Undergraduate Researchers from EARTH and WISE Take All Top Honors in Poster Competition

The 2026 Graduate Engineering Association (GEA) Engineering Research Showcase at the University of Kansas marked a standout moment for undergraduate research, with students from NSF Engineering Research Center for Environmentally Applied Refrigerant Technology Hub (EARTH) and the Wonderful Institute for Sustainable Engineering (WISE) delivering an exceptional and sweeping performance in the Undergraduate Poster Presentations category.

Held at the Beren Petroleum Conference Center on April 3, 2026, the showcase brought together top student researchers from across disciplines. EARTH and WISE participants distinguished themselves not only by earning top honors, but by claiming every finalist position in the undergraduate poster competition, an impressive feat that underscores the strength, rigor, and mentorship embedded within both programs.

First place was awarded to Evanna Dominic (Chemical & Petroleum Engineering, EARTH/WISE), whose project stood out for its depth, clarity, and innovation. Madeline Schindlbeck (Chemical & Petroleum Engineering, EARTH/WISE) earned second place, followed by Pritam Ray (Chemical & Petroleum Engineering, WISE) in third. Each project demonstrated a high level of technical sophistication while addressing pressing, real-world challenges through thoughtful engineering solutions.

This clean sweep highlights the transformative role of EARTH and WISE in advancing undergraduate research excellence. Through strong mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and hands-on research opportunities, these centers, both directed by Dr. Mark B. Shiflett, empower students to push boundaries and develop impactful solutions to global challenges.

The success of these students is both a reflection of their dedication and a testament to the dynamic, supportive research environments fostered by EARTH and WISE, setting a new benchmark for undergraduate innovation and achievement at the University of Kansas.

Environmentally Applied Refrigerant Technology Hub, EARTH

The Environmentally Applied Refrigerant Technology Hub (EARTH) led by the University of Kansas is a National Science Foundation–funded Engineering Research Center dedicated to advancing sustainable innovation in the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) industry. EARTH brings together a multidisciplinary network of academic institutions, industry partners, and cross-sector collaborators to develop a “sustainable refrigerant lifecycle” that addresses critical environmental and societal challenges. Its work focuses on reducing the atmospheric impact of current refrigerants, many of which have high GWP, by advancing safer, more efficient alternatives, improving recycling and reclamation processes, and designing next-generation cooling technologies. Through convergent research, workforce development, and industry collaboration, EARTH aims to enhance quality of life and position the United States as a leader in sustainable cooling technologies.

Wonderful Institute for Sustainable Engineering

The Wonderful Institute for Sustainable Engineering (WISE) at the University of Kansas is a multidisciplinary research institute focused on advancing global sustainability through engineering, science, and education. WISE brings together faculty, students, and industry partners to develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges related to energy, water, food, and climate. The institute emphasizes both research and education, aiming to equip students and researchers with the knowledge and skills needed to design sustainable technologies and processes. Through collaboration, hands-on programs, and applied research, WISE works to promote environmental, economic, and societal benefits while helping build a more sustainable future.