To determine the projects that receive Year 2 funding, the NCESR Progress Review Committee reviewed the Cycle 19 Principal Investigators (PIs) six-month reports and each PI presented to the committee on October 15, 2025. The review allowed the committee and PIs to discuss the progress of each project in more detail. The Progress Review Committee is comprised of the NCESR Director and Associate Director, NPPD Liaisons and NUtech staff. The committee meeting also allows NUtech to connect with the PIs and Co-PIs, if they haven’t already, regarding disclosures and intellectual property (IP). Following committee deliberations, all five Cycle 19 projects received Year 2 funding, which began on January 1, 2026.
We look forward to receiving future updates regarding their research progress, external funding awards, and any IP results.
Enhanced CO2 transport for high-efficiency biological carbon capture and biofuel fermentation
Principal Investigator (PI) – Dr. Nicole Buan, professor of biochemistry, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) – Dr. Siamak Nejati, associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, College of Engineering
Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Agriculture: Greening Ammonium Sulfate Production
PI – Dr. Mona Bavarian, assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, College of Engineering
• Co-PI – Dr. Yașar Demirel, professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, College of Engineering
• Co-PI – Dr. Javed Iqbal, associate professor of agronomy and horticulture, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Enhanced Hydrogen Generation and Utilization using Femtosecond Laser-nanostructured NiCo2O4 Electrocatalysts
PI – Dr. Yongfeng Lu, Lott Distinguished University Professor of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering
• Co-PI – Dr. Bai Cui, professor of mechanical and materials engineering, College of Engineering
• Co-PI – Dr. Vitaly Alexandrov, Richard L. McNeel Associate Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering
Innovative Solutions for Data Center Thermal Management: Oxide-Free Femtosecond Laser Processed Copper Surfaces
PI – Dr. Graham Kaufman, research engineer, research assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, College of Engineering
• Co-PI – Dr. Craig Zuhlke, Richard L. McNeel Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering
• Co-PI – Dr. Jeffrey Shield, department chair, Robert W. Brightfelt Professor of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering
Advanced manufacturing of high-temperature alloy components for small modular reactors
PI – Dr. Bai Cui, professor of mechanical and materials engineering, College of Engineering
• Co-PI – Dr. Yongfeng Lu, Lott Distinguished University Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering