Syracuse Sun

Three Syracuse University students have been awarded prestigious graduate research fellowships through the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), with two students also receiving honorable mentions.

Edward (Cole) Fluker, Dan Paradiso, and Melissa Yeung have been named as recipients of the NSF GRFP for 2024. Fluker, a senior chemical engineering major, will be pursuing a Ph.D. program in chemical and biomolecular engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. Fluker expressed his enthusiasm for the financial support provided by the fellowship, stating, "There is a severe underrepresentation of Black students pursuing advanced degrees, and I believe this program will help me launch a pipeline program for African American students to support their advanced degree aspirations."

Dan Paradiso, a second-year Ph.D. student in physics, focuses his research on core-collapse supernovae. Paradiso explained, "In my research, I focus on the dynamics of shockwaves, using analytical and numerical methods to understand these failed supernova explosions." He expressed his excitement to continue his research with the support of the NSF GRFP.

Melissa Yeung, a first-year Ph.D. student in mechanical and aerospace engineering, works on supersonic jet engines. Yeung's research aims to improve the performance and safety of supersonic flight for commercial use. She highlighted the importance of the fellowship in providing her with more flexibility in research direction and funding for her activities.

Additionally, Nicholas Rubino and Elizabeth Su received honorable mentions in this year's competition. Rubino, a Ph.D. student in mechanical and aerospace engineering, conducts research on robotic devices for physical rehabilitation. Su, a bioengineering and neuroscience graduate, will pursue a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering at Purdue University, focusing on enhanced visual prosthetics.

The recipients and honorable mentions were acknowledged for their outstanding research contributions through the NSF GRFP. Students interested in applying for future cycles of the NSF GRFP or other competitive scholarships and fellowships can visit the CFSA website or contact cfsa@syr.edu for more information.