COLLEGE STATION, Texas, May 6, 2009 – Peng Cheng and Santosh Koirala have been named recipients of the 2009 Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award, presented by the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University.
Working with Assistant Professor Arul Jayarman, Cheng, who is from China, conducted research using a systems biology approach to investigate interleukin-6 (IL-6) signal transduction. Cheng employed a fluorescence microscopy to monitor dynamics of molecules that are involved in the IL-6 signal transduction. Data from Cheng’s research will be utilized in the development of models that will help control and modulate cell behavior and function.
“More than his excellent GPA and academic record, Peng has impressed me with the way he approaches problems,” Jayaraman said. “He is a very logical and methodical student, and he uses those qualities extremely effectively for problem solving. Peng’s performance in the lab has been nothing short of stellar. Despite his full load of classes, he has been very productive. He clearly understands what needs to be done in resear
ch. He is very good at the bench, and more importantly, equally good at analysis and interpretation.”
Koirala, who hails from Nepal, conducted his research with Professor Perla B. Balbuena. His work involved utilizing first-principles computational methods to probe the electronic structure and electronic-level interactions of polybithiophene-linked transition metal atoms. His preliminary results suggest that metal atoms linking bithiophene molecules may act as efficient catalytic sites for oxygen reduction.
“Santosh Koirala was the best student in my Thermodynamics CHEN 354 class during Fall 2007, and I was lucky to engage him to do research in my group during Spring and Summer 2008,” Balbuena said. “He rapidly learned molecular dynamics techniques and the use of quantum-mechanical programs, but more importantly he was extremely motivated and did an outstanding job in modeling potential new materials to catalyze the decomposition of molecular oxygen.”
As award recipients, Cheng and Koirala will each receive a plaque commemorating their achievements as well as a monetary award.
