Kennesaw State Celebrates Birla Carbon Scholars

Press release from Kennesaw State University:

Jan 22, 2021

Kennesaw State Celebrates Birla Carbon Scholars

Basirat Olorunlambe

KENNESAW, Ga.
(Jan 22, 2021) — Kennesaw State University senior Basirat Olorunlambe’s research on the use of bacteria
to reduce infections from MRSA, an infection caused by drug-resistant Staphyloccocus
bacteria, in healthcare facilities, won the top award at the College of Science and
Mathematics Birla Carbon Symposium. The annual event recognizes 11 student scholars
and their research.

“Our Birla Carbon Scholars reflect the depth and breadth of undergraduate research
opportunities available in the College of Science and Mathematics, as well as the
dedication and expertise of their faculty mentors,” said Kojo Mensa-Wilmot, dean of
the College of Science and Mathematics. “I congratulate all of the scholars for their
outstanding accomplishments.”

The 11 scholars were chosen based on the recommendations of College of Science and Mathematics faculty members, submission of an undergraduate research project abstract, and a
GPA of 3.0 or higher. Recipients worked with their sponsoring faculty members on their
proposed research projects in five different departments within CSM.

The 2020 Birla Carbon Scholars, their majors and their mentors are:

• Scholar Major Faculty Mentor
• Soobin An Biology Anton Bryantsev
• Preston Eldridge Biochemistry Thomas Leeper
• Oliver Erasmus Chemistry Christopher Dockery
• Ian Foster Physics Kisa Ranasinghe
• Gracyn Jewett Physics David Joffe
• Ansa Malik Biology Jonathan Lyon
• Pavan Mayinampati Mathematics Glenn Young
• Basirat Olorunlambe Biochemistry Ramja Rajagopalan
• Abeer Osman Biology Jonathan McMurry
• Minh Vo Biochemistry Michael Stollenz
• Brittny Vosper Biochemistry Rajnish Singh

Since 2014, funding provided by Birla Carbon, a worldwide chemical manufacturer, has
allowed 72 Birla Carbon Scholars to participate in research opportunities. In 2019,
Birla reaffirmed its commitment to the program by extending the agreement for another
five years and adding $275,000 to the commitment. Terence Norman, director of human
resources at Birla Carbon, said the company looks forward to this event every year
to showcase young scientists.

“Our Birla Carbon/Kennesaw State partnership continues to provide a platform for deserving
STEM majors to conduct summer research and development,” he said. “Although the 2020
program was delayed and redesigned, the most important facet of the program was successfully
achieved. Each scholar completed many hours of research and presented their results
via virtual presentations. Congratulations to the 2020 Birla Scholars for displaying
exceptional dedication, perseverance and stamina.”

Normally, the experience takes place over 10 weeks in the summer, but the coronavirus
pandemic shifted the students’ research to the fall. The pandemic also rendered the
annual symposium a virtual event in spring semester, a change from the poster presentation
that typically takes place at the beginning of the fall semester.

The Birla Carbon Team judges awarded Olorunlambe, who works in the laboratory of assistant
professor of molecular and cellular biology Ramja Rajagopalan, for her research project, titled “The Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
Crisis: Overcoming Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) by Myxobacterial Predation.” She said Dr. Rajagopalan helped her find a focus
for her project that sparked her desire to positively impact the medical community
worldwide.

“My research centers around separating wild-isolate strains of a unique predatory
bacterium called Myxo, which is found in soil, and using its distinctive ability to
dissolve other bacteria to successfully prey on the pathogenic MRSA,” said Olorunlambe,
a biochemistry major. “The goal is for this project to lead to more effective antibiotics
to be used for treating severe infections caused by MRSA in healthcare facilities.”

Along with the $4,000 stipend each scholar received, Olorunlambe received an additional
$2,000 in travel funds to present her research at a national or regional conference
of her choice. She said she expects those conferences to take place virtually, and
she’ll make her presentation this summer.

About Birla Carbon:

Birla Carbon is the world’s largest producer and supplier of carbon black additives,
which are used to make everything from tires to plastics, from paints to electronics.
A flagship business of the $45 billion Aditya Birla Group, the multinational conglomerate
based in Taloja, India. Birla Carbon’s Technology Laboratories are located in Marietta
and Taloja, India.

***

– Dave Shelles

Photo submitted

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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers more than 150 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 41,000 students. With 11 colleges on two metro Atlanta campuses, Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia and the second-largest university in the state. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the region and from 126 countries across the globe. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 6 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.

This press release was produced by Kennesaw State University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.