News and Award Highlights
Georgia Southern Aerospace Lab Highlights Jet Fuel Research at ASME Conference
February 18, 2025
A delegation of the Aerospace Laboratory led by Dr. Valentin Soloiu, Professor in Mechanical Engineering and Distinguished Allen E. Paulson Chair presented 2 research papers on jet fuels combustion and emissions at the ASME Conference in San Antonio, TX. Their presentations were highly appreciated by the technical audience.
- Investigation of the Performance and Properties Characterization of Hydro-processed Esters & Fatty Acids (HEFA), FT Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene (S8), F-24, and Jet-A
- Investigation Of Performance And Emissions Of Premixed Combustion Of Hydroprocessed Esters And Fatty Acids (HEFA) In A CRDI Research Engine with Methanol PFI
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers serves as the global society for more than 100,000 engineers in aerospace, automotive and energy industries. The ASME – Internal Combustion Engines Conference is the main meeting for the multidisciplinary activities of research and education, in the field of combustion and emissions combined with advanced simulation and experimental research. The most advanced instrumentation and equipment for research is also displayed during the Exhibition attached to the Conference. The papers鈥� presentation gave our students the opportunity to exchange views concerning the experiments and computer modeling against other university researches and works presented on the venue.
Georgia Southern Professor Awarded Patent for Enhanced Aircraft Ground Safety
February 17, 2025
精东’s Dr. Valentin Soloiu, a Professor in Mechanical Engineering, has been granted a patent for his innovative “Aircraft Runway and Taxiing Safe Navigation with Collision Detection and Avoidance Based on Multi-Layered Safety” system. Developed in collaboration with his Master’s student, David Obando, the technology utilizes a sensor fusion system integrated into the aircraft undercarriage to monitor the environment beneath the fuselage.
This safety feature aims to significantly reduce the risk of ground collisions with other vehicles, personnel, and obstacles during taxiing, benefiting both passenger and freight operations. Military applications for enhanced pilot and aircraft safety are also envisioned. The system provides real-time safety warnings, corrective actions, and data visualization. This technology offers an improved field of view compared to wing-mounted sensors, enhancing overall aircraft ground safety.
AVL Partners with 精东 for Research Software
December, 2024
Georgia Southern has partnered with AVL, one of the world鈥檚 leading mobility technology companies for development, simulation, and testing in the automotive industry and other sectors, to offer the next generation of their industry-leading simulation software (valued at over $3M) free of charge for academic research and education through AVL’s University Partnership Program (UPP).
Professors Elise J. Cain and Valentin Soloiu Present at NSF Grantees Conference
September, 2024
Elise J. Cain, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Educational Leadership, and Valentin Soloiu, Ph.D., Professor and Allen E. Paulson Distinguished Chair, were invited by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to present at the Engineering Education and Centers (EEC) Grantees Conference in Alexandria, VA, from September 10-12, 2024.
They presented a session titled, 鈥淒eveloping the Engineering Identities of Undergraduate Students: Leveraging Momentum from an Interdisciplinary REU Site鈥� and a poster presentation titled, 鈥淟everaging Momentum by Increasing Participants鈥� Engineering Knowledge and Skills at REU Site ‘Propulsion, Aerodynamics, Materials, and Controls of Aerial Vehicles’.鈥�
Mechanical Engineering Student Earns Top Environmental Award
August 28, 2024
Coleman Norton, a Mechanical Engineering junior at 精东, has secured 1st Prize at the Georgia Environmental Conference, which took place at Jekyll Island from August 21-24, 2024. Norton鈥檚 presentation, titled 鈥淩eduction of Jet Engine Environmental Impact through Investigation of Spray Characteristics and Mixture Formation of Renewable Green Aerospace Fuel,鈥� received outstanding acclaim from the Review Committee.
Norton was awarded a $1,500 scholarship and a complimentary three-day stay at a Jekyll Island Resort. He is shown celebrating his victory alongside Dr. Valentin Soloiu, members of the GSU Aerospace Lab, and David Mook, President of Centergy Group and the conference organizer.
In a notable double win, Norton鈥檚 groundbreaking research on sustainable aviation fuels was also recognized by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Foundation and the International Gas Turbine Institute, resulting in an additional $2,000 scholarship. Congratulations to Coleman Norton for his exceptional achievements!
Design of Electronic Aircraft Undercarriage with Sensor Fusion System
The aim of this project was to design and build an electronic aircraft undercarriage (at scale) equipped with a sensor fusion system using multiple exteroceptive sensors (2D-LiDAR, infrared avoidance, microlidar, and ultrasonic). These sensors are able to acquire data from under the fuselage of the aircraft.
This safety feature enhances the safety of passengers and freight operators by monitoring the runway and confirming that the environment is safe for taxiing. It also monitors the runway/taxiway to reduce risks like wing clipping, suction of tarmac operators, or collisions with pushback tugs, catering trucks, de-icing vehicles, and apron buses.
In military applications, the system provides safety for pilots/crews and the aircraft鈥檚 integrity by monitoring the runway/taxiway beneath the aircraft. Additionally, the system provides analytical output in the form of safety warnings, corrective actions, and live data visualization graphs.
The system’s field of view under the fuselage is enhanced by sensors integrated into the landing gear, offering better monitoring capabilities than traditional technologies that rely on wing-mounted sensors.
June 14, 2021
The Engineering Division of the Council on Undergraduate Research recently announced the 2021 recipients of its Student Video Competition. The video competition is designed to highlight faculty-mentored undergraduate research projects in engineering. Two students from 精东, both conducting research under the supervision of Dr. Valentin Soloiu received awards. Austin Brant received the award [鈥
April 19, 2021
Cesar Carapia, a graduate student in the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program, recently received the 2021 Averitt Award for Excellence in Graduate Research. The Averitt Award is the highest honor bestowed upon graduate students within the Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies. Through nominations from each department鈥檚 graduate program faculty, two [鈥
March 22, 2021
Amanda Weaver, a recent graduate of the BS Mechanical Engineering program and current graduate student in the MS Mechanical Engineering program, has been accepted to present her research 鈥淗ydrogen for Aerospace Travel: The new Climate Change Mitigation Technology,鈥� at the Council on Undergraduate Research鈥檚 (CUR) Posters on the Hill 2021. The event will take place [鈥
November 2, 2020
The new $405K grant will develop research projects across the research laboratories (Aerospace, Aerodynamics, Subsonic tunnel and Wind Energy, Advanced Sensing, Intelligent Control, Fundamental Combustion, Ballistic Impacts) in the CEC at 精东. The state of the art multidisciplinary research program will advance the fundamental knowledge on rotorcraft and wings aerodynamics performance, the combustion [鈥
Student Achievement Briefs
Our students are frequently recognized (and rewarded!) for their outstanding work. Here we highlight their achievements.
- 2024 – Timothy Sutton Counsel on Undergraduate Research (CUR) Student Video Competition $100.
- 2024 – Luke Kroger Counsel on Undergraduate Research (CUR) Student Research Video Competition $100.
- 2024 – Coleman Norton, PCEC Research Grant $745.00
- 2024 – Luke Kroger, Georgia Southern 2023 – PCEC Undergraduate Research Award. $905.
- 2024 – Zachary Davis, 2024 – CEC Research Grant Recipient Award Amount: $950
- 2024 – James B. Willis, GSU Graduate Student Professional Development Fund for Travel for ASME ICE Forward Conference 2024 (ICEF) $625
- 2024 – Coleman Norton, ASME International Gas Turbine Institute Scholarship Recipient: Fall 2024, $2,000
- 2024 – First prize masters, James B. Willis, $1,500 Georgia Environmental Conference
- 2024 – Coleman Norton, Georgia Environmental Conference Student Research Competition First Place Scholarship Winner: Fall 2024 – , $1,500
- 2023 – Zachary Davis, Best Paper Presentation, Society of Automotive Engineers Conference
- 2023 – Brad Willis, First Prize undergraduates Georgia Environmental Conference
- 2023 – Luke Kroger, Timothy Sutton, Zachary Davis, Norton Coleman, CEC Research Grant
- 2023 – N. Dillon, L. Kroger, T. Sutton, K. Pierce, Z. Davis, NSF REU Summer Research Program
- 2022 – Aidan Rowell, Undergraduate Research Award (UGRA)
- 2022 – Lily Parker, NCUR Video awards
- 2022 – James O鈥橦ara Georgia Power Innovation Award, Georgia Power
- 2022 – James O鈥橦ara CUR Engineering Division Student Research Video Award, NCUR
- 2022 – Lily Parker, Won the ASME ICEF Undergraduate Research Competition / Best paper
- 2022 – Amanda Weaver presented her research at the NSF Engineering Education and Centers (EEC) Grantees Conference DC
- 2022 – Lily Parker NSF REU Summer Research Program
- 2022 – Aidan Rowell NSF REU Summer Research Program
- 2022 – Posters on the Capitol: James O鈥橦ara
- 2022 – NCUR awards DC: Lily Parker, Austin Brant Sr. and Cesar Carapia, James O’hara
- 2021 – GSU Honors Grant David Obando
- 2021 – Posters on the Hill in Washington DC Poster Award Amanda Weaver
- 2021 – GSU Honors grant Austin Brant
- 2020 – GSU Honors grant Richard Smith
- 2020 – GSU Honors grant David Obando
- 2020 – CEC research grant David Obando
- 2020 – CEC research grant: Austin Brant
- 2020 – CEC research grant: Richard Smith
- 2020 – CEC research grant Amanda Weaver
- 2019 – Camille Phillips, Trenton Goodson, Richard Smith 3 research grants CEC
- 2019 – Cesar Carapia, ASME Engine Division Best paper presentation (national)
- 2019 – UFC REU Research grant (3 months) Camille Phillips
- 2019 – Georgia Engineering Foundation Scholarship, Camille Phillips
- 2019 – Georgia Environmental Conference, First prize undergraduate research, Margaret Kilpatrick
- 2019 – CEC Research Symp. Margaret Kilpatrick, best female researcher-awarded by Gulfstream Corporation
- 2019 – ASME Petroleum Division Grant, Margaret Kilpatrick, Sophia Fleri
- 2018 – GSU Undergraduate research grant; Margaret Kilpatrick, Sophia Fleri
- 2018 – Georgia Power Innovation Awards, 3rd Place: David Mothershed, Joshua Curtis, and Keith Russell
- 2018 – John Scarano Memorial Scholarship, Sophia Fleri
- 2017 – GSU Undergraduate research grant; Tyler Wiley
- 2017 – Seven Awards (7) at SAE Automotive World Congress in Detroit
- 2016 – Averitt Research Award 精东 (out of 20,000 students) Martin Muinos
- 2016 – Outstanding Graduate Student Research Scholarship and Poster Award- Martin Muinos
- 2015 – First Prize: Georgia Undergrad. Research Conference: Zach Coles, Imani Augusma, Thomas Beyerl
- 2015 – First Prize: 10th Georgia Environmental Conference, Scott Dyke
- 2015 – Virginia Space Grant Consortium: Emerald Simons
- 2015 – NSF Washington DC-Grad. Research Fellowship Program: Martin Muinos
- 2013 – First prize EPA-P3 Am. Inst. of Chem. Eng. Washington DC(Duggan, Castillo, Dr. Soloiu)
- 2014 – National Prize Vibralign- Aligning America: Emerald Simons
- 2013 – National Prize EPA-P3 Washington DC (M. Duggan, A. Castillo, B. Wolfe, S. Davoud, S. Harp and Dr. V. Soloiu)
- 2013 – 精东, Student Employee of Year 2013 – Marvin Duggan (out of 20,000 students)
- 2013 – Jack N. Averitt Graduate Studies Excellence in Research (nominated) GSU Marvin Duggan
- 2013 – Runner-Up Undergraduate Poster, CEIT, Brian Wolfe, Scott Purser, Daniel Olender
- 2013 – Best Undergraduate Poster, CEIT, Sherwin Davoud, Tyler Mathis
- 2013 – Runner-up Graduate Poster, CEIT, Martin Muinos and Jabeous Weaver
- 2013 – Best Graduate Poster, CEIT Alejandro Castillo, Marvin Duggan and Jabeous Weaver
- 2013 – Second prize COGS Graduate research, Jabeous Weaver
- 2012 – Savannah regional science and engineering fair Sherwin Davoud
- 2012 – Top 10 State recognition, UGA Renewable Energy Conference-2nd prize, Sherwin D.
- 2012 – Advanced Academy of Georgia Science Creativity Award; Sherwin Davoud
- 2012 – Natural Resources Conservation Service Award of Excellence; Sherwin Davoud
- 2012 – First place Georgia Science and Engineering Fair Grand Award ISEF; Sherwin Davoud
- 2012 – US Forest Service Best Integration of Social and Physical Biosciences; Sherwin D.
- 2012 – Advancement to Georgia State Science and Engineering fair; Sherwin Davoud
- 2012 – RICOH Sustainable Development Award; Sherwin Davoud
- 2012 – Energy and Transportation (Georgia Tech Savannah); Sherwin Davoud
- 2012 – US Army Core of Engineers Award for Engineering Excellence: Sherwin Davoud
- 2012 – Excellence in presentation, UGA, Sherwin Davoud
- 2012 – Third prize at the UGA-Bioenergy Research Center Spring Retreat; Craig Jenkins
- 2012 – First and third prize College of Graduate Studies, Marvin Duggan and Henry Ochieng
- 2012 – Student Employee of Year, (nominated) 精东, Marvin Duggan
- 2010 – Second prize College of Graduate Studies, Pawel Gronowski
News Archives
August 22, 2019
Cesar Carapia, an undergraduate student in the BSME program, was awarded the first prize of $2500 for his presentation in ASME鈥檚 Internal Combustion Engine Division Undergraduate Student Presentation Competition. Cesar currently conducts research in the Automotive Combustion Laboratory under the supervision of Dr. Valentin Soloiu, Professor and Allen E. Paulson Distinguished Chair Cesar鈥檚 research is [鈥
May 4, 2017
An undergraduate and graduate student research team of the Engine Combustion laboratory, led by faculty advisor Dr. Val Soloiu, presented their research papers at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress in Detroit MI (4-6 April 2017). The team, composed of Martin Muinos, Aliyah Knowles, Remi Gaubert, Jose Moncada, Bernard Ibru and Thomas Beyerl, presented [鈥
September 21, 2016
A team of Mechanical Engineering students, under the supervision of Dr. Valentin Soloiu, were awarded the 鈥淥utstanding Graduate Student Research Scholarship and Poster Award鈥� at the 11th Annual Georgia Environmental Conference. Martin Muinos, a graduate student in the MSAE program, presented the student research on Combustion of Biofuels and was awarded a scholarship check of [鈥
June 28, 2016
Valentin Soloiu, Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Allen E. Paulson Chair of Renewable Energy, and Rocio Alba-Flores, Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering, have been awarded a three-year grant of $524,706 by the National Science Foundation for their project entitled 鈥淓Ngaging Educators in Renewable enerGY (ENERGY).鈥� The NSF grant is part of the Research Experiences for [鈥
May 4, 2016
Martin Muinos, under the supervision of Dr. Soloiu, was awarded a NSF Graduate Research Fellowship for his research on Low Temperature Combustion (LTC) by Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition (RCCI). The prestigious fellowship funds Martin鈥檚 graduate work and amounts to a total funding of $138,000. Martin is the first student from 精东 to be [鈥
May 4, 2016
Martin Muinos, a current graduate student, won the Averitt Award for Excellence in Graduate Research. Martin is pursuing a Master of Science in Applied Engineering. He currently conducts research on advanced combustion technologies with alternative fuels under the supervision of Dr. Valentin Soloiu. Dr. Valentin Soloiu (left) and Martin Muinos (right).
November 23, 2015
National Science Foundation: Research Experience for Undergraduates 鈥淯ndergraduate Research in Green Engineered New Transportation Technologies (URGENTT)鈥� The Allen E. Paulson Research Laboratory for Renewable Energy and Engines at 精东 will offer summer-term interdisciplinary research experiences for undergraduate engineering students in the field of Renewable Energy and Biofuels Combustion in Internal Combustion Engines (ICE). [鈥
June 24, 2015
Martin Muinos, a Masters student in Dr. Soloiu鈥檚 Engine Combustion Laboratory, contributed to a successful NSF grant. Martin is continuing his undergraduate research on Low Temperature Combustion (LTC) by Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition (RCCI). He graduated with a 3.7 GPA, published three peer-reviewed conference papers, and one journal paper. During Martin鈥檚 tenure in Dr. Soloius laboratory [鈥
December 11, 2014
National Science Foundation: Research Experience for Undergraduates 鈥淯ndergraduate Research in Green Engineered New Transportation Technologies (URGENTT)鈥� The Allen E. Paulson Research Laboratory for Renewable Energy and Engines at 精东 will offer summer-term interdisciplinary research experiences for undergraduate engineering students in the field of Renewable Energy and Biofuels Combustion in Internal Combustion Engines (ICE). REU [鈥
November 18, 2014
Georgia Southern undergraduate student Emerald Simons, competed for, and won, the VibrAlign National Award. The award provides her with a scholarship that will allow one year鈥檚 use of a state-of-the-art laser shaft alignment system in the University鈥檚 Engine Performance Laboratory. The award is part of VibrAlign鈥檚 Realigning America scholarship program. Four times a year, the [鈥
September 10, 2014
Dr. Soloiu, the Director of the Engine Performance Lab, has made available the following research positions: https://employment.georgiasouthern.edu/postings/11338 If you are qualified, apply without delay, or alternatively contact Dr. Soloiu for training. The positions will be advertised again in 6 months. Your research environment will be in the most advanced undergraduate engine combustion laboratory in the United [鈥
September 8, 2014
During the summer of 2014 I was granted the opportunity to take part in the National Science Foundation Undergraduate Research in Green Engineered Transportation Technologies (NSF REU URGENTT) at the 精东 Campus under Dr. Valentin Soloiu. For those who know Dr. Soloiu, it is no surprise that the experience exceeded all my expectations. [鈥
August 28, 2014
This award seeks to recognize persons who excel in their research efforts in addition to fulfilling regular full-time teaching responsibilities. Watch the live ceremony at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IqRNxqDjbU Dr. Valentin Soloiu鈥檚 Biography: Valentin Soloiu, Ph.D., is the Allen E. Paulson Renewable Energy Distinguished Chair, in the Department of Mechanical Engineering from the College of Engineering and Information Technology. [鈥
July 31, 2014
FEV is offering challenging internships in the field of a light-duty diesel powertrain. This internship is designed for Masters of Science candidates in collaboration with Dr. Valentin Soloiu, the Distinguished Allen E Paulson Chair at 精东. At FEV, an engineering intern will be part of a team and receives project tasks and responsibilities [鈥
July 21, 2014
NSF-REU Research Program in ME/CEIT has started under prodigious auspices Dr. Soloiu, the Allen E. Paulson Distinguished Chair, has been awarded $360,000 by the NSF for his research in advanced combustion and emissions technologies. Under the framework of this program, 鈥淩EU Site: Undergraduate Research in Green-Engineered New Transportation Technologies (URGENTT)鈥� the brightest students from 25 [鈥
January 17, 2014
Automotive and Engines Laboratories Openings and Recruitment for the Federal Agencies: EPA, NSF projects (Design & Development, Instrumentation & Data Acquisition, Combustion and Emissions) EXCELLENT RESUME BUILDER Spring 2014 Meeting 鈥� Wed. Jan. 22nd where: Room 2116, when: 5:30-6:30pm see more!
November 21, 2013
National Science Foundation: Research Experience for Undergraduates 鈥淯ndergraduate Research in Green Engineered New Transportation Technologies (URGENTT)鈥� The Allen E. Paulson Research Laboratory for Renewable Energy and Engines at 精东 will offer summer-term interdisciplinary research experiences for engineering undergraduate students in the field of Renewable Energy and Biofuels Combustion in Internal Combustion Engines (ICE). [鈥
October 1, 2013
精东 Scientific Seminar Series Combustion CFD Analysis Led Design at Cummins Inc. Invited speaker: Florin Mocanu, PhD Senior Engineer, Engine Combustion Research Group, Cummins Inc., Oct. 7th 9:00AM-10:00 AM / ENGR 1104 Organized by the Engine Combustion Laboratory / ME Dept. Read More
June 20, 2013
STATESBORO, Ga. 鈥� June 18, 2013 鈥� The Allen E. Paulson Chair of Renewable Energy at 精东 鈥� Dr. Valentin Soloiu, has been awarded a $360,000 Research for Undergraduates (REU) grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The University program, under his direction, will start next summer and be available to students across [鈥
June 4, 2013
A team of students from 精东 surpassed teams from top-tier universities across the US by tying for first place (with the Johns Hopkins University team) in the 9th Annual EPA National P3 (People, Prosperity, and the Planet) Student Design Competition for Sustainability. In the first phase of the competition, the 精东 [鈥
June 4, 2013
Marvin Duggan, won the 鈥溇� Student Employee of the Year鈥� 2013, Award. He has been a research assistant for the Department of Mechanical Engineering at 精东 and has done research under Dr. Soloiu鈥檚 supervision in the engine combustion and emissions laboratory for 3 years. He assisted in teaching, research, and development [鈥
March 10, 2013
Oct. 25, 2012 Renewable Energy Laboratory competes neck to neck with UGA! The Renewable Energy Laboratory team has been invited by UGA at the Bioenergy System Research Institute to participate to their 2012 Symposium.
March 10, 2013
Oct. 24, 2012 Mr. Marvin Duggan, MS in Department of Mechanical Engineering /CEIT was invited by DOE to present his research: 鈥淚dling Emissions Reduction Technology with Low Temperature Combustion of DI Biodiesel and PFI n-Butanol鈥�. Duggan prsented in Poster 07, on Wednesday, October 17, 4:40 p.m. 鈥� 5:40 p.m., at Dept. of Energy-DEER 2012 Conference [鈥