Students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) achieve success at multiple levels while collaborating with researchers on NCESR-funded projects. Through these experiences, students gain valuable insight into the research process and develop practical skills that extend beyond the classroom. Regardless of the research outcomes, students learn important lessons in critical thinking, collaboration and scientific communication.
As part of NCESR-funded projects, students are encouraged to use their research data to create posters for presentation at the UNL Student Research Days and other poster sessions. These opportunities help students strengthen their presentation and communication skills, which will benefit them throughout their academic and professional careers.
The UNL offices of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships, Graduate Studies, and Research and Innovation hosted poster sessions during Student Research Days on April 7-8, 2026. More than 120 graduate and 200 undergraduate students participated in the event. The poster sessions provided students with the opportunity to showcase their research and creative work, communicate their findings to the UNL community and learn about other areas of research and creative activities across a variety of disciplines.
Among the 19 posters representing NCESR-funded research projects, four were presented by undergraduate students and 15 by graduate students. One poster was presented in the undergraduate and graduate categories because it represented a collaborative effort between an undergraduate and a graduate student.
The competition included nearly 100 volunteer judges, including faculty, staff, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students. Presentations were evaluated on both research content and presentation skills, with students recognized for their hard work, innovation, and ability to effectively communicate their research findings.
Congratulations to the Poster Winners affiliated with NCESR!
• Aram Pirali, an undergraduate student in Chemical Engineering, presented a poster titled, “Ferroelectric Field Effect Induced Metal-Insulator Transition in ReS₂ via Epitaxial P(VDF-TrFE) Nanowires.” Dr. Xia Hong from the Department of Physics and Astronomy is Aram’s advisor. Aram received a College of Engineering $250 award.
• Parvez Amin Khan, a graduate student in Mechanical and Materials Engineering, presented a poster titled, “2D Materials Based on Metal Carbide, Cr₂TiC₂Tₓ MXene, as a High-Stable OER Electrocatalyst.” Dr. Siamak Nejati from the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering is Parvez’s advisor. Parvez received a $400 Top Presentation Graduate Award to present the research regionally or nationally and to support other research costs.
• Gabriella Rizzo, a graduate student in Biological Sciences, presented a poster titled, “Unresolved Metabolic Potential in a Hydrogen-Driven, Carbonate-Dependent Microbial Consortium.” Dr. Karrie Weber from the School of Biological Sciences is Gabriella’s advisor. Gabriella received a $100 People’s Choice Award.
• Mahazabin Mim, a graduate student in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, presented a poster titled, “Modeling Integrated Green Hydrogen-Ammonia Process for Sustainable Agriculture.” Dr. Mona Bavarian from the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering is Mahazabin’s advisor. Mahazabin received a College of Engineering Honorable Mention $500 Fellowship.