Katsouleas NAE Grand Challenges Scholars Program

Akhil Bedapudi

• BME, minors in Chemistry and Psychology
• Engineer better medicines
• Portfolio »

Ethan Ho

• BME, minor in Computational Biology
• Engineer better medicines
• Portfolio »

Tim Ho

• BME and CS
• Engineer the tools of scientific discovery
• Portfolio »

Sunny Li

• CEE
• Restore and improve urban infrastructure
• Portfolio »

Andy Qiao

• BME
• Engineer better medicines

Jessica Shah

• BME
• Engineer better medicines
• Portfolio »

Lucy Zhang

• BME
• Engineer better medicines
• Portfolio »

Arushi Biswas

• BME
• Engineer Better Medicines

John Boom

• BME
• Engineer better medicines
• Portfolio »

Phoebe Dijour

• BME
• Engineer better medicines

Anish Karpurapu

• BME
• Engineer Better Medicines
• Portfolio »

Rebecca Lau

• MEMS
• Restore and improve urban infrastructure

Katherine Li

• CEE
• Providing Access to Clean Water
• Portfolio »

James Marek

• CEE
• Restore and improve urban infrastructure

Jonathan Perera

• BME
• Reverse-engineer the brain
• Portfolio »

Michael Tian

• BME
• Engineer better medicines

Valerie Tsao

• CEE
• Restore and improve urban infrastructure
• Portfolio »

Simone Wall

• BME
• Engineer better medicines
• Portfolio »

Alex Choi

• Major: Biomedical Engineering
• Grand Challenge: Engineer Better Medicines
• GCS Portfolio
• GC Advisor: C. Gersbachs

Akylah Cox

• Major: Civil Engineering (Environmental and Water Resources Concentration)
• Grand Challenge: Providing Access to Clean Water 
• GC Advisor: Z. Kabala

Caroline Heitmann

• Major: Civil Engineering (Structural Concentration), Certificate in Architectural Engineering 
• Grand Challenge: Restoring and Improving Urban Infrastructure 
• GCS portfolio
• GC Advisor: H. Gavin

Abhishek Jadhav 

• Major: Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science"
• Grand Challenge: Reverse-Engineering the Brain 
• GC Advisor: L. Carin

Alyvia Schaad

• Major: Civil Engineering (Environmental and Water Resources Concentration), Minor in Global Health, Certificate in Global Development Engineering
• Grand Challenge: Providing Access to Clean Water 
• GC Advisor: M. Deshusses

Neel Bakshi

• Major: Mechanical Engineering
• Grand Challenge: Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure 
• GCS Portfolio
• Advisor: Josiah Knight

Jason Chou

• Major: Biomedical Engineering
• Grand Challenge: Reverse Engineer the Brain
• Advisor: Marc Sommer

Emilia Grzesiak

• Major: Biomedical Engineering, minor in Chemistry
• Grand Challenge: Engineer Better Medicines  
• Advisor: Jessilyn Dunn

Jay Gupta

• Majors: Biomedical Engineering and Electrical & Computer Engineering
• Grand Challenge: Engineer Better Medicines  
• GCS Portfolio
• Advisors: Ashutosh Chiloti and Michael Freemark

Katelyn "Kat" Hefter

• Majors: Biomedical Engineering and Electrical & Computer Engineering
• Grand Challenge: Reverse Engineer the Brain
• Advisor: David Carlson

Rachael Lau

• Major: Civil & Environmental Engineering, Global Development Engineering Certificate
• Grand Challenge: Providing Access to Clean Water
• Advisor: David Schaad

Sam Osheroff

• Major: Mechanical Engineering, minor in Spanish
• Grand Challenge: Engineer the Tools of Scientific Discovery  
• Advisor: Jeffrey Glass

Ryan Piersma

• Majors: Electrical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science, minor in Arabic
• Grand Challenge: Secure Cyberspace
• Advisor: Benjamin Lee

Rachel Sit 

• Major: Mechanical Engineering, minor in Chemistry, Markets & Management Certificate
• Grand Challenge: Engineer the Tools of Scientific Discovery  
• Advisor: Ken Gall

Gaurav Uppal

• Major: Mechanical Engineering, minor in Computer Science, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Certificate
• Grand Challenge: Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure 
• Advisor: Josiah Knight

Kate White

• Major: Civil & Environmental Engineering, Energy & Environment and Global Development Engineering certificates
• Grand Challenge: Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure 
• GCS Portfolio
• Advisor: David Schaad

Madeline Wilkinson

• Majors: Electrical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science
• Grand Challenge: Enhance Virtual Reality
• Advisor: Regis Kooper

Tenzin Yangkey

• Major: Environmental Engineering, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Certificate
• Grand Challenge: Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure 
• GCS Portfolio
• Advisor: Henri Gavin

Stephanie Zelenetz 

• Major: Biomedical Engineering, minor in Chemistry
• Grand Challenge: Engineer Better Medicines  
• Advisor: Ashutosh Chilkoti

Jiayang "Chris" Zhou

• Major: Biomedical Engineering, Innovation & Entrepreneurship certificate
• Grand Challenge: Engineer Better Medicines  
• Advisor: Nenad Bursac

Emilia Chojkiewicz

Major: Mechanical Engineering, minor in Energy Engineering
Grand Challenge Focus: Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure
Bass Connection Theme: Energy and Environment
Thesis Title: Novel Wind Turbine Design
Advisor: David Schaad

Paige Detwiler

Major: Biomedical Engineering, minors in Evolutionary Anthropology and Global Health
Grand Challenge Focus: Engineering Better Medicines
Bass Connection Theme: Global Health
Thesis Title: Designing a Better Diagnostic Test for MERS/SARS Coronaviruses
GCS e-portfolio link: https://paigedetwilergcs.wordpress.com/
Advisor: Ashutosh Chilkoti

Monika Dharia

Majors: Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering, minor in Economics; I&E Certificate
Grand Challenge Focus: Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure
Bass Connection Theme: Energy and Environment
Thesis Title: Protecting Duke Forests – Developing an Assessment of Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Risks to Forest Resources and Management Priorities
Advisor: Mark Borsuk

Yuansong Feng

Majors: Electrical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science
Grand Challenge Focus: Enhance Virtual Reality
Bass Connection Theme: Education and Human Development
Thesis Title: Learning Image Context Through Reading
Advisor: Qiang Qui

Vishnu Gottiparthy

Majors: Electrical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science
Grand Challenge Focus: Make Solar Energy Economical
Bass Connection Theme: Energy and Environment
Thesis Title: Investigating the Use of Methuselah Flash to Extend the Lifetime of Solid-State Drives
GCS e-portfolio link: https://vishnugottiparthy.wixsite.com/gcsportfolio
Advisor: Aaron Franklin

Elizabeth Griffin

Major: Environmental Engineering, Global Development Engineering Certificate
Grand Challenge Focus: Provide Access to Clean Water
Bass Connection Theme: Global Health or Energy and Environment
Thesis Title: Hog Farm Effects on Groundwater Quality and Environmental Justice in Eastern North Carolina
Advisor: David Schaad

Era Kurtaliaj

Major: Mechanical Engineering
Grand Challenge Focus: Provide access to clean water
Bass Connection Theme: Global Health or Energy and Environment
Thesis Title: Determining Overall Heat Transfer Coefficients for a Customized Heat Exchanger Used in a Small Scale Anaerobic Digestion Pasteurization Latrine
Advisor: Marc Deshusses

Tracy Lu

Major: Mechanical Engineering, minors in Computer Science and Visual Arts
Grand Challenge Focus: Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure
Bass Connection Theme: Energy and Environment
Thesis Title: Protection and Development of Tele-Nursing Robots
Advisor: Kris Hauser

Marisha Madhira

Major: Biomedical Engineering
Grand Challenge Focus: Engineering Better Medicines
Bass Connection Theme: Global Health
Thesis Title: Creation of a PSA Responsive Peptide Nanofiber Matrices for Prostate Cancer Organoid Culture
Advisor: Joel Collier

Emma Palmer

Major: Environmental Engineering, minor in Chemistry; Global Development Engineering Certificate
Grand Challenge Focus: Provide Access to Clean Water
Bass Connection Theme: Global Health or Energy and Environment
Thesis Title: Barriers to Safe Drinking Water Access in Low Resource Communities: An Examination of Eight Communities within the ASGM-Heavy Region of Madre de Dios, Peru
Advisor: David Schaad

Shomik Verma

Major: Mechanical Engineering, minors in Energy Engineering and Mathematics
Grand Challenge Focus: Make Solar Energy Economical
Bass Connection Theme: Energy and Environment
Thesis Title: Developing the Next Generation of Hydrogen Generation and Conversion Technology
Advisor: Nico Hotz

Cassandra Williams

Major: Electrical & Computer Engineering; Global Development Engineering Certificate
Grand Challenge Focus: Make Solar Energy Economical
Bass Connection Theme: Energy and Environment
Thesis Titles: Identifying the need for economical solar energy in low-resource settings, with a specific focus on maternal health care, and exploring possible solutions; and Determining process-structure-property relationships of polymer emulsions for the purpose of improving consumer electronics by using organic materials (such as solar cells or LEDs)
Advisor: David Schaad

Tyler Yam

Majors: Electrical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science, minor in Psychology
Grand Challenge Focus: Enhance Virtual Reality
Bass Connection Theme: Education and Human Development
Thesis Title: Evaluating the Effects of Virtual Human’s Nonverbal Expression of Personality on Proxemics
GCS e-portfolio link: https://tyleryamgrandchallenge.wordpress.com/
Advisor: Regis Kopper

Zui Dighe 

Majors: Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science
Grand Challenge Focus: Advance Health Informatics
Bass Connection Theme: Education and Human Development
Advisor: Mark Palmeri

Class of 2014

Jihane Bettahi
Majors: Electrical & Computer Engineering, and Computer Science
Grand Challenge: Advance Personal Learning
GC Advisor: Andrew Hilton
Research: Building a Computer Tool for a One-Size-Fits-One Learning Model

Sam Kelly
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Grand Challenge: Engineer the Tools for Scientific Discovery
GC Advisor: Douglas Nowacek
Research: Engineering Tools for Nearshore Ecology

Michelle Moffa
Majors: Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering
Grand Challenge: Provide Access to Clean Drinking Water
GC Advisor: Marc Deshusses
Research: Photocatalytic Enhancement of SODIS Using Immobilized TiO2 on 3D-Printed Supports

Karyn Saunders
Major: Environmental Engineering
Grand Challenge: Provide Access to Clean Drinking Water
GC Advisor: David Schaad
Research: Optimizing Grease Trap Design in Developing Countries

Michelle (Yuxiao) Wei
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Grand Challenge: Engineering the Tools of Scientific Discovery
GC Advisor: Anthony Kuo
Research: Simultaneous Fluorescence and OCT in vivo Imaging of Glaucomatous Neurodegeneration

Nicki Willis
Major: Environmental Engineering
Grand Challenge: Provide Access to Clean Drinking Water
GC Advisor: David Schaad
Research: Localized Approaches to Providing Clean Water Access in Developing Communities

Class of 2017

This class began their Grand Challenge Scholar Portfolios in January 2016 and graduated in May 2017.

Efe Aras, 2017 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Majors: Electrical and Computer Engineering/Mathematics/Computer
Science
Grand Challenge: Secure Cyberspace
GC Advisor: Dr. Galen Reeves
Research: IoT and Driverless Cars

Raya Islam, 2017 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Grand Challenge: Engineer the Tools of Scientific Discovery
GC Advisor: Dr. Mary Cummings
Research: Using Drones in Gabon

Raina Kishan, 2017 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Grand Challenge: Engineer Better Medicines
GC Advisor: Dr. Nimmi Ramanujam
Research: Pre-Cancer Screening

Feimei Liu, 2017 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Grand Challenge: Engineer Better Medicines
GC Advisor: Dr. Charles Gersbach
Research: CRISPR/dCas9-Based Direct Reprogramming Into the Smooth Muscle Cell Lineage Courses

Lauren Shum, 2017 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Majors: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Grand Challenge: Make Solar Energy Economical
GC Advisor: Dr. Adrienne Stiff-Roberts
Research: Solar and Economic Considerations in the Lifecycle of a Solar Product

Anisha Singh, 2017 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Grand Challenge: Engineer Better Medicines
GC Advisor: Dr. George Truskey
Research: Using Tissue Engineering to Improve the Drug Development Process

Amy Xiong, 2017 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Majors: Biomedical Engineering/Electrical and Computer Engineering
Grand Challenge: Advance Health Informatics
GC Advisors: Dr. Marc Sommer and Dr. Constance Johnson
Research: Acoustic Manipulation of Microparticles for Biomedical Applications

2016 NAE Grand Challenge Scholars

This class began their Grand Challenge Scholar Portfolios in January 2015 and graduated in May 2016.

John Bernabei, 2016 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Biomedical Engineering; Chemistry Minor
Grand Challenge: Engineering Better Medicines
Track: Pratt Fellows Program
GC Advisor: Dr. Angel Peterchev
Project Title: The Application of Computational Neuroengineering to Uncover the Basis of Neurological Disorders and Design Therapies for their Treatment

Yitaek Hwang, 2016 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Majors: Biomedical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering
Grand Challenge: Engineering Better Medicines
Track: Other
GC Advisor: Dr. Martin Brooke
Project Title: Low-cost Ophthalmologic Diagnostic Device for the Developing World

Grant Jirka, 2016 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry Minor
Grand Challenge: Engineering Better Medicines
Track: Pratt Fellows Program
GC Advisor: Dr. Ashutosh Chilkoti and Dr. Wenge Liu (co-advisor)
Project Title: Designing Smart Carriers for Intratumoral Anticancer Drug Delivery

Jinsu Kim, 2016 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Grand Challenge: Reverse Engineering the Brain
Track: Pratt Fellows Program
GC Advisor: Dr. Marc Sommer
Project Title: The Effects of Spatial and Temporal TMS Application on Individual Neurons for Understanding Brain Function Changes Behind Cost-Efficient Improvements of TMS in Therapy

Jacob Feldman King, 2016 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Environmental Engineering
Grand Challenge: Provide Access to Clean Water
Track: Pratt Fellows Program
GC Advisor: Dr. Ana Barros
Project Title: Climate and Water Futures in the Mills River Basin

Eunice Leung, 2016 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Civil and Environmental Engineering (Sub-Plan: Structural and Mechanics)
Grand Challenge: Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure
Track: Duke Engineers for International Development (DEID)
GC Advisor: Dr. Joseph Nadeau
Project Title: Quality Control of Hand-mixed Concrete used in Buildings in Rural Uganda

Eli Lichtenberg, 2016 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Grand Challenge: Make Solar Energy Economical
Track: Pratt Fellows Program
GC Advisor: Dr. Adrienne Stiff-Roberts
Project: Improving Organic Solar Cell Efficiency

Josh McMenemy, 2016 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Grand Challenge: Engineering Better Medicines
Track: Pratt Fellows Program
GC Advisor: Dr. Charles Gersbach
Project: Utilizing Personal Data for Healthcare

Shane Neibart, 2016 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Biomedical Engineering, PreMed, Chemistry Minor
Grand Challenge: Engineering Better Medicines
Track: Pratt Fellows Program
GC Advisor: Dr. Brenton Hoffman
Project: Engineering Medicines to Better Treat Mechanosensitive Diseases

Gregory Poore, 2016 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Grand Challenge: Engineering Better Medicines & Advancing Health Informatics
Track: Pratt Fellows Program
GC Advisor: Dr. Geoffrey Ginsburg
Project: Analyzing the Temporal Dynamics of Host Molecular Responses To Create Biosignatures For Improved & Personalized Patient Care

Ashley Reid, 2016 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Grand Challenge: Engineering Better Medicines
Track: Engineering World Health
GC Advisor: Dr. Robert Malkin
Project: Hypertension Screening Device for the Developing World

Evan Reilly, 2016 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Civil and Environmental Engineering (Sub-plan: Structures and Mechanics); Architectural Engineering Certificate
Grand Challenge: Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure
Track: Smart Home Fellows
GC Advisor: Dr. David Schaad
Project: Engineering Improved Urban Green Roofs

Minyoung Ryoo, 2016 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Grand Challenge: Reverse-Engineering the Brain
Track: Pratt Fellows Program
GC Advisor: Dr. Marc Sommer
Project: Computational/Neural Basis of Decision Making and Social/Cultural Influences on Heuristics Used for Decision Making

Zohaib Shaikh, 2016 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry Minor
Grand Challenge: Engineering Better Medicines
Track: Pratt Fellows Program
GC Advisor: Dr. Nenad Bursac
Project: The Potential Impact of Tissue Engineering on the Future of Medicine

Hannah Vaughan, 2016 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Grand Challenge: Engineering Better Medicines
Track: Pratt Fellows Program
GC Advisor: Dr. George Truskey
Project: Improving Drug Development through Tissue Engineering

Archit Verma, 2016 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Grand Challenge: Engineering Better Medicines
Track: Pratt Fellows Program
GC Advisor: Dr. Ashutosh Chilkoti
Project: From Lab to Patient: Optimizing Drug Research for Economic Viability

Noura Von Briesen, 2016 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Civil and Environmental Engineering
Grand Challenge: Restoring and Improving Urban Infrastructure
Track: Other
GC Advisor: Dr. David Schaad
Project: Countering the Negative Socioeconomic Effects of Urban Development

Xizheng (Billy) Wan, 2016 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Majors: Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science
Grand Challenge: Engineer the Tools of Scientific Discovery
Track: Pratt Fellows Program
GC Advisor: Dr. Lingchong You
Project: Developing Dynetica – A Simulation Platform for Designing, Visualizing and Analyzing Gene Circuits

Richy Yun, 2016 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Majors: Biomedical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering
Grand Challenge: Reverse Engineer the Brain
Track: Pratt Fellows Program
GC Advisor: Dr. Miguel Nicolelis
Project: Controlling an Avatar Using a Brain-Machine Interface and its Implications on Neuroprosthetics

2015 NAE Grand Challenge Scholars

This class began their Grand Challenge Scholar Portfolios in January 2014 and graduated in May 2015.

Yeong-ran (Lucie) Ahn, 2015 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major:  Biomedical Engineering; Chemistry Minor, Visual Media Studies Minor
Grand Challenge:  Engineering Better Medicines & Advance Health Informatics
Track:  Pratt Fellows Program
GC Advisor: Dr. Ashtosh Chilkoti
Project Title:  Suggesting Next Phase of Healthcare Improvement from Biomedical and Sociological Perspectives

Bianca Bracht, 2015 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major:  Biomedical Engineering; Chinese Minor, Chemistry Minor
Grand Challenge:  Engineering Better Medicines
Track:  Engineering World Health
GC Advisor:  Dr. Robert Malkin
Project Title:  Engineering New Applications for Polyethylene Pouch Drug Delivery Systems

Danielle Colson, 2015 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major:  Mechanical Engineering; Energy and the Environment Certificate
Grand Challenge:  Making Solar Energy Economical
Track:  Other
GC Advisor:  Dr. Nico Hotz
Project Title:  Solar Hydrogen Production

Kendall Covington, 2015 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major:  Biomedical Engineering; Neuroscience Minor
Grand Challenge:  Engineering Better Medicines
Track:  Pratt Fellows Program
GC Advisor:  Dr. Nimmi Ramanujam
Project Title:  Addressing Global Women’s Health Concerns

Mona Dai, 2015 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major:  CEE, Sub-Plan:  Environmental Engineering/Water
Grand Challenge:  Providing Access to Clean Water
Track:  Engineers Without Borders
GC Advisor:  Dr. David Schaad
Project Title:  Introducing Effective Portable Water Purification to Rural Communities in Sub-Saharan Africa

Isa Ferrall, 2015 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major:  Mechanical Engineering; Energy and the Environment Certificate
Grand Challenge:  Making Solar Energy Economical
Track:  Other
GC Advisor:  Dr. Jeff Glass
Project Title:  Nanomaterial Applications in Solar Fuels

Lucas Johnston, 2015 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major:  Mechanical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering
Grand Challenge:  Engineering Better Medicines
Track:  Other
GC Advisor:  Dr. Lou Defrate
Project Title:  Applications of Orthopedic Biomechanics for Injury Prevention, Analysis, and Treatment

Kevin Mauro, 2015 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major:  Biomedical Engineering; Neuroscience minor, Chemistry minor
Grand Challenge:  Reverse-Engineering the Brain
Track:  Pratt Fellows Program
GC Advisor:  Dr. Miguel Nicolelis
Project Title:  Brain Control of Three Arms by a Two-Armed Primate

Kevin M. Nikolaus, 2015 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major:  Mechanical Engineering; Energy and the Environment, German
Grand Challenge:  Engineering the Tools for Scientific Discovery
Track:  Pratt Fellows Program
GC Advisor:  Dr. Michail Zavlanos
Project Title:  Mobile Robotics in Disaster Response and Environmental Management

Gift Nyikayaramba, 2015 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major:  ECE
Grand Challenge:  Making Solar Energy Economical
Track:  Other
GC Advisor:  Dr. Adrienne Stiff-Roberts
Project Title:  Improving Organic Solar Cell Efficiency

Grant Peterson, 2015 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Environmental Engineering; Public Policy Analysis
Grand Challenge:  Manage the Nitrogen Cycle, Provide Access to Clean Water
Track:  Pratt Fellows Program
GC Advisor:  Dr. Claudia Gunsch
Project Title:  Closed Cycle Subterranean Irrigation Systems for Fertilizer and Pesticide Containment

Christine Schindler, 2015 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major:  Biomedical Engineering; Global Health Minor
Grand Challenge:  Engineering Better Medicines
Track:  Pratt Fellows Program
GC Advisor:  Dr. Nimmi Ramanujam
Project Title:  Accessible Medication and Treatment Options Pertaining to Cervical Cancer and Women’s Health

Melina Smith, 2015 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major:  Biomedical Engineering
Grand Challenge:  Reverse-Engineer the Brain
Track:  Pratt Fellows Program
GC Advisor:  Dr. Marc Sommer
Project Title:  The Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Single Neurons

2014 NAE Grand Challenge Scholars

This class began their Grand Challenge Scholar Portfolios in January 2013 and graduated in May 2014.

Khanh Bui, 2014 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Biomedical Engineering; Chemistry Minor
Grand Challenge: Engineering Better Medicines
GC Advisor: Dr. Tuan Vo-Dinh
Project Title: A Non-Invasive Approach to Early Cancer Detection

Virginia Chen, 2014 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Biomedical Engineering; Physics Minor
Grand Challenge: Engineering Better Medicines
GC Advisor: Dr. Patrick Wolf
Project Title: Medical Devices and Procedures of the Developing World

Maxwell Coar, 2014 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Mechanical Engineering and Material Science
Grand Challenge: Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure
GC Advisor: Dr. Henri Gavin
Project Title: Fostering Tomorrow’s Engineers Through Youth-focused Urban Infrastructure Development

Connor Cotton, 2014 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Civil and Environmental Engineering Sub-Plan: Environmental Engineering/Water; Cultural Anthropology Minor
Grand Challenge: Managing the Nitrogen Cycle and Providing Access to Clean Water
GC Advisor: Dr. David Schaad
Project Title: Economic Viability of Effective Sewage Sanitation in Rural West Africa

Radu Darie, 2014 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Biomedical Engineering; Neuroscience Minor
Grand Challenge: Reverse-Engineer the Brain
GC Advisor: Dr. Marc Sommer
Project Title: Developing New Algorithms for the Analysis of Neuronal Spike Date

Albert Hu, 2014 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Biomedical Engineering and Biology
Grand Challenge: Engineering Better Medicines
GC Advisor: Dr. Adam Wax
Project Title: Phase Microscopy in disease Detection

Max Jin, 2014 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Biomedical Engineering; Biology and Chemistry Minors
Grand Challenge: Engineering Better Medicine
GC Advisor: Dr. Mark Dewhirst
Project Title: New Imaging Methods for Quantifying Tumor Hypoxia in vivo

Jade Kessler, 2014 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering; Mathematics and Computer Science Minors
Grand Challenge: Make Solar Energy Economical
GC Advisor: Dr. Nan Jokerst
Project Title: Smart Technologies Implications and Applications in a Disparate World

Brady Klein, 2014 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Civil and Environmental Engineering Sub-Plan: Environmental Engineering/Water; Energy and Environment Certificate
Grand Challenge: Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure
GC Advisor: Dr. Tomasz Hueckel
Project Title: Altering the Public Mindset to Foster Infrastructural Improvement

Scott Martin, 2014 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Mechanical Engineering and Material Science; Chemistry Minor; Energy and the Environment Certificate
Grand Challenge: Make Solar Energy Economical, Develop Carbon Sequestration Methods
GC Advisor: Dr. Nico Hotz
Project Title: Developing a System Approach to Electrofuel Production

Emily Mass, 2014 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Civil and Environmental Engineering Sub-Plan: Structures and Mechanics; Energy and Environment Certificate
Grand Challenge: Providing Access to Clean Water
GC Advisor: Dr. David Shaad
Project Title: Environmental and Economic Viability of Green Roofs on Buildings in Urban Communities

Anirudh Mohan, 2014 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering and Economics, Computer Science Minor
Grand Challenge: Enhance Virtual Reality
GC Advisor: Dr. Romit Roy Choudhry and Dr. John Board
Project Title: Implementation of a Self-Learning Algorithm for Physical Object Hyperlinking

Daria Nesterovich, 2014 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Biomedical Engineering; Neuroscience Minor
Grand Challenge: Reverse-Engineer the Brain
GC Advisor: Dr. Warren Grill
Project Title: Design and Validation of a Device to Quantify Limb Rigidity in Parkinson’s Disease

Taylor Phillips, 2014 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Civil and Environmental Engineering Sub-Plan: Structures and Mechanics
Grand Challenge: Providing Access to Clean Water
GC Advisor: Dr. David Schaad
Project Title: Improved Water Access: Ground-water Harvesting Systems in East Africa

Kushal Seetharam, 2014 NAE Grand Challenge Scholar
Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering and Physics; Mathematics Minor
Grand Challenge: Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure
GC Advisor: Dr. John Board
Project Title: Development of a Novel Sanitation System for Developing Countries

2013 NAE Grand Challenge Scholars

Student: Grace Cambareri
Majors, minors, certificate programs: Civil and Environmental Engineering
Grand Challenge: Provide Access to Clean Water
GC Advisor: Dr. Schaad
Project Title: Optimal Storm Water Management to Improve Downstream Conditions

Student: Janghwan Cho
Majors, minors, certificate programs: Biomedical Engineering
Grand Challenge: Engineer the Tools of Scientific Discovery
GC Advisor: Dr. Lopez
Project Title: Development of Biocompatible Control Technology of Biofouling and its Economic Impact and Current Situation

Student: Hyun Koo Chung
Majors, minors, certificate programs: Biomedical Engineering
Grand Challenge: Engineering Better Medicines
GC Advisor: Dr. Lo
Project Title: Medical Imaging of Cancer: Quantitative Estimation of Breast Density with Imaging

Student: Kerri Devine
Majors, minors, certificate programs: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Grand Challenge: Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure
GC Advisor: Dr. Board
Project Title: Developing a Smart Energy Infrastructure is Crucial for Economic and Environmental Sustainability

Student: Hunter Douglas
Majors, minors, certificate programs: Civil and Environmental Engineering
Grand Challenge: Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure
GC Advisor: Dr. Nadeau
Project Title: Environmental Benefits of Green Roof Design and Installation

Student: Maria Ferrara
Majors, minors, certificate programs: Civil and Environmental Engineering
Grand Challenge: Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure
GC Advisor: Dr. Schaad
Project Title: Sustainable Infrastructure: An Application of Water Resource Engineering and Renewable Energy

Student: Tolison Humphrey
Majors, minors, certificate programs: Biomedical Engineering
Grand Challenge: Engineering Better Medicines
GC Advisor: Dr. Boyd
Project Title: Approaches to Nanomedicine Innovation & Commercialization for Global Impact

Student: Christine Larson
Majors, minors, certificate programs: Civil and Environmental Engineering
Grand Challenge: Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure
GC Advisor: Dr. Schaad
Project Title: Drains to Development: How Better Drainage System Can Improve Urban Development Worldwide

Student: Emmanuel Lim
Majors, minors, certificate programs: Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
Grand Challenge: Making Solar Energy Economical
GC Advisor: Dr. Hotz
Project Title: Design and Optimization of a Methanol Steam Reformer for Distributed Power Generation

Student: Jinchin Liu
Majors, minors, certificate programs: Biomedical Engineering
Grand Challenge: Engineering Better Medicines
GC Advisor: Dr. Yuan
Project Title: Mathematical Modeling of Tumor Cells’ response to Developing Cancer Drugs

Student: Michael Maranzano
Majors, minors, certificate programs: Biomedical Engineering
Grand Challenge: Engineering Better Medicines
GC Advisor: Dr. Malkin
Project Title: Delivery of Anti-retroviral Medication to Mothers Delivering at Home

Student: Rahul Nayak
Majors, minors, certificate programs: Biomedical Engineering
Grand Challenge: Engineering Better Medicines
GC Advisor: Dr. Zauscher
Project Title: “Interactions of HIV-1 Neutralizing Antibodies with Engineered Viral Membrane Mimic: From the Lab to the Marketplace – Developing a Model to Promote Access to Essential Medicines (such as an HIV vaccine) in Resource-Poor Settings.”

Student: Kathryn Latham
Majors, minors, certificate programs: Civil and Environmental Engineering
Grand Challenge: Making Sustainable Energy More Economical
GC Advisor: Dr. Gunsch
Project Title: The Challenges of Biodiesel Production and Use in Cochabamba, Bolivia

Student: Tejen Shah
Majors, minors, certificate programs: Biomedical Engineering
Grand Challenge: Engineering Better Medicines
GC Advisor: Dr. Katz
Project Title: Design and Optimization of Vaginal Drug Delivery Formulations of the Prevention of HIV Infection

Student: Kala Viswanathan
Majors, minors, certificate programs: Civil and Environment Engineering (Water Resources Focus)
Grand Challenge: Make Solar (renewables) Energy Economical
GC Advisor: Dr. Schaad
Project Title: Energy Harvesting and Beneficial Re-Use of Waste Streams from Large Scale Swine Operations

2012 NAE Grand Challenge Scholars

Student: Amanda Britt, Mechanical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering Majors
Grand Challenge: Engineering Better Medicines
GC Advisor: Robert Malkin, Professor of the Practice of BME
Project Title: The X-Ray Development Timer: Improving X-Ray Quality in the Developing World

Student: Maria Gibbs, Civil and Environmental Engineering Major
Grand Challenge: Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure
GC Advisor: David Schaad, Associate Professor of the Practice and Associate Chair, CEE
Project Title: Developing Critical Infrastructure in Rural El Salvador

Student: Catherine Joseph, Civil and Environmental Engineering Major
Grand Challenge: Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure
GC Advisor: David Schaad, Associate Professor of the Practice and Associate Chair, CEE Project Title: Affording Sustainability – Developing Affordable, Sustainable Housing

Student: Greer Mackebee, Civil and Environmental Engineering Major
Grand Challenge: Providing Access to Clean Water
GC Advisor: Heileen Hsu-Kim, Assistant Professor, CEE
Project Title: Environmental Impacts of Coal Combustion Products in Developing Nations

Student: Andrew Mang, Mechanical Engineering Major
Grand Challenge: Provide Access to Clean Water
GC Advisor: Josiah Knight, Associate Professor, ME
Project Title: Improving Water Distribution in Developing Countries

Student: Annelise Mesler, Civil and Environmental Engineering Major
Grand Challenge: Provide Access to Clean Water
GC Advisor: David Schaad, Associate Professor of the Practice and Associate Chair, CEE
Project Title: Watershed Management and Stream Restoration in the Neuse River Basin

Student: Sidney Primas, Biomedical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering Majors
Grand Challenge: Reverse-Engineering the Brain
GC Advisor: Miguel Nicolelis, Professor of Neuroscience, Depts. Neurobiology and Biomedical Engineering
Project Title: Restoration of Somatosensory Sensation through Brain-Machine Interfaces

Student: Chris Radford, Biomedical Engineering Major
Grand Challenge: Engineering Better Medicines
GC Advisor: Ashutosh Chilkoti, Professor, Biomedical Engineering
Project Title: Advancements in the Field of Polypeptide Nanoparticles and its Relevance in the Evolving Health Care Market

Student: Alex Sun, Biomedical Engineering Major
Grand Challenge: Engineering Better Medicines
GC Advisor: Farshid Guilak, Professor, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Orthopedic Surgery
Project Title: Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Modeling Disease in Personal and Global Medicine

Student: Andrew Weitz, Biomedical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering Majors, Neuroscience Minor
Grand Challenge: Reverse-Engineering the Brain
GC Advisor: Miguel Nicolelis, Professor of Neuroscience, Depts. Neurobiology and Biomedical Engineering
Project Title: Restoration of Somatosensory Sensation through Brain-Machine Interfaces

Student: Xin Xu, Electrical and Computer Engineering and Physics Majors
Grand Challenge: Making Solar Power Economical
GC Advisor: Adrienne Stiff-Roberts, Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Project Title: Modeling Charge Transport Mechanisms in Inorganic/Organic Photovoltaics

Student: David Yudovich, Biomedical Engineering Major, Biology and Chemistry Minors
Grand Challenge: Engineering Better Medicines
GC Advisor: Charles Gersbach, Assistant Professor, Biomedical Engineering
Project Title: Safe and Targeted Genetic Therapy Approach to Treating Hemophilia A in Mice, Using Site-Specific Integration of Factor VIII Gene

2011 NAE Grand Challenges Scholars

Student: Anna Brown
Grand Challenge: Engineer Better Medicine
GC Advisor: Mark Dewhirst, BME
Project Title: Functional endoscopic imaging for enhanced detection of malignancy in Barrett’s esophagus, and pancreatic and biliary carcinoma

Student: Jared Dunnmon
Grand Challenge: Make Solar Energy Economical (Sustainable Energy)
GC Advisor: Earl Dowell, ME
Project Title: Design, Modeling, and Optimization of a Flutter-Based Energy Harvester

Student: Ben Gagne
Grand Challenge: Make Solar Energy Economical
GC Advisor: Don Bliss, ME
Project Title: Ducted Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines

Student: Francesco LaRocca
Grand Challenge: Engineer the Tools of Scientific Discovery
GC Advisor: Joe Izatt, BME
Project Title: Image Processing in Optical Coherence Tomography

Student: Trisha Lowe
Grand Challenge: Make Solar (renewables) Energy Economical
GC Advisor: David Schaad, CEE
Project Title: “In My Backyard” Energy- the Economical and Responsible Solution

Student: Niru Maheswaranathan
Grand Challenge: Reverse Engineer the Brain
GC Advisor: Craig Henriquez, BME
Project Title: Modeling and Training of Networks of Neurons for Adaptive Control

Student: Lyndsey Morgan
Grand Challenge: Make Solar (renewables) Energy Economical
GC Advisor: David Schaad, CEE
Project Title: renewable: a new look at the old excuse that renewable energy is unattainable

Student: Eng Seng Ng
Grand Challenge: Make Solar Energy Economical
GC Advisor: David Schaad, CEE
Project Title: Topics Relating to Waste-to-Energy Operations

Student: Eric Thorne
Grand Challenge: Make Solar Energy Economical
GC Advisor: Gary Ybarra, ECE
Project Title: Design of Solar-Powered LED Lighting Units for a Rural Clientele

2010 NAE Grand Challenge Scholars 

Student: Matthew Baron
Grand Challenge: Engineering Better Medicines
GC Advisor: Lori Setton BME
Project Title: Tissue engineering as a model system for cartilage malformations 

Student: Vyshak Chandra
Grand Challenge: Reverse Engineering the Brain
GC Advisor: Romulo Fuentes and Miguel Nicoleis BME
Project Title: Electrophysiological Characterization and Sleep State Analysis in Transgenic Animal Models of Parkinson’s Disease 

Student: Jason Chen
Grand Challenge: Engineering Better Medicines
GC Advisor: David Katz BME
Project Title: The application of a two-dimensional finite difference model for the rational design of HIV microbicide gels

Student: Adam Grasch
Grand Challenge: Prevent Nuclear Terror
GC Advisor: Earl Dowell ME
Project Title: Harmonic Frequency Determination for Multi-Store HALE Wing

Student: Margaret Hoff
Grand Challenge: Provide Access to Clean Water
GC Advisor: David Schaad CEE
Project Title: Chemical Cocktail and Density Driven Distribution: An examination of the groundwater impacts and remedial effectiveness at the NCSU NPL Site

Student: Xiao Li
Grand Challenge: Engineer the Tools of Scientific Discovery
GC Advisor: Joseph Izatt BME
Project Title: Segmentation of Ophthalmic Optical Coherence Tomography Images Using Graph Cuts

Student: Jamie Lou
Grand Challenge: Engineering Better Medicines
GC Advisor: Anne Lazarides BME
Project Title: Real-Time Monitoring of Molecular Nanostructure Assembly on Biofunctionalized Surfaces

Student: Will Patrick
Grand Challenge: Making Solar Energy Economical
GC Advisor: David Schaad CEE
Project Title: Investigating an Aeroelastic Wind Energy Harvester Utilizing Wake Galloping

Student: Jai Singh
Grand Challenges: Provide Access to Clean Water and Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure
GC Advisor: David Schaad CEE
Project Title: Urban Watershed Restoration: Sandy Creek Tributary
Offline Stormwater Enhancement Project

Student: Patrick Ye
Grand Challenge: Engineering Better Medicines
GC Advisor: Robert Malkin BME
Project Title: Global Innovative Uses of Electrical Stimulation as Personalized Therapies

1. Choose 1 of the 14 Grand Challenges as your research focus

2. Write a brief (300 words or less) Essay describing why you want to be a Grand Challenge Scholar

3. Submit your online application to become a GCS

Students must apply before the end of their sophomore year, however, students are encouraged to apply early to allow more time to complete their GCS portfolio. Students interested in the GCS program are encouraged to meet with David Schaad to discuss the GCS application process prior to submitting their online application. Email david.schaad@duke.edu for more information about the application process.

The Grand Challenges Portfolio is made up of a variety of classes (including independent study classes) and experiences that are related to your Grand Challenge (GC) focus.

These activities must cover five themes and a senior thesis:

• Research
• Interdisciplinary curriculum
• Entrepreneurship
• Global
• Service Learning
• Grand Challenge Scholar Senior Thesis

Research and interdisciplinary curriculum are considered in-depth experiences. Entrepreneurship, Global, and Service Learning can be "medium" or "minimum" depth experiences. See description below.

GCS will create an online public e-portfolio to describe and document their GCS experiences. Students can use WordPress, Pebble Pad or any other online website/e-portfolio platform.

In-Depth Experiences

1. Research – Student must do in-depth research related to their GC Focus

• Guidelines: Three (3) independent study classes or equivalent experiences related to the students GC focus.
• In-Depth Experiences = 400-plus total hours

Examples of in-depth research experiences:

• Pratt Fellows research
• Bass Connections project or research
• Smart Home Fellows research
• Independent Study research class
• Engineering World Health (possible Global Experience)
• Senior design project
• Center for Entrepreneurship and Research Commercialization
• Graduation with Departmental Distinction research
• International Honors Program
• Work in a research lab or on a research project
• Other similar research experiences

Note: Your GC Research experiences may also count toward Global, Entrepreneurial, or Service Learning minimum experiences. See restrictions below.

2. Interdisciplinary curriculum – Student must complete in-depth interdisciplinary curriculum classes related to their GC Focus

• Guidelines: Three (3) non-engineering (non-research) classes or equivalent experiences that are related to the students GC focus
• In-Depth Experiences = 400-plus total hours

Examples of interdisciplinary curriculum experiences:

• Non-engineering classes (such as social science and humanities classes)
• Biology and Natural Science classes generally do not count
• Bass Connections project
• Engineering World Health (possible global experience)
• I&E classes (possible entrepreneurial experience)
• Other similar interdisciplinary experiences or classes

Note: Your GC Interdisciplinary experiences may also count as minimum experiences in Global, Entrepreneurial, or Service Learning areas. See restrictions below.

Medium- and Minimum-Depth Experiences

For the remaining three Components – Entrepreneurship, Global, and Service Learning – one (1) must be at Medium Depth level (or higher) and related to your GC focus. The other two (2) components can be Minimum Depth (or higher) and related to any of the 14 GCs.

• Medium Depth is defined as a practicum immersion experience or research activity that spans an eight-week summer or a regular semester, or one (1) regular semester class or independent study.
• Minimum Depth is defined as a semester or less extra-curricular experience such as a volunteer activity, short course, workshop, seminar series or conference. Minimum experiences must be thematically linked to one of the 14 GC themes that may or may not incorporate the student's GC Focus.
• Either (but not both) of the In-Depth experiences (Research or Interdisciplinary) may directly incorporate the Entrepreneurial, Global or Service learning components and thus can be "double-counted" as an additional component depending on the GC Focus, the engineering and non-engineering courses taken, the nature of the research/project/curriculum, and the extent of engagement.

3. Entrepreneurship

• Guidelines: An entrepreneurship experience outside the classroom or lab that is related to the students GC focus
• Entrepreneurship experience can be either Medium or Minimum depth experiences. See guidelines and restrictions above.

Examples of I&E experiences:

• Participating in the Duke Startup challenge
• Participating in a Hackathon event
• Bass Connection projects
• I&E internship experience
• Duke in Silicon Valley

4. Global

• Guidelines: A Global experience outside the classroom or lab that is related to the students GC focus
• Global experience can be either medium or minimum depth experiences. See guidelines and restrictions above.

Examples of Global experiences:

• Duke Engage
• Study Abroad
• DEID
• Engineering World Health
• Smart Home KTH summer research program in Stockholm
• International conferences or travel experiences

Note: The Global experience must be conducted outside the student's home country. For students from the United States of America, the experience should be outside of North America. For international students, the global experience should be outside of the USA. The global experience should be a cross-cultural experience for the student.

5. Service Learning

• Guidelines: A Service Learning experience outside of the classroom that deepens social awareness and heightens motivation to develop practical solutions for society’s problems.
• Entrepreneurship experience can be either medium or minimum depth experiences. See guidelines and restrictions above.

Examples of Service Learning experiences:

• Volunteer work
• Nonprofit organizations
• Boeing Grand Challenge K-12 Outreach program
• Student Clubs
• Engineering World Health
• DEID

6. GCS Senior Thesis

To complete the GCS program, students must submit their final GCS Senior Thesis, which describes their GCS experiences and how these experiences were related to each other and their GCS focus. The thesis should include a reflection of how the GCS program added to the student's education and provided a wide range of experiences which shaped their understanding of the world and their future.

The Senior Thesis is due before the end of the last day of class of their final semester at Duke.

Students accepted into the GCS program can apply for up to $5,000 in funding, which can be used to complete their GCS e-portfolio. Students must submit a completed GCS e-portfolio for approval before receiving GCS funding. At the end of the GCS program, students must submit a final GCS funding report.

For more information, contact david.schaad@duke.edu

• Bass Connections
• Brain Imaging and Analysis Center
• Center for Cognitive Neuroscience
• Duke Human Vaccine Institute
• Duke Service-Learning Courses
• DukeEngage
• Energy and the Environment Certificate
• Engineering World Health
• Entrepreneurship at Duke
• Focus Program
• Genome Science and Policy Certificate
• Global Health Institute Undergraduate Training
• Markets and Management Certificate
• Nicholas School for the Environment
• Pratt Educational Outreach
• Pratt Fellows Program
• Pratt Research
• Center for the Environmental Implications of NanoTechnology
• Center for Biomolecular and Tissue Engineering
• Fitzpatrick Institute for Photonics
• Pratt Smart Home Fellows Program
• Terry Sanford Institute of Public Policy
• Undergraduate Neuroscience Program