Brian Kiraly, a doctoral student in engineering science and mechanics in Penn State's College of Engineering, has won a NASA Space Technology Research Fellowship (NSTRF).
Kiraly's research proposal is titled "Utilizing Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance in Metallic Nanostructures for Highly Sensitive Biosensing." As part of the fellowship, Kiraly will receive $66,000 per year for up to four years.
His faculty adviser is Tony Jun Huang, associate professor of engineering science and mechanics.
The NSTRF is designed to cultivate highly skilled engineers and technologists to improve America's space technology. The inaugural program is funded by NASA's Office of the Chief Technologist and is open to graduate students who show significant potential to contribute to the agency's strategic goals and missions.
According to NASA's website, the agency hopes to support up to 500 students per year in the NSTRF program.