SDUR selects next generation cohort of K-State undergraduate researchers
Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024
MANHATTAN — Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research, or SDUR, at Kansas State University has selected more than 20 students to join the Developing Scholars Program as part of the program's 2024-2025 cohort.
The Developing Scholars Program, or DSP, offers high-achieving first generation and/or historically underrepresented students with mentored research opportunities in their field of study. Scholars receive academic, social, and financial support as they learn about and join the academic climate of the university.
The program is another example of K-State's commitment to undergraduate research as a cornerstone of academic and professional development, said Hans Coetzee, interim vice president for research.
"These research efforts are not only transformative for the students involved but also have a profound impact on our state," Coetzee said. "By engaging in diverse research projects, our scholars contribute to advancements that drive economic growth, improve quality of life and address pressing societal challenges in Kansas and beyond."
The Developing Scholars Program accepts incoming and returning early-career students and offers a semesterly scholarship of $1,250 to support 6-10 hours of weekly mentored research. Scholars can remain in the program for up to three years.
The wide-ranging research interests of this year's cohort include biomimicry, sustainable architecture, skin cancer, writs of certiorari, photovoltaics and sports analytics, among others.
The students will continue DSP's 24-year legacy of providing a best-practice model for student success and a pathway to professional careers in science, medicine, engineering, law, and industry, said Susan Rensing, associate director of SDUR.
"I am so excited to work with this year's cohort of scholars as they embark on their research journeys," Rensing said. "With the guidance of their research mentors, these scholars will be improving the lives of Kansans and the nation by advancing knowledge in sustainable energy, agricultural innovation, public health and so much more."
This year's cohort was selected from a large, highly competitive pool:
Collin Sheeran, biology and pre-medicine, Andover.
Estephania Anaya-Lopez, psychology and pre-law, Cimarron; and Moses Aguilar, psychology and pre-occupational therapy; Joe Dios, electrical engineering; and Viv Nguyen, physics, all of Dodge City.
Janeth Morales, biology and pre-medicine, and Bryant Tamayo, mechanical engineering, both of Garden City; and Caleb Mekuria, mechanical engineering, Junction City.
London Monroe, athletic training and pre-physical therapy, Kansas City; Lauren Seybold, environmental science, Lawrence; and Osbel Oceguera-Regalado, civil engineering, and Raul Rodriguez, electrical engineering, both of Liberal.
Yamileth Choate, business administration, Maize; April Hough, environmental design and architecture, Meade; and Elena Martinez, microbiology and pre-veterinary medicine, Olathe.
McKinley Mueller, communication sciences and disorders and pre-medicine, Newton; Lillian Ardis, environmental science, Salina; and Shaden Nunez-Morales, psychology, Wichita.
From out of state: Javonte Harris, Athletic Training, North Little Rock, Arkansas; Gillian Villa, agribusiness, Santa Maria, California; Graham Baijnauth, anthropology, Omaha, Nebraska; and Jahden Brown, environmental design and architecture, Chesterfield, and Taylor Dixon, environmental design and architecture, Florissant, Missouri.
