On anniversary, MU Materials Science & Engineering Institute celebrates success

Since opening a year ago, the MU Materials Science & Engineering Institute (MUMSEI) has had a lot of tangible successes.

Graduate student to use environmental engineering, data analysis skills at NASA

He grew up in a water-strapped village in Afghanistan, worked as a water engineer who helped similar communities and wants to continue to conduct research around environmental problems while teaching future generations. In the meantime, Jaweed Nazary will spend his summer working at NASA.

Pioneer in degradation of ‘forever chemicals’ brings research to Mizzou

Before most of his peers knew them as “forever chemicals,” Feng “Frank” Xiao knew they were a problem. It was the early 2010s, and he was reviewing Centers for Disease Control data when he noticed a disturbing trend. Pre- and polyfluoroalkyls (PFAS) — compounds mass marketed since the 1940s — were showing up in more than 95% of blood samples, and they appeared to be wreaking havoc on human health.

Krishnaswamy shares solutions for a zero hunger world at AAAS Conference

More than 2 billion people in the world face hidden hunger and malnutrition, even as 1.3 billion tons of edible food is either lost or wasted every year. Meanwhile, it’s estimated that the global human population will increase to 9-10 billion over the next 50 years, putting even more strain on food production. These are overwhelmingly complex problems. Assistant Professor Kiruba Krishnaswamy has a way of making solutions sound simple.

‘Explainable AI’ can efficiently detect augmented/virtual reality cybersickness

Exposure to an augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) environment can cause people to experience cybersickness — a special type of motion sickness with symptoms ranging from dizziness to nausea — and existing research to mitigate the severity of the symptoms often relies upon a one-size-fits-all approach. However, Khaza Anuarul Hoque, an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and a team of researchers are working to develop a personalized approach to identifying cybersickness by focusing on the root causes, which can be different for every person.

Researchers devise new technique to monitor reactor coolant pumps

Nuclear power plants that provide needed electricity rely on reactor coolant pumps for safe, continuous and reliable operations. But if the pump malfunctions, it can take plants offline, requiring costly repairs and interrupting services, or, worse, cause environmental and safety problems. Now, a Mizzou industrial and systems engineering team has devised a new technique to…

Gregory Scholar, data science student studies augmented reality in advertising

Augmented reality (AR) can be an effective tool for brands to engage with consumers, so long as the features are useful, enjoyable and easy to activate. Those were some of Krutika Deshpande’s findings from her recent research project around the use of AR and storytelling by brands. Deshpande — a master’s student in data science and part of an interdisciplinary research program — presented the work at Show Me Research Week last month.

Kuehnel receives prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowship

Lucas Kuehnel, who will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, has received a 2023 National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship.

Runge receives prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowship

Brooke Runge, who is completing her master’s degree in electrical engineering in May, has been selected to receive a 2023 National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship. The highly selective Fellowship recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students and those entering into a graduate program.

Mizzou Engineering students take honors at Show Me Research Week

Six engineering students took honors at Show Me Research Week on campus last week. Show Me Research Week, a collaboration between the Office of Undergraduate Research and the Bond Life Sciences Center, included poster presentations, guest lectures and special activities. More than 55 engineering students presented.