KENNESAW, Ga. | Sep 2, 2025

Matt Bonvissuto’s research project using satellite data to measure the light emitted by stars with orbiting exoplanets won the top prize at the Birla Carbon Scholars Symposium on Aug. 26.

Now in its 12th year, the symposium marks the completion of an intensive summer research program that allows students to apply their studies toward sponsored projects under the guidance of Kennesaw State faculty scholars.

“Providing these types of research opportunities is a high priority at Kennesaw State University and in the College of Science and Mathematics,” said Melanie Griffin, interim associate dean of faculty affairs and operation and associate professor of biology. “Participation in undergraduate research gives our students the valuable experience needed to succeed, and these discovery opportunities help students integrate learning, expand their understanding of the sciences, and develop their professional identity over their time here at KSU.”

A junior physics student, Bonvissuto studies limb-darkening coefficients, which describe the change in intensity of light from the center to the edge of a star as seen from our solar system. Working with David Joffe, associate professor of physics, Bonvissuto said this project will help scientists learn more about both exoplanets and modeling stars in other solar systems.

“From analyzing NASA data using Python-based software, we measure parameters that allow us to map out the brightness of stars depending on which portion of the star’s surface you are looking at,” Bonvissuto said. “This project has been really exciting. Astronomy and astrophysics have been a passion of mine since a young age, and it's surreal to be able to work on this stuff. It's truly an honor to receive this award.”

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

• Iona Alatar, chemistry, and Mohammad Halim, assistant professor of chemistry
• Matt Bonvissuto, physics, and David Joffe, associate professor of physics
• Oliver Buckley, biology, and Soon Goo Lee, assistant professor of molecular and cellular biology
• Makenna Dunkel, biology, and Dongyu Jia, associate professor of molecular and cellular biology
• Michael Evans, chemistry, and Daniela Tapu, professor of chemistry
• Ieza Fatima, biology, and Carol Chrestensen, professor of chemistry
• Brooklyn Galvan, environmental science, and Andrew Haddow, assistant professor of microbiology
• Caitlyn Garrett, physics and mathematics, and Andreas Papaefstathiou, assistant professor of physics
• Casey Hampson, physics, and Marco Guzzi, associate professor of theoretical particle physics
• Essix Moser, biology, and Martin Hudson, professor of biology
• Sulaiman Shaikh, physics, and Mahmoud Asmar, assistant professor of physics
• Katlyn Wacker, environmental science, and Mario Bretfeld, associate professor of biology

“The scholars clearly pushed themselves to achieve higher standards while conducting their summer research,” said Terence Norman, human resources head for Birla Carbon Americas. “The advanced level is unfathomable when realizing they have not yet completed their bachelor’s degrees.”

Since 2014, funds provided by Birla Carbon have enabled 117 Birla Carbon Scholars to participate in research. This year marks the 12th cohort of scholars, and Birla Carbon representatives said the company looks forward to the continued partnership as well as the Symposium, a yearly event to showcase young scientists.

In addition, Birla Carbon announced an internship program through a university in India for anywhere from 9 to 12 KSU students starting in 2026. Successful applicants will receive guidance from Birla Carbon scientists in addition to faculty at the university.

Along with the $4,500 stipend each scholar received, Bonvissuto received an additional $2,000 in travel funds to present her research at a national or regional conference.

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.

– Story by Dave Shelles

Photos by Judith Pishnery

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 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 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.