2024 Horn Distinguished Professors Graduate Research Awardees

The Paul Whitfield Horn Distinguished Professors at Texas Tech University are proud to announce the recipient of the 2024 Horn Distinguished Professors Graduate Research Award. The prizewinner is a notable example of the excellent scholars being cultivated at Texas Tech University. This award recognizes their outstanding work.

Md Nayeem Hasan Kashem

Md Nayeem Hasan Kashem is pursuing his Ph.D. in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering. Dr. Wei Li nominated him. Kashem's research is focused on the design of innovative polymeric materials, pioneering the development of a layer-by-layer (LbL) thin film-based temperature sensor. This low-cost, facile sensor is set to revolutionize how we monitor subzero temperatures, which is crucial for safely storing vital products like COVID-19 vaccines. Using an intuitive color-change mechanism, Kashem's invention offers a straightforward solution to a complex problem, marking a significant leap forward in material science and storage technology.

Mr. Kashem has also extended his research to developing polymeric thin films with enhanced properties, such as self-healing, UV protection, and anti-fogging capabilities. Collaborating with Prof. James Yang, they have embarked on the ambitious design of a shape-changing magnetic polymeric micro-robot to revolutionize drug delivery within the human body. This venture underscores Kashem's innovative spirit and commitment to improving human health and well-being. Kashem's dedication to advancing material science is evident in his work on atmospheric water harvesting (AWS) systems. He seeks to harness natural polymeric materials to develop a novel, eco-friendly, cost-effective method for collecting pure drinking water from the air. This project can potentially address one of the most pressing challenges of our time – providing clean drinking water to communities worldwide.

His impressive publication record reflects Kashem's productivity, with seven peer-reviewed journal articles already published and four more in preparation. His ability to secure prestigious fellowships and scholarships, such as the Doctoral Dissertation Completion Fellowship 2023 and the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Foundation scholarships 2023, highlights his academic excellence and skill in leveraging support to further his research endeavors. In addition to his research achievements, Kashem's leadership as the President of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) – TTU Chapter since August 2021 exemplifies his dedication to the field and ability to inspire and lead others. Md Nayeem Hasan Kashem is a researcher whose work sets new benchmarks in the field of chemical engineering.