YSU chemical engineering student awarded OSGC Graduate Fellowship

Student Spotlight

Collin Richards, a senior chemical engineering student at Youngstown State University, has been awarded an Ohio Space Grant Consortium Graduate Fellowship, recognizing his academic achievement and research potential as he prepares to continue his studies at YSU.

The fellowship will support Richards during the 2026–2027 academic year as he begins work toward a master’s degree in chemical engineering starting in fall 2026. The competitive award provides financial support that allows graduate students to focus on research connected to NASA-related science and technology initiatives.

Richards, who graduated this past weekend with his Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering, said his path toward research was not something he initially planned when he entered college.

“I never thought that I would be this involved in college at all,” Richards said. “Once I got into research, I realized how many resources were available to me, and I was able to make the best of that.”

A key influence in Richards’ academic journey has been his work with Byung-Wook Park, assistant professor of chemical engineering and YSU’s campus representative for the OSGC program. Park had previously encouraged Richards to apply for an undergraduate OSGC award, which Richards subsequently received. Richards will continue to work with Park during his graduate studies.

In addition to Park, Richards credits faculty across YSU’s chemical engineering program for their mentorship, including Holly Martin and Shirley Xie, who taught core chemical engineering courses and advised him during his senior capstone experience. He also acknowledged the role of peer mentorship in the laboratory, noting that former fellowship recipient Kyle Duke helped train him on lab equipment and research methods.

“The chemical engineering professors don’t just teach classes,” Richards said. “They give advice about what to expect in industry and research, and that made a big difference for me.”

As an OSGC Graduate Fellow, Richards will continue research he began as an undergraduate, focusing on the development of laser-induced graphene created using a carbon dioxide laser. His work explores how the material’s electrical and thermal properties can be enhanced to improve efficiency and performance, with potential applications ranging from medical therapies to wearable technologies. Richards explained that combining controlled heat treatments with antibiotics could improve treatment effectiveness while reducing required dosages.

Because the fellowship is supported by NASA, Richards’ research also considers space-related applications, including the unique challenges of infection control and health monitoring in orbital environments such as the International Space Station.

Looking ahead, Richards plans to collaborate with faculty both at YSU and partner institutions, including researchers at Kent State University who conduct advanced biological testing.

The fellowship has also helped clarify Richards’ long-term career goals. Rather than pursuing traditional industrial engineering roles, he now hopes to work in research and development, focusing on innovation and translating research into commercial or clinical applications.

“I know for sure now that I want to do something where I can innovate,” Richards said. Just as importantly, the award allows Richards to continue his education at YSU, an outcome he says he values deeply. Having followed his brother, a YSU mechanical engineering graduate, Richards expressed pride in remaining at YSU for his entire collegiate career.

“I’d like to be a part of reinforcing the university’s good reputation,” he said. Reflecting on his experience, Richards encouraged other YSU students to seek out opportunities beyond the classroom and connect with faculty members involved in research.

“There are definitely more opportunities here than you might expect,” Richards said. “If you’re motivated, take advantage of what YSU has to offer.”