Five PCEC Students Win Awards in October

November 3, 2023

October 8-11, 2023, ASME ICE Forward 2023

The American Society of Mechanical Engineering‘s (ASME) ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) Forward conference brings together internal combustion engine researchers from industry, academia, and government agencies to discuss technical advancements in engines for all applications – including automotive, on- and off-road, rail, marine, and stationary power. The undergraduate student research competition is an annual invitational event for undergraduate researchers who have studied in the field of internal combustion engines, emissions systems, fuels and sprays, and/or carbon management. Up to two winning submissions were selected to deliver their presentations to a group of leading experts in the ICE field at the ICE Forward Conference held in Pittsburgh, PA.

Nicholas K. Dillon, BSME student in the Honors Program at Georgia Southern, was one of the winners this year for his work on “Investigation of Low-reactivity X-98 Ethanol in Reactivity Control Compression Ignition with High Reactivity Jet-A for Performance and Emissions Improvement.” [X98 ethanol is a racing fuel, Jet-A is a commonly used commercial aviation fuel.] Dillon works in the Renewable Energy and Engines Lab under the supervision of Dr. Valentin Soloiu, Allen E. Paulson Distinguished Chair of Renewable Energy and professor of Mechanical Engineering.

October 30, 2023, GS International Awards Ceremony

The Office of International Student Admissions and Programs, in collaboration with the International Education Week Committee, hosted the International Awards Ceremony to honor exception international students, organizations, and supporters at Georgia Southern on October 30, 2023. The award categories included International Student Academic Distinction/Excellence, International Student Advocate Award, International Student Organization of the Year, International Student Community Service Award, and Outstanding International Student Award.

Suhaima Jamal, MSIT student, received the International Student Community Service Award for her deep commitment to volunteer and community service initiatives. Jamal actively participates in SERVE912, Southern Leaders, and the Office of Leadership and Community Engagement both on- and off-campus. Jamal maintains a 4.00 GPA and has written multiple research publications in her field. Jamal states that “receiving this award serves as a significant source of motivation for me, propelling me to further my dedication to community service, volunteering activities, and leadership in the future. I have always held the belief that genuine leadership and engagement in community service have the power to drive positive change within society. It allows us to actively participate in addressing social issues, foster connections, and promote the values of compassion, empathy, and unity.”

Taiwo Komolafe, a sophomore BSIT student, received an International Student Academic Distinction Award. Komolafe writes “I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation to Georgia Southern University, the Office of International Student Admissions and Programs, my professors and friends who nominated me for this academic award. I’m proud of this accomplishment, and I hope to take a moment to bask in the glory of this well-deserved recognition. This award is a reminder that excellence is attainable through diligence and an unyielding spirit. As I continue my educational journey, I have no doubt that I’ll reach even greater heights by God’s grace.”

Mohammad Towhidul Islam Rimon, a student in the MSME program, also received an International Student Academic Distinction Award. Rimon works as a research assistant under the supervision of Dr. Sevki Cesmeci, assistant professor of Mechanical Engineering, and as an affiliate in Georgia Tech’s Institute of Electronics and Nanotechnology, focusing on microfabrication in their advanced Bio Cleanroom. “This award belongs to all my supporters and well-wishers, including my supervisor, lab mates, and classmates, who have supported me throughout this entire journey. Receiving this award makes me feel that their support and mentorship have been duly recognized, and it encourages me to work even harder to fulfill their expectations,” said Rimon.

October 29 – November 2, 2023, ASME IMECE 2023

ASME’s International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE) is its largest R&D conference focused primarily on mechanical engineering while encompassing perspectives from many engineering disciplines. Each year, about 2,400 papers, presentations, and posters are presented at IMECE in 17 core tracks. Attendees include leading researchers from academia, government, and industry R&D labs. This year’s conference was held in New Orleans, LA.

Victor Buitimea, a senior BSME student, earned second place at IMECE 2023’s Undergraduate Research and Design Expo Student Poster Competition with his poster “A Novel Artificial Pancreas System.” Buitimea works under the supervision of Dr. Sevki Cesmeci, assistant professor of Mechanical Engineering, on research sponsored by an Innovation grant from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.