YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Collin Richards, a senior chemical engineering student at Youngstown State University, has been awarded an Ohio Space Grant Consortium Graduate Fellowship, recognizing his academic achievement and research potential.
The fellowship will support Richards during the 2026–27 academic year as he begins his master’s degree program in chemical engineering. The competitive award provides financial support that allows graduate students to focus on research connected to NASA-related science and technology initiatives.
Richards, who graduated earlier this month with a bachelor of engineering in chemical engineering, said his path toward research was not something he initially planned when he entered college.
“I never thought that I would be this involved in college at all,” Richards said. “Once I got into research, I realized how many resources were available to me, and I was able to make the best of that.”
One influence in Richards’ academic path has been his work with Byung-Wook Park, assistant professor of chemical engineering and YSU’s campus representative for the consortium. Park had previously encouraged Richards to apply for an undergraduate OSGC award, which Richards received. Richards will continue to work with Park during his graduate studies.
In addition to Park, Richards credits faculty across YSU’s chemical engineering program for their mentorship, including Holly Martin and Shirley Xie, who taught core chemical engineering courses and advised him during his senior capstone experience. He also acknowledged the role of peer mentorship in the laboratory.
“The chemical engineering professors don’t just teach classes,” Richards said. “They give advice about what to expect in industry and research, and that made a big difference for me.”
As an OSGC Graduate Fellow, Richards will continue research he began as an undergraduate, focusing on the development of laser-induced graphene created using a carbon dioxide laser. His work explores how the material’s electrical and thermal properties can be enhanced to improve efficiency and performance, with potential applications ranging from medical therapies to wearable technologies.
Richards explained that combining controlled heat treatments with antibiotics could improve treatment effectiveness while reducing required dosages.
Because the fellowship is supported by NASA, Richards’ research also considers space-related applications, including the challenges of infection control and health monitoring in orbital environments such as the International Space Station.
Richards plans to collaborate with faculty both at YSU and partner institutions, including researchers at Kent State University who conduct advanced biological testing.
Richards hopes to work in research and development, focusing on innovation and translating research into commercial or clinical applications.
“I know for sure now that I want to do something where I can innovate,” Richards said.
The award allows Richards to continue his education at YSU, an outcome he says he values. Richards expressed pride in remaining at YSU for his entire collegiate career.
“I’d like to be a part of reinforcing the university’s good reputation,” he said. Reflecting on his experience, Richards encouraged other YSU students to seek out opportunities beyond the classroom and connect with faculty members involved in research.
“There are definitely more opportunities here than you might expect,” Richards said. “If you’re motivated, take advantage of what YSU has to offer.”
CREDIT: Youngstown State University.