Kennesaw State University Office of Research

05/29/2026

Welcome to 15-second Friday where we share fun, quick behind-the-scenes updates from the Office of Research at Kennesaw State University! Get to know our people, our campus, our work, and more.🦉⏰

This week, meet Amber Ellithorpe, Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Research! Let us know who you want to meet next in the comments!

05/28/2026

05/27/2026

This , we’re learning about an eco-friendly upgrade to sunscreen! ☀️🧴

Working in the lab of assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry Mohammad Halim, Lexie Thrasher brought her passions for chemistry and cosmetics together through research. This KSU undergraduate scholar was awarded first prize at he Symposium of Student Scholars for her work on a peptide-based sunscreen that aims to have less environmental impact than traditional sunscreen.

"I’m happy where I am because I discovered that I want to do research, now and in the future," Thrasher said. "I love the process of finding things out, even when things don’t go right. I love it all.”

Click here to read more: https://bit.ly/4uu8kdo

05/26/2026

Meet Preethi Titu, an associate professor of science education from Kennesaw State University who - through collaboration with four other universities (University of West Florida, Drake University, Texas A&M University and Southern Methodist University) - is exploring VR and AI technology to support STEM education. By researching the impact immersive technology has on learning, Titu is helping teachers build the technology skills to support students through relevant, real-world simulations that are engaging and effective.

“This research addresses the critical need in STEM education to equip future teachers with skills to engage students in meaningful scientific discussion,” Titu said. “Engaging in research helps students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, which are essential for effective teaching.”

Click here to read more: https://bit.ly/4f4SNfl

05/22/2026

Welcome to 15-second Friday where we share fun, quick behind-the-scenes updates from the Office of Research at Kennesaw State University! Get to know our people, our campus, our work, and more.🦉⏰

This week, we are kicking this series off with our very own Marketing and Communications Specialist, Alyssa Ozment Segura! Want to see something in a future episode of 15-second Friday? Let us know in the comments.

05/20/2026

We are honored to be joining the Georgia Research Alliance! 🎉

05/20/2026

Meet the team engineering smarter, more resilient buildings!

Full Professor of Mechanical Engineering Dr. Simin Nasseri and Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering Dr. Mohamad Jonaidi run the Engineering Vibrations Lab on the Kennesaw State University Marietta Campus, where they and their students are using a shake table to test non-Newtonian materials as potential dampers to strengthen structures against seismic activity.

By absorbing and reducing vibrations, these dampers will better equip buildings to withstand earthquakes, making the infrastructure safer and more resilient.

Click here to watch the full tour: https://bit.ly/4tPCFlI

05/19/2026

Will we see mind-powered wheelchairs in our lifetime?

The Center for Cyber-Physical Realms (CYPHR) is working alongside people with ALS in Cobb County, collecting physiological signals through brain-computer interface and human-machine interface mechanisms. These signals help the CYPHR team process information and train technology to respond to human behavior.

This research is an important step in the development of devices that could allow users to operate a computer cursor, prosthetic arm — or even a wheelchair — with their mind!

The interdisciplinary project includes researchers from the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, the College of Computing and Software Engineering, and the Wellstar College of Health and Human Services.

05/18/2026

This , we’re appreciating impact in action at the Civic Museum of Montepulciano in Italy! 🌎👀

Led by Dr. Prachi Gala from the Department of Marketing and Professional Sales, students attending Kennesaw State University's 2025 Tuscan Adventures education aboard program took part in a unique experiential learning opportunity. These students were challenged with bringing their knowledge to life by creating marketing strategies that would allow the museum to stay true to its cultural identity while working to attract a new, young audience.

“These students learned to craft feasible, respectful strategies for global impact,” Dr. Gala said. “They gained skills in cross-cultural communication and global strategy that are invaluable in the business world.”

Read more here: https://bit.ly/4eUANEq

05/13/2026

Education has undergone many transformations over the years as new technology has been developed. When calculators first hit the market, many teachers considered using them as cheating. The same concerns were raised about Google. Today, many of us don't even blink at the thought of either. With conversations around AI sounding very similar, how will teachers adapt to this new, rapidly developing tool?

In this episode of Research Matters, we’re talking about the integration of AI into the classroom, how it can be applied wisely, and how we can better prepare teachers for this new frontier. Dr. William Wright from the Bagwell College of Education at Kennesaw State University joins us to talk about his work in instructional technology, along with North Cobb High School teacher Alex Fahey, who is experiencing the shift firsthand.

Click here to listen to the full podcast: https://bit.ly/42wFQ6E