PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (September 20, 2023) — On August 12, 2023, Daisaku Gicheha officially completed his master’s degree in chemical engineering as he crossed the stage at Prairie View A&M University’s 112th Summer Commencement Convocation.

In doing so, he bid adieu to his time as a graduate student, which included participating in the University’s Faculty-RISE Program – an initiative created by Vice President of Research & Innovation Magesh Rajan, Ph.D., P.E., MBA, that supports and expands high-priority areas of research and innovation and encourages multi- and inter-disciplinary collaboration across the University and beyond.

Under the mentorship of Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering Nabila Shamim, Ph.D. – who Daisaku says “has gone above and beyond as a mentor” – Daisaku researched the physicochemical properties of poly (ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) and MgO incorporated PCL nanofibers.

“It has been a delight to work with Mr. Gicheha, who is diligent and meticulous,” said Dr. Shamim. “He has shown the determination and initiative necessary to comprehend the Nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of nanofibers.”

Daisaku presented his research at the AIChE annual meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2022, and has already published a peer-reviewed journal article and a conference proceeding. And even though he may no longer be a student researcher, Daisaku says his research curiosity and investigative pursuits have only amplified since participating in the Faculty-RISE Program. His research on nanofibers, magnesium oxide, and PCL will advance, as well.

“I want to use the research to create a patch for medication,” Daisaku explained. “I’m hoping to work for NASA and allow them to further develop my research.”

Daisaku credits the Faculty-RISE Program for opening “so many opportunities for young minds, especially when it comes to research,” as it provides “the chance to research any project you’re curious about,” he said.

Additionally, with the funding provided to program participants, student researchers are able to focus their time in the lab and on advancing their impactful (and often time-consuming) work.

On a professional level, Daisaku says the Faculty-RISE Program “has opened up doors” for him and is generating career opportunities with research companies. Before this article’s publication, the recent graduate will have already completed several rounds of interviews for full-time positions, and no doubt the job hunt will be short-lived given his invaluable research experience and impressive achievements at PVAMU.

“Faculty-RISE has been an excellent program to support Daisaku,” said Dr. Shamim. “I wish him continued success in his profession.”

By Leigh  Badrigian