UA engineering and polymer science students earn honors, present research at statewide Ohio Space Grant Consortium Symposium

Students from the University of Akron's (UA) College of Engineering and Polymer Science continue to demonstrate excellence in research and innovation, further solidifying their reputation as emerging leaders in the aerospace field. At this year’s Ohio Space Grant Consortium (OSGC) Annual Student Research Symposium, held April 4, 2025, at the Ohio Aerospace Institute, UA students presented cutting-edge research and celebrated significant achievements that highlight the college’s continued growth and impact.

Four outstanding graduate students were awarded OSGC Fellowships, and five undergraduates received OSGC STEM Scholarships in recognition of their dedication to aerospace-related research. These students had the opportunity to present their work to a diverse audience and engage with NASA professionals, industry mentors, peer researchers and faculty from across Ohio.

In addition to individual accomplishments, the college was proud to feature the Akronauts Rocket Design Team, an example of the hands-on, student-driven innovation that defines the UA experience.

Fellowship Recipients

Jonathon Clawson, Mechanical Engineering
Oral Presentation: High Temperature Erosion of a Ceramic Matrix Composite in a Burner Rig Environment
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Greg Morscher

Andrew Frankowski, Mechanical Engineering
Oral Presentation: Finite Element Analysis of 3D Printed Composites for Hydrogen Storage
Faculty Advisor: Dr. K.T. Tan

Lukas Seggi, Mechanical Engineering
Oral Presentation: Repair and Enhancement of Titanium Turbine Blades through Direct Energy Deposition Additive Manufacturing
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Mani Kannan

Isaac Sluder, Mechanical Engineering
Oral Presentation: Extreme Environmental Effects on 3D Printed Composites for Space Application
Faculty Advisor: Dr. K.T. Tan

STEM Scholarship Recipients

Kamryn Culp, Senior, Chemical Engineering
Oral Presentation: Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production from Plastic and Food Waste on Bifunctional Catalysts
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Linxiao Chen

James Lyons, Senior, Mechanical Engineering
Oral Presentation: Smart Material Actuated Flap Model
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Nick Garafolo

Dimitry Melnikov, Senior, Electrical Engineering
Oral Presentation: Simulation of Variable Lunar Joint Sensing and Communications System
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Nathan Ida, with mentors from NASA including Dr. O. Scott Sands, Mr. Bryan Schoenholz and Dr. James Downey

Riley Myers, Senior, Mechanical Engineering
Oral Presentation: Application of Conductivity Techniques for Interlayer Discontinuity Detection in Additively Manufactured Metal Materials
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Mani Kannan

Anthony Quear, Junior, Mechanical Engineering
Poster Presentation: A Systematic Review of Telemedicine Based on Perception and Interaction
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Sam Song

Akronauts Rocket Design Team
Student-Innovative-Creative-Hands-on Project
Representatives: Eric Hartman and Haley Kuczynski
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Mani Kannan

The College of Engineering and Polymer Science congratulates all participating students and their faculty advisors on another year of impressive accomplishments. These achievements underscore the strength of our academic community and its enduring commitment to fostering innovation.

Students and faculty are encouraged to explore the many research and funding opportunities available through OSGC. These resources help pave the way for future success in aerospace and related fields. For more information, please contact Dr. Julie Zhao at zhao1@uakron.edu.

RELATED CONTENT:

• Engineering students present research at Ohio Space Grant Consortium Symposium
• Learn more about the Ohio Space Grant Consortium

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd@uakron.edu.