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NewFoS REM Students Recognized at ERN 2026 Conference for Research Excellence

March 21, 2026
Araceli Hernández-Granados
REM

NewFoS students made a strong impact at the Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM, held March 19–21, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia, where several participants were recognized for their outstanding research presentations.

The ERN Conference brings together emerging researchers from across the United States to present innovative work and engage with peers, faculty mentors, and STEM professionals. NewFoS Research Experiences for Mentors (REM) students presented interdisciplinary research spanning acoustics, materials science, physics, and advanced wireless technologies, reflecting collaborative efforts across multiple partner institutions.

Among the highlights of the conference, three NewFoS students received Second Place Undergraduate Poster Presentation awards in their respective categories:

  • Catherine Campbell (University of Arizona) was recognized in Nanoscience or Materials Science for her project, Modeling and Validation of Phononic Crystals for Next-Gen Wireless Tech, conducted at Wayne State University under the mentorship of Dr. Arif Hasan.
  • Yousif Kandelchy (Wayne State University) received recognition in Technology and Engineering: Civil, Mechanical, and Industrial for his research, Characterization of Surface Acoustic Wave Devices for Advanced Radio Frequency Technologies, completed at the University of Arizona under Dr. Zafer Mutlu.
  • Snehith John (Wayne State University) was recognized in Physics for his project, Experimental Realization of a Macroscale SSH Lattice for Demonstrating Topological Edge States, conducted at Georgia Tech and Spelman College under the mentorship of Drs. Mike Leamy and Derrick Hylton.

These recognitions highlight the strength of cross-institutional mentorship and the impact of experiential research opportunities supported through NewFoS. Participation in ERN 2026 provided students with valuable experience presenting their work on a national stage while contributing to advancing interdisciplinary STEM research.

NewFoS continues to foster student success through collaborative training, mentorship, and research engagement that prepares the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Photo: From left to right — Yousif Kandelchy holding his award diploma; Catherine Campbell holding her award diploma in the middle; and Arturo Whipple holding Snehith John’s diploma on his behalf.