KENNESAW, Ga. | Aug 29, 2022

Kennesaw State University junior Ariane Charland-Martin’s research on creating environmentally friendly materials for technological applications won the top prize Thursday at the annual Birla Carbon Scholars research symposium.

“We are here today to recognize our student scholars and our partnership with Birla Carbon,” said Kojo Mensa-Wilmot, dean of the College of Science and Mathematics. “Because of this partnership and the guidance of their faculty mentors, our student scientists have the opportunity to delve into an important topic for a summer and produce groundbreaking research.”

The Birla Carbon Team judges awarded Charland-Martin, a chemistry major from Woodstock, the top prize. Working in the laboratory of assistant professor of chemistry Graham Collier, Charland-Martin discovered a substance that made polymer materials degradable while retaining properties effective for electronic applications, such as solar cells or thin films for sunglasses.

“Polymers currently available are usually not reusable or recyclable, or they’re made through less eco-friendly methods,” said Charland-Martin, an Honors student in the Double Owl program who is also pursuing a master’s degree in chemical sciences. “By designing these polymers with a degradable building block, we can maintain their effectiveness and make them more environmentally adaptable.”

Charland-Martin’s research followed the path of other studies in Collier’s lab, which are aimed at simplifying the process of making polymers for electronic and light-related applications.

In the spring, the College of Science and Mathematics selected 10 students to each receive a $4,000 stipend to pursue research during a summer program established by Birla Carbon, a worldwide chemical manufacturer. 

The 10 scholars were chosen based on the recommendations of faculty members, submission of an undergraduate research project abstract, and a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Recipients worked with their sponsoring faculty members on their proposed research projects in six departments within CSM.

This year’s scholars, their majors and their faculty mentors included:

• Riley Bennett, chemistry major, mentored by Mark Mitchell, professor of chemistry and biochemistry
• Ariane Charland-Martin, chemistry major, mentored by Graham Collier, assistant professor of chemistry
• Noam Lewit, chemistry major, mentored by Mohammad Abdul Halim, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry
• Kieran MacDonald, physics major, mentored by Kisa Ranasinghe, associate professor of physics
• Lauren Massaro, physics major, mentored by Mahmoud Asmar, assistant professor of physics
• David Melcher, biology major, mentored by Mohammad Abdul Halim, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry
• Sandra Nguyen, biology major, mentored by Brandon Carpenter, assistant professor of molecular biology
• Isabel Ouko, mathematics major, mentored by Glenn Young, assistant professor of mathematics
• Kailen Parks, chemistry major, mentored by Martin Hudson, professor of biology
• Connor Welch, chemistry major, mentored by Michael Stollenz, associate professor of inorganic chemistry

  

Since 2014, funds provided by Birla Carbon have enabled 93 Birla Carbon Scholars to participate in research. In 2019, Birla Carbon reaffirmed its pledge to the program by extending the agreement for another five years and adding $275,000 to the commitment. Terence Norman, director of human resources in the Americas at Birla Carbon, said the company looks forward to this event every year to showcase young scientists.

“Just when I think this symposium can’t get any better, it exceeds my expectations,” Norman said. “I saw some truly impressive presentations here today, and I know the future is bright for these researchers. Congratulations to all the scholars. Your hard work is paying off.”

Along with the $4,000 stipend each scholar received, Charland-Martin received an additional $2,000 in travel funds to present her research at a national or regional conference. 

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About Birla Carbon

Birla Carbon is the world’s largest producer and supplier of carbon black additives, which are used to make everything from tires to plastics, from paints to electronics. A flagship business of the $45 billion Aditya Birla Group, the multinational conglomerate based in Taloja, India, Birla Carbon’s Technology Laboratories are located in Marietta and Taloja, India.

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.