NC State Engineering

“When people have an amputation above the knee, it affects the way they move other parts of their body. That can lead to lower back pain, hip problems and so on. Robotic prostheses to this point have focused on replacing the movement of the missing joint. “So, for example, the software that governs the behavior of robotic prosthetic knees has focused solely on optimizing the movement of the prosthetic knee joint. Our goal with this work was to develop a new algorithm that allows us to do two things. We still want to ensure that the prosthetic knee joint is functioning properly – but we also want to ensure that the user’s body is also moving in the same way that it would have before the amputation. “This not only gives the user the full range of leg motion, but will also help to avoid lower back pain, hip problems, et cetera.” — Varun Nalam, assistant professor

For the first time, an algorithim has been written that can optimize the movement of a prosthetic limb and help the user engage in a more natural pattern.

From Ph.D. to Postdoc Working with fellow students and postdoctoral researchers, Kamiyama is developing advanced methods for bulk and epitaxial crystal growth, polarity control and defect management with the goal of creati...

"I feel I’m more open minded after getting my Ph.D.”

Get to know Masahiro Kamiyama, soon-to-be Ph.D. graduate.

engr.ncsu.edu/news/2025/12...

“What makes this award so special for me is looking down the list of people who have received this recognition in the past – friends, mentors, collaborators, every single one of them aspirational to me on my own journey.” — Steve Shannon

The Plasma Prize, founded in 1999, is the highest recognition bestowed by the division. It recognizes those with sustained scientific contributions to plasma sciences and technology, with a significant emphasis on plasmas used in the semiconductor industry.

Steven Shannon, professor and interim department head of the Department of Nuclear Engineering, won the Plasma Prize from the American Vacuum Society’s Plasma Science and Technology Division.

an ilustration of a compass rose with a clock at the middle, surrounded by trucks delivering food, canned food, and families eating together.

Roughly 18 million U.S. households experience food insecurity. A professor has a system for getting food to food banks and then to people who need it more efficiently: go.ncsu.edu/bwmhjkr

The awardees and Jim Pfaendtner smile at the camera.

Congratulations to Jerry Collier and Rashida Hodge, this year's Distinguished Engineering Alumni awardees!

Sivana Hamer Receives Google PhD Fellowship Hamer is the first NC State University student to receive a Google PhD fellowship.

“Historically, about five people in the whole world get elected for security and privacy, which is my area, so I didn’t think I was going to get it. I was super happy.”

Sivana Hamer, a Ph.D. student in @ncstatecs received a 2025 Google PhD Fellowship. go.ncsu.edu/cjr8ysi

Burlington Labs is home to the PULSTAR reactor, a working nuclear research reactor. Students have the opportunity to work with the reactor and to participate in research.

An illustration of a person coughing.

Researchers have improved the ability of wearable health devices to accurately detect when a patient is coughing, making it easier to monitor chronic health conditions and predict health risks such as asthma attacks. go.ncsu.edu/vdm0prg

A student holds the UAV to launch it.

The student teams stands behind the wings to the UAV.

HERO 2 is an unmanned aerial vehicle that can aid hurricane relief efforts by locating and delivering supplies to stranded individuals. It will be tested for the first time on Ocracoke Island in collaboration with FEMA and emergency management agencies.

Learn more at go.ncsu.edu/qgwqva1

Krista Walton smiles at the camera.

Get to know Krista Walton, the vice chancellor for research and innovation!

1️⃣ She has a doctorate in chemical engineering from Vanderbilt University.
2️⃣ She grew up on a soybean and wheat farm.
3️⃣ Before she decided on academia, she wanted to be an astronaut or work at NASA.

Abby smiles to the camera outside the entrance to a lab.

Abby works in a lab while wearing personal protective equipment.

"Knowing that my little piece this summer could actually be part of something that leads to more renewable energy sources from anaerobic digestion is exciting."

Biological engineering student Abby Studnek spent her summer in the Biocarbon Utilization and Sequestration Lab: go.ncsu.edu/b79dsko

Mentorship and community have come full circle for Dylan Gretok, founder of Seagull. 🐺

Learn more about Dylan’s experience as an entrepreneur in the first episode of Howl to Hustle: buff.ly/BnMyb5I

@ncstateengr.bsky.social
#podcast #entrepreneurship

To test this, researchers applied vaccine to unwaxed dental floss and then flossed the teeth of lab mice before moving on to a test without vaccines for humans, using a floss pick. While research still remains to be done, they found that the floss picks are likely a viable method for vaccination.

Injecting vaccines primarily produces antibodies in the bloodstream, but delivery via the tissue between the teeth and gums produces antibodies in the bloodstream and on mucosal surfaces, which is how pathogens like the flu enter the body. This method of delivery would add an extra level of defense.

Floss unwinds from the container.

Don't like needles? New research shows that it may be possible to deliver vaccines via dental floss.

From Kilns to Kitchens: Unlocking Biochar’s Potential in Italy Praveen Kolar, a professor in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, recently explored different methods for crafting biochar as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Bologna in...

Professor Praveen Kolar recently spent three months exploring both of these worlds as a Fulbright Scholar in Italy. He spent time sampling Italian cuisine and working on his research project, which focuses on transforming rice husk into biochar to power capacitors in energy storage devices.

A pizza on a red background

In the world of Italian pizza, the choice between Neapolitan, Roman and Sicilian is steeped in tradition and appreciation for the cooking process. Each style has its own unique recipe. Crafting biochar, with its different biomass choices and performance characteristics, is surprisingly similar.

A hand holds a trash bag over a trash bin.

Do you ever wonder if your recycling is processed separately from the rest of the trash? Hyperspectral imaging will make it easier to separate waste, ensuring the most recyclable and useful for energy products don't end up in landfilles.

Learn more at go.ncsu.edu/xrtam9x

Two men wearing suits shake hands.

ASSIST and IConS' Fall Industry Day is October 1. Come to engage with faculty, discover groundbreaking advancement and learn about students' innovative work.

Register by Sept. 19: go.ncsu.edu/2025fallindu...

If you want to submit a poster, do so by September 23 at forms.gle/TjqGJejzuEVQ...

A car drives through standing water, splashing it higher than the car itself.

Assistant Professor Katherine Anarde is on the Audio Abstract podcast to talk about coastal flooding and the risks posed by our currently inaccurate weather prediction models: news.ncsu.edu/podcast/podc...

A glass of water is filled from a sink.

Raleigh may need a new water supply as early as 2025. One solution? Recycling wastewater for potable use. go.ncsu.edu/e2gcljs

A device attached to the skin of an arm, underneath which is a microneedle. Text specifies the size is 1 cm.

Do you hate having blood drawn? Researchers have developed a new self-powered microneedle patch to replace traditional blood drawing. go.ncsu.edu/jqgkmt4

Laser Technique Revolutionizes Ultra-High Temperature Ceramic Manufacturing for Space, Defense Applications The new technique uses lasers to create ceramics that can withstand ultra-high temperatures, with applications ranging from nuclear power technologies to spacecraft and jet exhaust systems.

This technique works in minutes or seconds compared to conventional techniques that take hours or days.

Learn more at go.ncsu.edu/nmapimq

The new technique works by applying a 120-watt laser to the surface of a liquid polymer precursor in an inert environment, such as a vacuum chamber or a chamber filled with argon. The laser sinters the liquid, turning it into a solid ceramic.

Lasers can create ceramics for use in nuclear power technologies, spacecraft and jet exhaust systems.

“I don’t think a lot of people realize how important footwear is in the textile industry, or how important it is to understand how comfort and ergonomics play a part in your day-to-day activities. I think this research and trying to pair comfort and fashion together is really crucial.”

Both high and low friction, a value that represents the force of two surfaces against each other, can result in pain for the wearer. High friction can restrict movement or increase risk of injury, while low friction can cause slipping and instability, Hodges writes in her research poster.

To get a thorough understanding of the current athletic footwear on the market, she’s testing two different socks, one predominantly polyester and one cotton, against three different shoes. Hodges will conduct friction tests with each sock and footwear component.