YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Three Youngstown State University students recently took center stage at the Ohio Space Grant Consortium Student Research Symposium, showcasing their research projects.
Avinab De, Collin Richards and George Kerg, members of YSU’s Sokolov Honors College and researchers in STEM disciplines, were selected to represent the university at the conference, which gathered top students from institutions across Ohio, including The Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve and Bowling Green State University, among others.
“Being able to present my research on a NASA-affiliated platform was really cool,” said De, a graduating senior biology major who will begin medical school at Northeast Ohio Medical University in July.
His project focused on engineering metal-resistant bacteria that fluoresce under UV light – a potentially groundbreaking biosensor that could simplify mercury concentration detection.
“It was amazing to see how other students were approaching problems. … This opportunity through YSU to learn about other experiences was really impactful.”
Richards, a junior chemical engineering major from Hermitage, Pa., presented his work on designing flexible microheaters using laser-induced graphene – a promising step toward wearable therapeutic devices that could release medication for topical wounds on demand.
“The OSGC conference gave me the confidence and inspiration to consider graduate school more seriously,” he said. “It reinforced my desire to be involved in research and development, wherever I end up.”
Kerg, a graduating senior double-majoring in chemistry and Spanish, is preparing to pursue a Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry at the University of Houston. His research examined metal-organic frameworks and their potential for absorbing precious metals, a study with promising applications in environmental and industrial fields.
“It felt humbling and empowering to represent YSU,” Kerg said. “We may be a smaller university, but we’re doing big things.”
Each student credited their success to the strong mentorship and support they received at YSU. Faculty members such as Jonathan Caguiat, professor of chemical and biological sciences, Byung-Wook Park, assistant professor of chemical engineering, Douglas Genna, professor of organic chemistry, and Alicia Prieto-Langarica, distinguished professor of mathematics and statistics, played pivotal roles in shaping their academic journeys.
They also praised resources such as the STEM Professional Services office, led by Quan Tran, associate director of STEM careers, internships and co-ops, for helping prepare them for research presentations, internships and graduate school applications.
“Obviously tuition’s great, but I feel like all of the opportunities and resources offered to me at YSU definitely set me up for success in my next chapter,” De added.
All three students emphasized the importance of building relationships with faculty, getting involved early and taking advantage of the many opportunities YSU offers – especially for students in STEM.
“You don’t need to go to a big school to do meaningful research,” Kerg said. “What matters is how you use the resources you have, and here at YSU, there’s no shortage of them.”
CREDIT: YSU.
Pictured at top: From left are Collin Richards, Avinab De and George Kerg.