2026 OSGC fellowship and scholarship recipients with members of the NASA Mining Robotics Design Team at the OSGC Research Symposium.

Students from The University of Akron’s (UA) College of Engineering and Polymer Science (CEPS) participated in the Ohio Space Grant Consortium (OSGC) Annual Student Research Symposium, presenting their work alongside peers from institutions across the state. Held April 10 at the Ohio Aerospace Institute in Cleveland, the event highlighted Ohio’s growing research infrastructure and its commitment to student-led discovery.

One UA student was awarded an OSGC fellowship, and seven undergraduate students received OSGC STEM scholarships in recognition of their commitment to aerospace-related research. These students presented their work to a diverse audience and engaged with NASA professionals, industry mentors, peer researchers and faculty from across Ohio.

UA students contributed a wide range of research presentations spanning mechanical engineering, polymer science and aerospace systems. Topics included hypersonic materials, polymer behavior, advanced manufacturing techniques and dynamic system modeling.

In addition to individual achievements, the college also highlighted the NASA Mining Robotics Design Team as part of its presence at the symposium. The team represents the hands-on, student-driven innovation that defines the UA experience.

“The symposium provided a valuable platform for students to engage with NASA professionals, industry mentors and faculty from across the state,” said Dr. Julie Zhao, assistant dean and OSGC campus representative for CEPS. “The College of Engineering and Polymer Science congratulates all participating students and their faculty advisors.”

Fellowship recipient

Eric Hartman, first-year graduate student in mechanical engineering
Oral presentation: "Performance of Ceramic Matrix Composites in Hypersonic Environments"
Faculty advisor: Dr. Manigandan Kannan

STEM scholarship recipients

Joseph Joaquin, senior in chemical engineering
Oral presentation: "Effects of Hofmeister Ions on Lower Critical Solution Temperatures on Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and Poly(vinyl methyl ether)"
Faculty advisor: Dr. Bi-min Newby

Anthony Quear, senior in mechanical engineering
Oral presentation: "Single Actuator Multiple Manipulation Mechanism"
Faculty advisor: Dr. Sam Song

Shane Rodgers, junior in mechanical engineering
Poster presentation: "Modeling and Analysis of Coupled Multi-Oscillator Systems With Variable Interconnections"
Faculty advisor: Dr. Dane Quinn

Anthony Santos, senior in aerospace systems engineering
Oral presentation: "Breaking the Vapor Barrier and Scale: Revolutionizing Steel Quenching With Ultrasound Technology"
Faculty advisor: Dr. Hyeonu Heo

Zachary Schaffer, junior in mechanical engineering
Poster presentation: "Surface Wear of Rapidly Quenched 1045 Steel"
Faculty advisor: Dr. Gopal Nadkarni

Jamison Sir Louis, junior in mechanical engineering
Poster presentation: "The Effects of Ultrasound and Agitation on the Quenching Process for Steel"
Faculty advisor: Dr. Gopal Nadkarni

Pailey Vitale, senior in polymer science and polymer engineering
Research: "Made on Mars: Design and Manufacturing of Structural Polymer-Regolith Composites"
Faculty advisor: Dr. James Eagan

Student design team

NASA Mining Robotics Design Team
Faculty advisor: Prof. Samuel Mastromatteo
Supported by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

RELATED CONTENT:

• Discover undergraduate research at the College of Engineering and Polymer Science
• Learn more about the Ohio Space Grant Consortium

Media contact: media@uakron.edu