes include a validated model, a dataset on signal behavior, and dissemination at RISE, Source, and scientific conferences.
Shape-Morphing Directional Steering Model for Tumbling COBRA Lunar Exploration Robot Awardee: Dorthea Geroulakos, E’26 Mentor: Alireza Ramezani, associate professor, electrical and computer engineering The goal of this project is to engineer a bench-top mechanical setup to study the potential of steering snake robot COBRA’s tumbling locomotion through shape transformations. COBRA connects its head and tail to form a wheel-like structure when tumbling down craters to collect data samples. Currently only propelled in the direction of gravity, this project aims to validate simulations on a light-weight model to prove transforming the size and shape of COBRA’s loop from circular to elliptical could allow it to steer itself in the desired direction. I plan to showcase the mechanism’s results in the Spring 2025 RISE showcase.
Mechanisms of Bismuth-Free Cuo Electrodes in Zn-Cuo Cells with Differing Depths of Discharge Awardee: Kenneth Graham, E’26 Mentor: Yogeshwaran Agilan, PhD’28, chemical engineering This project aims to investigate how bismuth additive affects the cycling process of Zn-CuO alkaline batteries. The Zn-CuO chemistry is a low-cost, high energy density rechargeable solution that will improve the viability of renewable energy sources by allowing better energy storage. To test this plain CuO electrodes will be assembled into cells and cycled to different depths of discharge, after which will be subjected to testing including operando EIS and Raman spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, and EDS. These results will be compared against existing data for CuO electrodes containing the bismuth additive and will be presented at RISE.
Biomechanics of Bovine Scleral Collagen Fibrils under Different Conditions Awardee: Anna Grankin, E’26 Mentor: Jeffrey Ruberti, COE Distinguished Professor, bioengineering Myopia is an eye condition that stretches the sclera, the white, collagen-rich tissue surrounding the eye. As these fibrils weaken, the tissue no longer supports the optic nerve and becomes more susceptible to damage. I am proposing a project to mechanically test these fibrils to gain insight into their biomechanics. I hypothesize that certain treatment conditions will alter their stress-strain curves, and this is an area that is currently lacking in research. Understanding the biomechanics of scleral fibrils will pave the way for effective myopia and glaucoma treatments. I plan to present my findings from this investigation at RISE.
Using Generative AI as a Learning Tool in a Fluid Mechanics Classroom Awardee: Katherine Growney, E’26 Mentor: Marguerite Matherne, assistant teaching professor, mechanical and industrial engineering This project examines the behavior of a custom GPT trained on ChatGPT and fluid mechanics concepts in the context of a large-enrollment undergraduate fluid mechanics class. The goal of the project is to have a conversational language model that can be used as a learning tool for both students and instructors. Ultimately, this project hopes to reduce the uncertainties and fear around using generative AI in the classroom, thus enabling educators to introduce a new resource to their students.
Developing a Hydrologic Model for Major Maine Rivers Incorporating Reservoir Routing Awardee: Caleb Hagner, E’27 Mentor: James Dennedy-Frank, assistant professor, marine and environmental sciences and civil and environmental engineering In light of recent record streamflows and major flooding in Maine, building a robust hydrologic and hydraulic model with the resolution and fidelity to predict how streamflow will vary in a future climate and depending on management decisions will be critical to help water resource managers plan for the future. This project will develop a software skeleton based on the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) and Routing Application for Parallel computatIon of Discharge (RAPID) models to explore the effect of dams on Maine flooding that has the capacity to later be updated with higher-resolution inputs. Results will be presented at RISE.
Comparing Surfactant Additives To Reduce Corrosion in Alkaline Zn-Ni Batteries Awardee: Grace Jansen, E’27 Mentor: Joshua Gallaway, associate professor, chemical engineering Alkaline zinc-nickel batteries present a safe, inexpensive alternative to lithium-ion batteries for grid-scale storage of renewable energy. However, alkaline electrolytes cause zinc corrosion, which consumes valuable active material and detracts from a cell’s capacity. Introduction of organic surfactants, including SDBS and PEG, have shown promise in reducing corrosion rates. Baseline, SDBS-, and PEG-modified electrodes will be fabricated, assembled into pouch cells, and cycled, enabling their electrochemical performances to be compared. Changes in surface morphology for each cell type after zero (pristine), ten, and fifty cycles will be observed using scanning electron microscopy. Data will be presented at Northeastern’s RISE Expo.
Soft Grippers in Aerial Robotics Awardee: Timothy Lee, E’27 Mentor: Thomas Consi, teaching professor, electrical and computer engineering This project designs and fabricates custom modular inflatable grippers on drones to improve their ability to manipulate objects of varying shapes, weights, and fragility. The inflatable silicone grippers and modular frames aim to optimize power efficiency, payload capacity, and adaptability. Using iterative design, 3D printing, silicone casting, and performance testing, the project must overcome challenges like durability and reliability. The results will advance the potential of aerial robotics, with applications in delivery and construction. The results will also be presented at the Northeastern RISE showcase.
Adaptive Drone Landing Gear: Designing Adaptable Solutions for Versatile Operations Awardee: Ziven Lopez, E’27 Mentor: Thomas Consi, teaching professor, electrical and computer engineering This project aims to develop an adaptive modular landing gear system for drones, designed to improve versatility and functionality across diverse applications. The research will focus on creating a universal coupler mechanism and interchangeable landing gear types, including rigid, flexible, heavy-duty, floating, and actuating designs. Employing advanced prototyping techniques and rigorous testing, the project seeks to ensure durability, reliability, and adaptability. The anticipated outcomes include a fully functional modular system, comprehensive design documentation, and dissemination of findings through presentations at RISE and potential external conferences, contributing to the advancement of drone technology and modular engineering design.
Engineering Probiotic Bacteria To Maximize Ammonium Nitrogen Sequestration To Reverse Hyperammonemia Awardee: Katerina Pashiardis, E’25 Mentor: Neel Joshi, associate professor, chemistry and chemical biology Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a brain disorder caused by ammonia buildup, due to liver detox failure. Hyperammonemia triggers inflammation and disrupts neurotransmission, breeding cognitive and functional impairments in HE patients. Gut bacteria facilitate ammonia’s entry into the bloodstream through converting urea to ammonium. This project aims to engineer probiotic gut bacteria to maximize ammonium nitrogen sequestration, reducing its diffusion into the bloodstream. Our approach targets amino acid transporters to shunt nitrogen utilization toward ammonium and induce nitrogen-rich protein production to boost biomass nitrogen. We hypothesize that enhancing ammonium uptake will reverse hyperammonemia, alleviate HE symptoms, and offer a novel therapeutic.
Assessing GENtoniK Components for Acceleration of Neuronal Maturation in a 3-D Culture Awardee: Nicole Rodriguez, S’25 Mentor: Guohao Dai, professor, bioengineering To develop an Alzheimer’s Disease model using a microfluidic device (MFD), this project aims to accelerate neuronal maturation within a neurovascular niche (NVN). GENtoniK’s small molecule components will be tested in a 3D cell culture to achieve this. The Dai Lab’s published NVN model, featuring vasculature and neurons, will be used. Previously, this work focused on 2D cultures and organoids. By using 3D culture in an MFD, along with imaging and immunocytochemistry, the project will evaluate how GENtoniK influences neuronal maturation in the NVN model to perfect a new Alzheimer’s model.
Characterizing the Major and Minor Elements in Mining Waste Using Microwave-Assisted Digestion Awardee: Nicholas Root, E’27 Mentor: Damilola Daramola, assistant professor, chemical engineering This project seeks to enhance the extraction of rare earth elements (REE) found in solid coal mining tailings by understating REE extraction at a bench-scale, while additionally correlating the amount of major element and REE available through extraction. REE has unique properties making them essential for advancements in high-tech industries. However, extraction is done inefficiently in large scale operations, creating millions of tons of wastewater each year. Samples will undergo specific analytical techniques to characterize the impact of acid and base treatment on elemental extraction and quantify this correlation between elements which will be presented at the Northeastern Rise Conference.
Testing Effect of Extracellular Matrix Stiffness and TMZ on Vasculature Formation Awardee: Samantha Serna Pemberthy, E’27 Mentor: Cynthia Hajal, assistant professor, mechanical and industrial engineering The project investigates how extracellular matrix stiffness and temozolomide (TMZ) influence blood-brain barrier (BBB) vasculature formation and function within a microfluidic glioblastoma (GBM) model. By replicating the tumor’s stiff microenvironment, it will determine the maximum stiffness at which perfusable vessels can form using fibrin-thrombin gels of varying concentrations. The research will also examine the BBB’s resilience to clinical TMZ doses, assessing vessel properties and tight-junction integrity. Finally, it’ll evaluate the effects of cyclical TMZ treatment on BBB structure and protein expression. Findings will improve understanding of GBM resistance mechanisms and inform therapeutic strategies.
Understanding the Biomedical Research Landscape: Analyzing NIH RePORTER Data With Knowledge Graphs Awardee: Owen Sharpe, Khoury’27 Mentor: Benjamin Gyori, associate professor, Khoury and bioengineering The project seeks to create a knowledge graph, integrating data from the NIH RePORTER database with patents, clinical trials, and publications to provide an exhaustive view of biomedical research. Using natural language processing, machine learning, and bio-ontology mapping, the research will identify funding gaps, emerging research trends, and relationships between various biomedical genres. The graph, built with Python and Neo4j, will help researchers make decisions about future funding. Research results will be shared through a detailed report, hoping to inform the public of my findings. This project addresses the challenge of fragmented biomedical data to advance research efficiency and impact.
Mural Painting Robot Awardee: Oscar Wilmerding, E’25 Mentor: Jahir Pabon, associate teaching professor, mechanical and industrial engineering The project explores the intersection of robotics and art through a mural-painting robot capable of producing large-scale artwork on outdoor walls. A prototype was built that uses a marker on smaller walls; this project scales up the concept by using spray paint. It combines engineering and artistic expression, showing how robotics can address precise movement over a large workspace. More broadly, it aims to make murals more accessible, offering an affordable alternative for communities with limited resources. The long-term plan is to make this project fully open-source, encouraging others to build and utilize similar robots.
The Study of Male and Female Schwann Cell Migration on Varying Peptide Surface Modifications Awardee: Zoe Yu, E’27 Mentor: Rebecca Willits, professor and chair, chemical engineering Approximately 20 million people in the United States require peripheral nerve repair surgery annually. Schwann cells (SCs), supportive glial cells, play a key role in neuroregeneration after peripheral nerve injury. The microenvironment of SCs can influence their adhesion, proliferation, and alignment, which determines how well the nerve regenerates. In past literature, peptides have been found to promote neuroregeneration. This research is investigating the effect of the IKVAV peptide and varying hypoxia conditions on SC migration on 2D surfaces. It is expected that SCs will display enhanced migration and proliferation on IKVAV surfaces, and results will be compared with similar literature.
SUMMIT AWARDS
How Pore Size Distribution of Activated Carbon Cathodes Effects Electrochemical Contaminant Removal Awardee: Alena Alexander, E’26 Mentor: Muhammad Fahad Ehsan, research scientist, civil and environmental engineering The project investigates how the pore size distribution of activated carbon cathodes influences the electrochemical removal of contaminants in water. The goal is to optimize the design of these cathodes as a stepping stone toward an efficient water purification system, particularly to address water contamination in Puerto Rico which has lead to adverse health effects and preterm births. By understanding the relationship between pore structure and contaminant removal efficiency, the project aims to improve water quality and contribute to sustainable solutions.
Characterization of Oxygen Consumption Rate in Organ-chips by Integrated Fluorescence Sensors Awardee: Christina Aniolek, E’25 Mentor: Ryan Koppes, associate professor, chemical engineering The project aims to develop and characterize an optical based oxygen sensor that is embedded into an organ-on-chip to track the concentration of dissolved oxygen in cell culture media over time. The oxygen consumption rate of C2C12 cells will be measured to represent the relative cellular metabolic activity of both healthy and stressed cells. Findings from this project may allow for more accurate assessments of culture conditions for cells on-chip, especially through the acquisition of real-time data.
Effects of Nitrogen Enrichment on Salt Marsh Soil Dissolved Organic Carbon Awardee: Luke Bagdonas COS’25 Mentor: Aron Stubbins, professor, marine and environmental sciences, chemistry and chemical biology, and civil and environmental engineering Salt marshes are important coastal wetland ecosystems that store large amounts of carbon in their soil, but increased nitrogen loading from anthropogenic sources may put their carbon storage capacity at risk. Using high-resolution LC-MS, the research will analyze the dissolved organic carbon of salt marsh soil subjected to nitrate and ammonium fertilization. It is expected that oxidized and reduced forms of nitrogen will differentially alter the soil’s molecular composition compared to unfertilized controls. Results will be shared at RISE 2025 and published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Development of a Machine-Learning Assisted Integrated Non-linear Optical Spectrometer Awardees: Brennan Bezdek, E’26, Aaron Picard, E’26 Mentor: Alberto De la Torre Duran, assistant professor, physics A compact, machine-learning-integrated spectrometer is proposed to advance Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) imaging by incorporating electric quadrupole contributions and multi-wavelength capabilities. This tool enables high-resolution, sensitive imaging of biological tissues and quantum materials, addressing current limitations in non-linear optical spectroscopy and opening new avenues for disease diagnostics and material discovery.
Investigating Fe-Ni Catalyst Plating Mechanism via In-Situ UV Vis Spectroscopy for CO2 Reduction Awardee: Dhwani Bhatt, E’27 Mentor: Magda Barecka, assistant professor, chemical engineering This research focuses on improving electrochemical CO2 reduction by developing a cost-effective catalyst composed of iron and nickel to enhance the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) which currently accounts for majority of energy losses in electrochemical cells. Using in-situ UV-Vis spectroscopy, I will monitor the plating process of these metals on nickel foam to better understand their deposition dynamics and optimize the catalyst’s performance. By tracking changes in metal concentrations in real-time, we aim to improve the catalyst’s efficiency, making it more scalable and sustainable for large-scale CO? reduction. The findings will contribute to advancing eco-friendly technologies for CO2 conversion.
The Impact of Chirality in Liquid Crystal Elastomers Awardee: Umme Hani Bootwala, E’27 Mentor: Ruobing Bai, assistant professor, mechanical and industrial engineering This project investigates the color change observed under UV light in liquid crystal elastomer samples containing embedded azobenzene. Preliminary tests and literature suggest this change results from the presence of enantiomers, molecules that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other, which influence the material’s properties. While azobenzene typically induces mechanical deformation via cis-to-trans transformation in such elastomers, the observed color change points to an enantiomeric flip potentially altering material characteristics. This research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind this phenomenon, offering insights into advanced material design and further the possible applications for liquid crystal elastomers.
Newborn Sickle Cell Disease Electrophoresis Diagnostic Device for Rural Ghana Awardees: Hannah Carter, E’25, Joshua Piatok, E’25, Sheila Sossavi, E’25 Mentor: Lee Makowski, professor, bioengineering The project aims to develop a rapid, cost-effective diagnostic device to detect sickle cell anemia in newborns using electrophoresis on cellulose acetate strips. This device separates and analyzes hemoglobin variants (HbF, HbS, HbA) to identify disease-specific profiles. By utilizing synthetic hemoglobin controls, we ensure accurate and replicatable testing without using human samples. This innovation addresses a critical need for early detection, particularly in underserved communities, potentially reducing mortality and improving outcomes. Results will be shared through collaboration with Northeastern’s Innovators for Global Health, potential academic publications, and the Bioengineering capstone poster session and presentation.
Communication Systems for Robotic Teleoperation Awardee: Brooke Chalmers, Khoury’25 Mentor: Peter Whitney, associate professor, mechanical and industrial engineering This research explores communication systems for teleoperated robots, particularly in long-range and non-line-of-sight conditions. Reliable links are crucial for effective teleoperation, yet existing solutions struggle in challenging environments. The project involves building and testing prototype communication systems covering amateur radio bands and unlicensed microwave bands and explores novel configurations such as deployable communications repeaters. Outcomes include identifying effective systems for high data rates, low latency, and robust connections. Results will be shared through collaborations with Northeastern’s robotics teams, enabling practical tests with real rovers. This work advances the field of robotics communication, addressing a critical gap in current technology.
Harnessing Extremophile Pigments: UV Protection From the Atacama Desert Awardee: Matteo Couto Frignani, E’25 Mentor: Yunrong Chai, assistant professor, biology This project aims to uncover and characterize UV-protective pigments from extremophiles in the Atacama Desert, using synthetic biology to reconstruct their biosynthetic gene clusters in Bacillus subtilis. By confirming the chemical identity of these pigments and understanding their role in UV resistance, the research will shed light on novel adaptations in extreme environments. Results will be shared through presentations at conferences, promoting the broader impacts of synthetic biology and extremophile research.
Comprehensive Metabolism Analytical Mars Rover Life Detection Module Awardees: JiaJia Fu, E’26, Nicholas Rising, Khoury’26 Mentor: John “Peter” Whitney, associate professor, mechanical and industrial engineering The Northeastern University Mars Rover Team (NURover) competes in the annual University Rover Challenge (URC) hosted by the Mars Desert Research Society in Hanksville, Utah. The Life Detection sub-team is building an integrated subsystem which takes soil samples, conducts a series of biochemical assays and live data analysis to determine potential for hosting life to mimic Mars rover science missions. The team is designing a comprehensive UV-Visible spectroscopy based system focused on detecting organic carbon, secondary life confirmation through glucose, protein, DNA, chlorophyll-a, 3D printing and assembling a new carousel system and implementing a machine vision model for soil identification.
Competition Lunar Construction Robot Awardee: Matthew Geisel, E’26 Mentor: Taskin Padir, professor, electrical and computer engineering The purpose of this project is to construct a robot that will compete in first an Iowa State University and then a NASA competition aimed to generate ideas for the Artemis project. When a rocket takes off on the moon, high velocity moon dust flies everywhere and can damage equipment and people. This robot will build a berm, or ridge of moon dust to prevent this. It will do it by autonomously navigating, trilateraring its position, and detecting obstacles to get to an excavation site. It will then excavate lunar regolith and construct a berm.
Benthic Storytelling: Biogeochemical Response to Trawling in Jeffreys Ledge and Stellwagen Bank Awardees: Kayla Gillen, E’25, Fin Li, S’26 Mentor: Cristina Schultz, Foley Family assistant professor, marine and environmental sciences, and assistant professor, mechanical and industrial engineering Bottom trawling is a widespread commercial fishing practice with economic and cultural significance. However, there are concerns about its ecological impacts, including its effects on the carbon cycle via the resuspension of sediment carbon to the pelagic layer. This project collects and synthesizes fisheries and oceanographic data to investigate the effects of trawling on sediment carbon content and benthic ecosystems at two sites in the Gulf of Maine, Jeffreys Ledge, and Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Results will be shared at RISE and the 2024 ASLO Meeting, with an overarching goal of publication in an ecological journal.
Harnessing the Biological Potential of Pigmented Extremophile Bacteria Awardee: Austen Herlihy, E’25 Mentor: Veronica Godoy-Carter, associate professor, biology and biochemistry Bacteria that grow in extreme environments often produce pigments to help them survive harsh conditions. This project involves the isolation and characterization of five pigments from bacterial strains isolated from remote regions in Chile. The bacteria and their pigments will be tested for antibiotic, antioxidant, cytotoxic (cell-killing), and UV resistant properties in order to determine the possible applications they may have in medicine and biotechnology. Additionally, the research attempts to sequence the genomes of and induce mutations in the bacteria that will alter their pigment production. This allows the research to determine which bacterial properties are caused by the pigments themselves.
Exploring Nonverbal Communication and Adaptive Behavior in Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Awardee: Miranda Kannisto, S’26 Mentor: Kristina Johnson, assistant professor, electrical and computer engineering The researcher investigates existing measures of communication and examines how different communication types vary in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. Requests, rejections, social interactions, comments, emotion expressions, and self-directed behavior are reported by parents after collecting a natural language sample of their minimally/non-verbal child. Correlation analysis examines how these functions relate to scores on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale, a standardized assessment of adaptive behavior. Direct relationships are expected between adaptive behavior and social interactions & comments, functions typically underrepresented in non/minimally verbal individuals. The results of this study are to be published in the Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (JNDD).
A Novel Profluorophore Investigating Serine Carboxypeptidase-Aided T. Cruzi Benzoxaborole Resistance Awardee: Sriram Kompella, E’27 Mentor: Roman Manetsch, professor, chemistry and chemical biology Benzoxaborole prodrugs are novel therapeutics shown to be highly effective against Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite responsible for Chagas disease. However, they are susceptible to resistance via mutations downregulating serine carboxypeptidase (SCP), an enzyme responsible for prodrug to active drug metabolism in T. cruzi. This project will synthesize a profluorophore-tagged prodrug, a non-fluorescent molecule metabolized to the active drug and a fluorescent molecule, to quantify SCP activity via fluorescence microscopy. Investigating a potential mechanism of resistance prior to deployment will give insight into considerations that need to be made for a disease targeting regions with limited access to healthcare resources.
Non-targeted Detection of Chlorinated Disinfection Byproducts Awardee: Eshna Kulshreshtha, COS’26 Mentor: Aron Stubbins, professor, marine and environmental sciences, chemistry and chemical biology, and civil and environmental engineering Safe drinking water is a basic human right and societal need that has been greatly affected by anthropogenic changes to the quality of source water. One threat to safe drinking water access is the formation of chlorinated disinfection byproducts (DBPs), which are an unfortunate tradeoff of the disinfection processes used by water utilities. This projects aims to test a non-targeted method of detecting DBPs in drinking water by the characterization of colored optical and molecular dissolved organic matter, since DOM is a well known precursor to DBPs. This work will support the development of an integrated drinking water monitoring framework.
First-Principles Modeling of Single Atom Alloy Catalysts for Hydrogen Fuel Generation Awardee: Sarah LaCroix, E’27 Mentor: Qing Zhao, assistant professor, chemical engineering As we transition towards a sustainable energy future, hydrogen has emerged as a promising alternative fuel due to its high energy density and zero-carbon emissions upon combustion. Ammonia decomposition provides an environmentally friendly solution for hydrogen fuel storage, transportation, and generation. Although ruthenium can effectively catalyze this reaction, atomically dispersing it into a metal host in a single atom alloy (SAA) catalyst enhances both catalytic performance and economic viability. This study aims to design active and selective ruthenium-doped SAAs for ammonia decomposition using computational modeling. This work will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at national conferences.
Delivery of DNA to Arabidopsis Thaliana Using Tobacco Mild Green Mosaic Virus Awardee: Stephen Landry, E’25 Mentor: Adam Caparco, DiPietro assistant professor, chemical engineering As food security becomes an increasing concern, genes involved in plant immune pathways have become popular gene engineering targets for protection against pathogens, but delivery methods must be further explored. In this project, a virus will be engineered to contain a reporter gene, which can be interchanged with immune genes, before being inoculated into plant cells. The efficiency of delivery, as well as plant health, will be monitored via fluorescence microscopy and compared with a carbon nanotube control.  Improved internalization of the virus with minimal adverse effects is expected, and results will be disseminated in a poster presentation and publication.
Developing an Open-Source Forest Monitoring Drone System Awardees: Adriana Lanza, E’25, Laura Tomarossi Teixeira, E’27 Mentor: Thomas Consi, teaching professor, electrical and computer engineering The research team is working on creating a cost-effective, user-friendly, and open-source drone system for forest monitoring. This fixed-wing drone will capture high-resolution images and NDVI data to assess vegetation health and generate 3D models of forest structures. By leveraging advanced technologies like photogrammetry, the study aims to provide a valuable tool for forest management and conservation. It is believed that by making this technology accessible to a wider audience, the research can contribute to sustainable forestry practices and environmental protection. Results are planned to be shared at MassRobotics and PEAK in the spring of 2025.
Mental Health Gallery: Raising Awareness of Mental Health Treatment Differences in Taiwan and the US Awardee: Julia Lo, E’25 Mentor: Andrew Gillen, assistant teaching professor,  civil and environmental engineering This project is a multimedia creative research project discussing mental health treatment differences in the U.S. and Taiwan. A physical and digital gallery containing a collection of photographs, professional learnings, and personal reflection will be curated to tell a story of what it’s like to deal with mental health struggles in Taiwan. The gallery will raise awareness about the lack of mental health resources in Asian communities, especially regarding the elderly to encourage systematic change to break the stigma surrounding mental health in Asia.
Intuitive Robotic Arm Control Using Lie Groups Awardees: Dani McLaughlin, E’26, Megan Farrington, E’27 Mentor: Peter Whitney, associate professor, mechanical and industrial engineering Existing IK Solver implementations for robotic arms are limited by issues which arise from naive mathematical implementations. A novel approach which avoids these issues uses Lie Groups to represent the position and motion of robotic arms. This project aims to determine the practicality of such an implementation for a 6-DOF robotic arm, as well as quantify the operation benefits. The research is planned to share this information at RISE, as well as at the University Rover Competition and the Museum of Science Computer Science Education weekend through the rover operation.
Implementation of a Raman Spectroscopy Platform To Monitor Cell Metabolism on Organ Chips Awardee: Timothy Milich, E’26 Mentor: Ryan Koppes, associate professor, chemical engineering Organ-on-chips are microfluidic devices containing multiple cell types, situated how they would be in the body, allowing physiologically relevant study of cell-cell interactions. Many in vitro data collection techniques are invasive and harmful to the cells, causing difficulty recording data at multiple timepoints. Raman spectroscopy is a non-invasive technique which can identify molecules based on chemical makeup. The research aims to improve upon our previously developed Raman spectroscopy platform by increasing resolution and signal-to-noise ratio, allowing low concentration detection. With these enhancements, the researchers plan to publish their methods of incorporating Raman spectroscopy into their organ-on-chip platforms to monitor cell metabolism.
Exploring the Impact of L-Cis-Diltiazem on cGMP-Mediated CREB Signaling in C. Elegans Awardee: Emma Nace, S’26 Mentor: Samuel Chung, associate professor, bioengineering The research will explore how the pharmaceutical agent L-cis-diltiazem influences neuronal regeneration by targeting cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels. These channels regulate signaling pathways, including cGMP, which affect CREB, a key protein driving neuron repair. Using C. elegans, the research will compare the regenerative effects of L-cis-diltiazem to genetic mutations affecting CNG channels. This work aims to uncover novel therapeutic strategies for promoting nervous system repair, with implications for neurodegenerative diseases and injuries. The findings will be shared at Northeastern’s RISE Conference and other regional talks, advancing our understanding of pharmacological modulation in neuronal regeneration and its potential in regenerative medicine.
High-Level Path Planning Optimization and Implementation for a Quadrupedal Robot “Husky” Awardee: Ruben Noroian, E’27 Mentor: Alireza Ramezani, associate professor, electrical and computer engineering Autonomous capabilities in robots have become increasingly valuable, offering improved efficiency and safety without human intervention. To facilitate autonomy, robots use algorithms to understand their environment and plan their path. “Husky”, one of a suite of robots in development at Northeastern’s Silicon Synapse Lab, combines legged and aerial capabilities to navigate narrow pathways such as pipes. Referred to as multi-modal locomotion, this combination introduces novel challenges in energy efficient, narrow-path motion planning. This project aims to optimize and test path planning algorithms on Husky for effective, robust terrain traversal. Results will be shared through RISE and external IEEE Robotics conferences.
SIRIUS Awardee: Page Patterson, E’27 Mentor: Mallesham Dasari, assistant professor, electrical and computer engineering SIRIUS (Spacesuit Immersive Reality Integrated Utility System) is an extended reality system designed to provide astronauts with a dynamic heads-up display for lunar pressurized rover and extravehicular activity scenarios. It enhances astronaut performance by visualizing scientific data in an artificial reality workbench. Additionally, SIRIUS autonomously navigates the pressurized rover to and from mission sites using advanced perception, planning, and mobile robotics techniques. We plan to test and share our work during the NASA SUITS Challenge in May and further share it during outreach events and on social media under the Northeastern SEDS Instagram.
Characterizing the Functional Role of Mechano-Sensitive Ion Channels in Axolotl Limb Regeneration Awardee: Maren Ritterbuck, COS’26 Mentor: Sandra Shefelbine, professor, mechanical and industrial engineering and  bioengineering Bone cells sense mechanical cues through mechanosensitive ion channels. Mechanical feedback via these channels is crucial for proper skeletal development and mechanoadaptation. However, the role of mechanotransduction in bone regeneration remains poorly understood despite offering valuable insight into fracture repair therapies. This project will characterize the role of mechanosensitive ion channels in axolotl limb regeneration at both tissue and cellular levels through treatment with mechanosensitive ion channel antagonists. Expected changes in blastemal growth, cellular proliferation, and chondrogenesis will be analyzed through light sheet microscopy, calcium signaling, and in situ hybridization with findings shared via an external publication and poster presentations.
Thermodynamics and Transport of Peptide Drugs and Intestinal Mucin Systems Awardee: Maeve Ryan, S’26 Mentor: Steve Lustig, associate professor, chemical engineering Biologic medications are a class of treatments which hold great promise, however they often require intravenous injection due to their large size. If biologics, including peptides, could be delivered orally, they would become more accessible to patients. The greatest barrier to oral delivery is the mucin layer of the intestine, which blocks drugs from entering the bloodstream. In this project we will analyze the thermodynamics of a developing delivery vector: milk derived exosomes. Using advanced analysis techniques we will compare thermodynamic and molecular interactions of peptide drugs and peptides encased in exosomes to inform the future of peptide drug delivery.
Vascularized Microfluidic Model of Stromal TNBC-Lung Metastasis To Assess Treatment Responsiveness Awardee: Madeline Szoo, E’25 Mentor: Cynthia Hajal, assistant professor, mechanical and industrial engineering This work will build on existing research to develop predictive vascularized tumor models for preclinical assays. Specifically, this project aims to develop a microfluidic triple-negative breast cancer metastatic lung model, characterize changes to the extracellular matrix and blood vessel permeability in the tumor microenvironment associated with stromal composition, and assess immune response following treatment. Ultimately, this work has far-reaching clinical implications and will elucidate factors that contribute to chemoresistance and cancer progression. I will disseminate this work through presentations at the American Society for Biomechanics (ASB) Annual Meeting and the Northeastern University RISE Expo, as well as in peer-reviewed publications.
Plant UDP-glycosyltransferase in Cardiotonic Steroid biosynthesis Awardee: Mark Teh, S’27 Mentor: Jing-Ke Weng, professor, chemistry and chemical biology, and bioengineering Cardiotonic steroids are a class of steroidal lactones widely found in plants. One lead example is digoxin, a US FDA-approved drug, isolated from foxglove (Digitalis lanata), for treating various heart conditions by inhibiting Na + /K + ATPases. Despite their evident utility, the biosynthetic pathway of cardiotonic steroids remains elusive. Here, this proposed study seeks to characterize the glycosylation of the cardiotonic steroid scaffold – the last of 3 key tailoring modifications in accessing favorable pharmacokinetics to be detailed. Successful elucidation will in part confer a more tunable and engineerable production pipeline for digoxin and its cardiotonic steroid counterparts.
Random Circuit Perturbation (RACIPE) for Chemical Reaction Networks Awardee: Aidan Tillman, E’25 Mentor: Mingyang Lu, assistant professor, bioengineering Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE) models in systems biology are often simple to derive, but difficult to utilize due to the presence of a high quantity of kinetic parameters which are usually either very difficult or impossible to elucidate from experimental data. In the study of gene regulatory circuits, the Random Circuit Perturbation (RACIPE) algorithm was created to solve this problem by creating an ensemble of models via random sampling of parameters. The goal is to develop an R package that extends RACIPE to chemical reaction networks with mass-action kinetics and publish it to the Bioconductor repository.
Critter Catcher Awardee: Linda Yan, E’25 Mentor: Marguerite Matherne, assistant professor, mechanical and industrial engineering The Critter Catcher intends to be a device that is designed for the humane capture and release of insects. Originally conceived as a mechanical engineering capstone project, this endeavor aspires to become a transformative tool for advancing humane entomology research and can be used in practical applications for entomology researchers studying insect behavior, pollinator health, and general insect wellbeing. The goal of this project is also to fill the gap in humane insect capture research, hopefully leading to a research paper published in an open-access journal.
An Innovative Illumination Method – Coupling Widefield Microscopy With Darkfield Illumination Awardees: Evan Yee, E’26, Kevin Mai, E’26 Mentor: Mohammad Abbas Yaseen, assistant professor, bioengineering Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s Disease, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease severely disrupt neuronal activity and cerebral hemodynamics. Studying these pathophysiologies is crucial to preventing these diseases in the future. Widefield Optical Intrinsic Signal Imaging (OISI) is a powerful field of microscopy used for simultaneously imaging different regions of rodent brains. The current method of delivering light from the LEDs is limited by the unwieldy and inefficient nature of a liquid light guide. The goal of this project is to replace the liquid light guide with an innovative method of illumination: using darkfield illumination with axicons and a specialized reflector.

Related Faculty: Yang Zhang

Related Departments:Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Mechanical & Industrial Engineering