Georgia Southern engineering and computing students present research findings at annual Student Research Symposium
The Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing (AEPCEC) at Georgia Southern University hosted its annual Student Research Symposium showcasing the next generation of technological and engineering advancements.
The 2026 symposium featured academic talent and innovative research, highlighting presentations from over 300 undergraduate and graduate students. More than 130 interactive technical posters were presented spanning research topics in cutting-edge computing, advanced infrastructure, robotics, smart energy, artificial intelligence and engineering innovation.
The event drew participation from approximately 40 industry partner companies who actively engaged with the presented research, underscoring the symposium’s growing role as a bridge between student research, workforce development and industry needs.
“This event is an essential launchpad for our students to step out of the classroom and showcase their innovative work with real-world applications,” said Reinhold Gerbsch, DSc, director of industrial relations for the college. “Presenting research across fields like robotics, civil engineering and artificial intelligence teaches students how to articulate complex concepts with clarity to industry professionals.”
The symposium also featured an on-site career fair, giving students the opportunity to connect with major industry employers, including Gulfstream Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, Thomas & Hutton and more.
“Having companies on-site creates a dynamic professional network where industry leaders are not simply judging the students’ work, they are there to mentor, advise and hire,” Gerbsch explained. “Their involvement ensures our students understand what the engineering and computing sectors are looking for in new hires and how their research connects to emerging industry needs.”
Team and individual awards were presented to undergraduate and graduate students. These included:
UNDERGRADUATE AWARDS
AEPCEC Top Eagle Award
Olaudo Victor-Ofoegbu, Jalen Mordica, Iniuobong Unah
Crider Foods – Manufacturing, Robotics & Automation Award
Elizabeth McGlone, Sebastian Oviedo, Ariana Story, Anish Goyal
Gulfstream Business Technology Computer Science Award
Nicholas Hubbard
Gulfstream Business Technology Information Technology Award
Michael Woodcock
Gulfstream Completions Engineering – Electrical and Computer Engineering Award
Tamera Gilmore, Jack Jones, Perrin Freeman, Bryan Bosely
Gulfstream Innovation, Engineering & Flight Excellence Award
Caleb Lewis, Jack Giles, Elsie Lappin
Rolls-Royce Power Systems Mechanical Engineering Award
Milton Tomas Santizo
Thomas & Hutton Civil Engineering and Construction Award
Rosemarie Gante, Ariful Islam Shuvo, Peya Sharif, Yocelin Ramos-Perez, Natalia Alanis, Isabella Funes
AEPCEC- Computing Award
Alejandro Girón, Thi Tran, Nicholas-Paul Webster, Casey Morgan
GRADUATE AWARDS
AEPCEC Top Eagle Award
John Havenar
Crider Foods – Manufacturing, Robotics & Automation Award
Emmanuella Ogun,Yong Ann Voeurn
Gulfstream Business Technology Computer Science Award
Mary Dufie Afrane
Gulfstream Business Technology Information Technology Award
Temitope Elijah
Gulfstream Completions Engineering – Electrical and Computer Engineering Award
Jonas Chen
Gulfstream Innovation, Engineering & Flight Excellence Award
Chowdhury Irtiza
Rolls-Royce Power Systems Mechanical Engineering Award
Melinawo Vowotor
Thomas & Hutton Civil Engineering and Construction Award
Md. Moshiur Rahman Tushar
AEPCEC- Computing Award
Deborah Osahor
Industry and community partners interested in engaging with Georgia Southern engineering and computing students are invited to participate in future Student Research Symposium events through judging, sponsorship, career fair participation, technical mentorship and research collaboration opportunities.
For more information about participating in the Student Research Symposium and to view all of the 2026 award finalists, please visit: https://www.georgiasouthern.edu/colleges/engineering-computing/research/undergraduate-research/symposium.