Spotlight Stories
Jan 21, 2026
Motivation Leads to Action for Sydnie Bayles
Sydnie Bayles, BS’26, chemical engineering, has brought her love for science and philanthropy to Northeastern, participating in many co-ops and extracurriculars. Recently, Bayles and her lab partner, Marissa Darcangelo, garnered a first-place award presenting their research at AIChE 2025.
Jan 20, 2026
A Link Across the Ocean Using Biomarkers in Oil
Assistant Professor Bryan James, chemical engineering, shares his research regarding the 2019 oil spill in Brazil, linking it to a German supply ship through biomarkers.
Jan 20, 2026
Transforming Specialized Research into Medical Device Innovation
Zhengxuan Wei, PhD ’26, mechanical engineering, creates insightful medical innovations and protocols at Fresenius Medical Care through his placement from the LEADERs program.
Jan 20, 2026
Achievements and Impact with Aashna Mahurkar
Aashna Mahurkar, BS’26, bioengineering, explores her passion for service and interest in medical devices throughout her studies at Northeastern. Recently, Mahurkar and her team won first place in the Fall 2025 Capstone Cup for bioengineering.
Jan 20, 2026
From Hanoi to Boston: Toan Gian and AI Innovations
Toan Gian, PhD ’29, electrical and computer engineering, completed his bachelor’s in electrical and electronics engineering at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, then came straight to Northeastern to pursue his PhD. His academic journey continues to evolve while researching AI innovations at Mentis Lab at Northeastern.
Jan 16, 2026
Mrudul Satbhai on Finding your Academic Niche
Mrudul Satbhai, MS ’25, advanced and intelligent engineering, completed his bachelors in India and came to Northeastern to pursue his interests in smart manufacturing. Among impressive research, co-ops, clubs, and a community of mentors and peers, Satbhai possesses a variety of successful projects and valuable skills that have set him up for success in the work force.
Jan 13, 2026
Two ChE PhD Students Win Big at Competition
Qudus Rafiu, PhD’28, and Lawrence Ajayi, PhD’27, chemical engineering, attended the same undergraduate university but did not meet until they happened to join the same lab during Lawrence’s master’s at Ohio University. Since then, they have become close friends and have worked together in research and studies. Recently, their teamwork helped them win the second-place prize in the NPG x Liberty Mutual Business Case Competition.
Jan 13, 2026
From Ghana to Global Science: Harry Akligoh’s journey through innovation, dual degrees, and cross-continental research
Harry Akligoh, PhD’28, bioengineering, participating in Northeastern’s Global Dual PhD program, uses an innovation mindset to create new techniques for studying the connection between cancer treatments and cardiovascular problems through the Northeastern College of Engineering and the Université Paris-Saclay.